Chapter 3 Unexpected Twist

I can’t believe this is my life. One minute I was thinking about leaving town with Steven and now here I am married to a man I barely know.

I had always thought marriage would be my escape from the constant turmoil created by Sarah and Hannah but now here I am, married to a man that could be my worst nightmare.

I sank into the back seat, wanting nothing more than to disappear into it as I tried to take in everything happening.

I was on my way to what I would now call my home. Alpha Malik sat beside me, silent—so silent it made me uneasy. Not that I wanted him to speak, but his quietness was unsettling, almost frightening.

Soon, the driver turned toward the mansion. The palace gate swung open, revealing a breathtaking view of the castle.

As we drove in, my gaze drifted to the front garden, which immediately caught my attention. It was perfectly manicured, adorned with vibrant flowers, lush grass, and an elegant waterfall that glimmered under the sun.

Then, I noticed the guards stationed at the castle’s entrance. Their sharp, unblinking stares sent a chill crawling down my spine, as if their eyes were pinned on me alone.

I quickly looked away.

The car came to a smooth stop in front of the castle. The door opened, and Alpha Malik stepped out. I followed, my steps hesitant.

The warm breeze hit me as I moved forward, but instead of comfort, it only deepened the feeling that I was walking straight into a nightmare.

As I stepped inside, I turned, searching for a room I could claim as my own. But before I could move any farther, Alpha Malik’s voice cut through the air.

"Where do you think you’re going?"

I turned back to face him. He looked upset—just like yesterday. Quietly, I replied, "To my room."

He scoffed. "You don’t have a room of your own. You’ll be in mine."

I expected that so I just said "Okay… where is it?"

His lips curved into a mocking smile. "I was hoping for a little drama. Why so quiet? I thought you were a challenger."

I rolled my eyes. After what he said yesterday, I’d rather stay in my lane than talk back.

"I don’t get you," I said. "First, you get upset about how difficult I act, and now you’re craving it?"

He let out a dry laugh. "You crave what you hate. Haven’t you heard that saying before?"

I shook my head.

"I love a challenge, Eli," He continued. "That’s why I married you. I want to mold that confidence of yours into something that will break you."

I scoffed. "Well, that’s bad for you, because I’m not a challenge. Whatever you saw before was just me being angry. I’m nothing like that."

The smirk on his face widened. "Even better."

I sighed. He was clearly doing his best to get on my nerves and I won’t let that happen.

"Look, Alpha Malik," I said, pointing at him, "I really don’t want any drama right now. It’s bad enough I’m married to you. I can’t handle more than that."

The smirk on his face dropped as his eyes flashed like a brewing storm. Before I could react, his hand clamped around my wrist, and he slammed me against the wall.

"Talk to me like that again," His voice was low and dangerous, "and you’ll hate being alive."

The threat in his eyes was unmistakable. My heart pounded, and I quickly nodded, lowering my gaze.

"You can’t get your way around here, Eli," He continued, "There are rules…. Rules that aren’t breakable so don’t you dare forget them."

My brows furrowed as a wave of confusion hit me "Rules? What rules?"

A smirk tugged at his lips. He stepped back, his voice dripping with authority. "Rule number one: you will not disrespect me, raise your voice, or interrupt when I speak." His words thundered in the room. "Rule number two: you do not go against me. My words are laws and final. And you have to abide by them."

He circled me slowly, his gaze never leaving mine. "Rule number three: you are my Luna. You will act like one, not like the cheap Omega you once were."

He stopped suddenly, exhaling a sharp breath before continuing "As for rule number four….. You know what, forget the others. There’s only one that matters."

His voice dropped low. "Never. Ever. Go near the black door on the last floor. It belongs to me. Stay away from it… or you’ll regret it. Do you understand?"

I didn’t respond immediately, mostly because I didn’t know what to say. Why not enter the black room? Was he hiding something or did he just value his personal space that much? My heart raced as I tried to process his words. It didn’t make any sense to me.

After a moment, I finally managed, "Okay."

"Good!" He acknowledged "Now if you want what’s best for you… You’ll abide by my rules."

"Okay…." I said awkwardly "What else?"

Alpha Malik was about to speak when the front door suddenly opened and in walked a man I never thought I’d see again. The man who broke my heart and left me drenched in the rain.

Steven.

He wore Alpha Malik’s crest, his posture confident, but his expression faltered the moment his eyes met mine.

My heart sank as my eyes followed Steven’s footsteps. I couldn’t stop looking at him, even though every step he took closer to me twisted something inside me.

Alpha Malik stepped forward, his voice steady. "This is my second-ranking Beta, Steven Musk. He’ll be living here with us and will assist you if needed."

Then, with the same calm tone, he added, "And Steven, this is Eliana. My wife and your Luna. You are commanded to give her the same level of respect you give me."

Steven bowed his head to me, his gaze holding mine for just a moment too long.

I didn’t move. I didn’t speak.

I couldn’t.

My chest ached, my hands tightening at my sides as memories I’d tried to bury pushed their way to the surface. Steven was here.

And worse… he worked for Alpha Malik.