Chapter 5 Chapter 5

CHAPTER FOUR

IRIA

Grey’s eyes burned into me, sharp and relentless, and my stomach twisted under the weight of his stare. It felt like I could melt into the floor, like his gaze alone could strip me bare. My heart was racing, not just from fear but from the strange pull I felt toward him.

“Answer my question. Who the hell are you, and why are you here of all places?” Grey snapped.

Before I could react, his hand clamped around my arm. He shook me hard, so hard my head spun.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” My voice cracked as I tried to pull free.

“Do you think this is a joke?” His face was inches from mine, his sneer twisting something inside me.

I pressed both palms against his chest, trying to shove him back, but it was useless. His strength dwarfed mine.

“Get off me!” I snapped. “I don’t know what you want from me. If you’re pissed about something, don’t take it out on me. I’m not some toy for you to push around.”

Grey’s laugh was low and humorless. “You really think you can pretend you don’t feel it too? This can’t be happening. A mate isn’t supposed to show up now.”

The word mate stopped me cold. My breath hitched as my mind spun with what that meant.

“Mated?” My voice trembled, excitement flickering in my chest before I could stop it. “You’re saying we’re ”

“You are not my mate.” His words were like a blade. “I don’t want a mate. I don’t want you.” He turned his back to me as if I wasn’t even worth looking at.

I stood frozen, the sting of rejection spreading through me like fire. Tears pricked at my eyes, but I forced them back. I refused to cry. Not in front of him. Not again.

It wasn’t new, being unwanted. I was used to it. But this was different. This was my first bond, my first mate. I’d dreamed of this moment, dreaming of being saved, chosen, loved. All lies.

I sucked in a shaky breath and moved toward the door. His voice, cold and sharp, cut me down before I could leave.

“You’d better not tell anyone about this. If you know what’s good for you.”

I turned, my eyes burning red from the tears I refused to let fall. “Don’t worry. I wouldn’t brag about being tied to someone like you. I don’t want this any more than you do.”

“You ”

I didn’t wait to hear the rest. I stormed out of the restroom, my vision blurred with unshed tears.

And then I slammed into someone.

My face hit a solid chest, and I stumbled back, blinking through the haze. A young man caught my arm gently, steadying me. His smile was soft, his eyes warm, and the air around him seemed lighter somehow.

For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

“Are you okay?” he asked, worried etching across his perfect face.

His voice was calm, soothing, almost musical. Something about it pulled me in, even though my heart was still raw.

“I… I’m fine,” I muttered, though the redness around my eyes betrayed me.

He frowned slightly, not convinced. “You’ve been crying. Don’t lie to me.”

I shook my head stubbornly. I couldn’t let him know. If he found out I’d just been rejected by my mate, I’d want the ground to swallow me whole.

“I really am fine,” I whispered, cheeks warming as I lowered my gaze.

He sighed but didn’t press further. Instead, he gave me a small smile. “Alright. But if you ever need me, remember that I’m Brian. You’ll find me.”

Brian. The name clung to me like it had been carved into my skin. I didn’t know why, but meeting him felt important.

What I didn’t know then was that Brian would become the start of my real struggles.

GREY

Fuck. Out of all the things that could’ve happened, a mate was the last thing I wanted.

I couldn’t stand the thought of it. Not now.

There was too much at stake. The Alpha still had his eyes on me, waiting for a chance to strip me of everything and push his own son forward. If he found out about her, about this bond, he’d twist it, use it against me.

I couldn’t give him that chance.

The door creaked open, pulling me out of my thoughts. My jaw clenched as Brian walked in.

Of all people, it had to be him.

“Grey?” His brows furrowed. “What are you doing here? This is the women’s restroom.” His voice carried a hint of scolding, which only made me want to laugh.

He was just as irritating as his father.

“And what are you doing here?” I shot back.