Chapter 4

Zara’s POV

“You’re just a shadow, Zara, stealing what’s mine! Those men were never meant for you!”

I couldn’t help but laugh, cold and mocking. “Oh, Mila, still clinging to scraps? It’s funny—after everything, you’re still second place.”

Dax smirked, crossing his arms. “Your sister’s right, Mila. It seems you’re confused. We’re exactly where we want to be—with her.”

Mila’s face flushed deep red with a mix of anger and shame. “Father! Are you seriously just going to stand there and let this happen?”

Alpha Theron’s gaze flicked between us, and I could see the strain in his voice as he spoke. “Mila, enough. You know we owe the Kings our respect. If they’ve chosen Zara… then so be it.”

Mila’s fists clenched, her whole body shaking with fury. “You’re weak, Father. Letting her ruin everything—”

I cut in, my voice calm but deadly. “Ruin everything? Mila, honey, I’m just getting started.”

Kade chuckled beside me, his voice low and menacing. “Watch it, Mila. Zara’s one of us now. Disrespect her, and you disrespect all of us.”

Mila’s lips quivered, her defiance starting to break. “This isn’t over,” she spat before storming off, but not before I saw a flicker of tears in her eyes.

Luca leaned close, whispering just for me. “Well done. You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

A wicked smile crept onto my face. “More than you know.”

Alpha Theron shifted uncomfortably, clearing his throat. “Kings, may I speak with my daughter? Alone?”

Dax raised an eyebrow, shooting a cold look at Theron. “Zara makes her own choices, Alpha. She doesn’t need permission.”

I stepped forward, letting my eyes dare him to speak. “Go ahead, Father. Say what you want. But remember—I don’t answer to you anymore.”

Theron’s face went stiff, his eyes flashing with anger. “Oh, really?” he said, forcing a laugh. “I raised you. This is still my pack, my rules.”

Ryker’s voice cut in, smooth but dangerous. “Maybe it’s your pack, but Zara’s under our protection now.”

Theron swallowed, his face turning pale as he looked away. “Very well.”

I took a slow, deliberate step toward him. “How does it feel, Father? Knowing the daughter you cast aside, the one you thought was weak, now holds all the power?”

Theron’s jaw clenched, his eyes cold and unyielding. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Zara. Power doesn’t last.”

I smirked. “Maybe not. But right now, this moment? It’s all mine.”

Kade leaned in with a grin. “Shall we leave this sad little party, Zara? There’s better waiting for us.”

Without a backward glance at my father, I replied, “Yes, let’s go. I’ve had enough of this place.”

We turned to leave, but Mila’s voice rang out again, laced with pure hatred. “You may have won this round, Zara, but I know your secrets. Don’t think you’re untouchable.”

I glanced over my shoulder, satisfaction gleaming in my eyes. “Oh, Mila, go ahead—try me.”

*****

"The night’s far from quiet in here," I said, glancing around even as we entered the exclusive VIP Casino room "It feels like everyone’s watching."

"That’s because they know to stay back," Ryker replied, settling close beside me.

I smirked. "And here I thought it was just the ambiance."

Dax chuckled, but his eyes stayed alert. "It’s not just the room. You’re sitting with the Lycan Kings; no one would dare approach."

At that moment, one of the bartenders looked my way a little too long. Kade’s gaze sharpened, narrowing in silent warning.

"Looks like someone didn’t get the memo," I murmured trying to keep it light.

Kade’s expression shifted from calm to intense in an instant. He straightened up, his posture radiating authority. “Hey,” he called out sharply, his voice low but commanding. 

The bartender flinched at the sound, his eyes darting away from me.

“Everything alright over there?” Kade asked, his gaze locked onto the guy.

“Yes, sir! Just... getting your drinks,” the bartender stammered, avoiding eye contact.

Kade leaned forward, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Remember, you’re here to serve, not stare. Keep your focus on your job.”

The bartender nodded quickly, visibly shaken, before hurrying away to prepare our drinks. Kade settled back down next to me, a satisfied look on his face. “No one gets too close to what’s mine.” 

Dax, leaned over and asked, “Zara, something on your mind? You look… distant. If anything’s bothering you, just say it.”

I laughed softly, trying to keep things light. “Bothered? No… just getting used to this whole ‘having four mates’ thing. It’s… a lot.”

Ryker gave me a teasing smirk. “A lot? Zara, I’d say you’re managing just fine.”

Luca chimed in, his voice soft but certain. “You’ve got us now. You’re safe here… no one’s getting close.”

I nodded, slipping back into the role they expected — the grateful mate they wanted to protect.

As our drinks arrived, Kade made sure the bartender didn’t so much as glance my way again before taking his leave. “This place should be secure,” he said, his gaze sweeping the room before focusing back on me. “No one will find you here, not even that madman, Theron.”

I held my expression neutral, even as the mention of my father’s name sent a chill down my spine. But I kept my face relaxed, hiding my thoughts. “So, is this where you plan to keep me hidden? Or should I prepare for a trip back to Theron’s pack?”

Ryker reached out, taking my hand with a reassuring squeeze. “We’re not letting you go back there. You’re marked, Zara. You belong here, with us.”

Dax flashed a wicked grin. “Exactly. And we’re not sharing.”

I smiled at their words, feeling a rush of warmth. “It’s kind of sexy how protective you all are,” I said playfully. “I can see you’re definitely going to be some territorial lovers.”

Kade smirked, leaning in closer. “Territorial? You have no idea.” His gaze flicked toward the bartender, who was still avoiding eye contact.

At that moment, Kade called over the bartender again. “You!” he barked. The guy froze, his eyes wide. “I thought I told you to keep your focus on your job.”

The bartender stuttered, “I— I was just—”

Kade leaned in, his voice low and threatening. “You’re lucky it’s just your job on the line.” With a swift move, he shoved the guy back, causing him to stumble and knock over a tray of drinks. The sound echoed through the lounge as everyone turned to look.

“Just remember,” Kade said, his tone icy, “next time, it won’t be so easy.”

As the bartender rushed to clean up the mess, Ryker looked at me with a smirk. “See? We’re serious about keeping you safe.”

I looked at the chaos the bartender had caused. With an evil grin spreading across my face.

“This is going to be fun….