No extra words

Elena’s POV

As I was drifting through my thoughts, Xavier’s hand closed around mine without warning, not gentle, not warm. Just firm and cold

“We are done here.” He muttered coldly, not even sparing another glance at his mother.

Before I could react, he pulled me forward, away from Ivana’s piercing stare, dragging me down the long hallway that stretched like a tunnel of doom.

I barely caught my breath as he yanked me up another flight of stairs. I stumbled a little, trying to keep up with his long strides. My heart was pounding. From fear? Embarrassment?

I didn’t know. All I knew was that my fingers were tingling from his touch, and not in a good way.

When we reached a large door at the end of the hall, he threw it open and walked inside like he owned the world which, I guess, he kind of did.

The room was massive. Dark walls, velvet curtains, a bed so large it looked like a throne made for nightmares.

It felt like him.

The door slammed shut behind us with a thud that made me flinch.

“This is your room now.” he said flatly, letting go of my wrist like it had disgusted him.

I stumbled a little again before catching myself. “A marriage was enough already. Now you expect me to sleep in the same room? I didn't ask for this.” I deadpanned.

“And I didn’t force you to choose this life.” His voice was sharp, slicing through the space between us like a blade. “But here we are.”

“You have other rooms.” I tried to communicate. I couldn't trust him. Not after everything I had gone through.

“You can't use them. You have to stay in the same room with me.” He declared. “But don't dare to cross your limits. Don't ask questions. Don't be curious. Speak only when spoken to. And don’t expect any special treatment just because you are my mate.”

My chest tightened, my lips parting slightly, but no words came out. Of course, I wouldn’t be treated as his bride.

*Wow. This one is a charmer,* Sameera scoffed.

I ignored her, trying to focus on Xavier. He was pacing now, as if he needed movement to keep from exploding. His jaw was tight, eyes dark.

“Why did you get married if you are so against it?” I whispered, the words escaping before I could stop them.

He stopped and turned toward me slowly. His gaze pinned me like a blade. “Omegas like you would never understand the shits we go through. The obligations, the traditions, you would never understand. So stay out of it.”

That stung. “How is that my fault?”

He didn’t answer. Just stared at me for a moment longer before walking across the room, taking off his coat and tossing it on a chair like he was irritated it even existed.

“You will sleep wherever you like—floor, couch, bathroom… I don’t care. But not on the bed.”

I blinked, trying to process that.

“I just got married in a dress I didn’t choose.” I snapped before I could stop myself. “To a man who clearly wishes I were dead. And now I am being told to sleep like a stray dog?”

“Exactly.” He didn’t even flinch. “A stray dog should know its place.”

Sameera huffed. *Did he really just say that? Goddess, punch him. Right in the jaw. No, lower. Go for the jewels.*

I stayed quiet, breathing in through my nose. I wouldn’t cry. I refused to give him the satisfaction.

He walked over to a small cabinet near the window, poured himself a drink, and downed it in one go.

“She died this morning,” I said quietly, not knowing why I said it, maybe just to fill the silence. “And you save me, then married me, now you are treating me like a stray dog.”

He turned slowly, his eyes dark and dangerous “Don’t flatter yourself, Elena. This wasn’t about you. It never will be.”

I blinked at him. “I am just curious.”

He walked toward me, slow and dangerous, until we were only inches apart. I could feel the rage rolling off him in waves.

“What did I say? Don't be curious. Don't ask questions. If you want to stay alive, stay quiet and spend all the luxury you are being offered.”

“I didn't ask for luxury.” I said.

“Then why didn’t you run?” he asked, his voice low but harsh. “You should have just run and died when you had the chance.”

“I want to live.” I admitted.

His jaw clenched, and without warning, he grabbed my chin between his fingers, forcing me to look up at him. His grip wasn’t gentle, like he wanted to hurt, not hold.

“Then you hear what I say.” He said. “No extra words.”

I yanked my face out of his grip, my eyes burning. “I don't want you to touch me.”

His smirk was cruel, twisted. “Good. Then we understand each other.”

He turned and walked to the bed, sitting on the edge and unbuttoning his cufflinks slowly, like he wasn’t just tearing me apart with his words.