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 let out a cold, mocking laugh. “Oh, Mila, still holding onto scraps? After everything, you’re still second best.”

Dax smirked, crossing his arms casually. “Your sister’s right, Mila. It’s clear who we’ve chosen, and it’s not you.”

Mila’s face turned crimson with anger and humiliation. “Father! Are you seriously just going to stand there and let this happen?”

Alpha Theron’s gaze shifted between us, his voice strained. “Mila, enough. The Kings demand our respect. If they’ve chosen Zara, then that’s how it is.”

Mila’s fists tightened, her body trembling with fury. “You’re pathetic, Father. Letting her destroy everything—”

I stepped in, calm and sharp. “Destroy everything? Mila, sweetheart, I’m only just getting started.”

Kade chuckled darkly beside me. “Careful, Mila. Zara’s one of us now. Disrespect her, and you disrespect all of us.”

Mila’s lips quivered as her defiance cracked. “This isn’t over,” she hissed, storming away, though I caught the glint of tears in her eyes.

Luca leaned in close, whispering with a smirk. “Well done. You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

A wicked smile tugged at my lips. “More than you can imagine.”

Alpha Theron cleared his throat awkwardly. “Kings, may I speak with my daughter? Alone?”

Dax raised a brow, his expression cold. “Zara makes her own decisions, Alpha. She doesn’t need permission from anyone.”

I stepped forward, daring him with my eyes. “Go ahead, Father. Speak. But remember—I don’t answer to you anymore.”

Theron’s face hardened, anger flashing in his eyes. “Oh, really?” he scoffed. “I raised you. This is still my pack, my rules.”

Ryker’s voice interrupted smoothly, yet full of menace. “It might be your pack, but Zara’s under our protection now.”

Theron swallowed hard, his face paling as he looked away. “Very well.”

I took a slow step toward him, my voice cutting through the silence. “How does it feel, Father? Knowing the daughter you discarded, the one you thought was weak, now has all the power?”

Theron’s jaw tightened, his glare cold. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Zara. Power doesn’t last forever.”

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

Kade grinned, leaning in. “Shall we leave this sad excuse for a party, Zara? There’s something better waiting for us.”

Without looking back, I answered, “Yes, let’s go. I’ve had enough of this place.”

As we turned to leave, Mila’s voice rang out again, dripping with venom. “You may have won this time, 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.”

---

Later at the Casino

“The night feels alive here,” I said, glancing around as we entered the exclusive VIP Casino room. “It’s like everyone’s watching.”

“That’s because they know to stay in their lane,” Ryker replied, settling beside me.

I smirked. “And here I thought it was just the ambiance.”

Dax chuckled, though his eyes stayed sharp. “It’s not just the room. You’re sitting with the Lycan Kings—nobody dares approach.”

Just then, I noticed a bartender’s lingering gaze. Kade’s expression shifted instantly, his eyes narrowing in silent warning.

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

Kade straightened, his authority radiating. “Hey,” he called, his tone sharp.

The bartender flinched, his eyes darting nervously.

“Everything alright over there?” Kade asked, his voice low but commanding.

“Yes, sir! Just… your drinks,” the bartender stammered, quickly looking away.

Kade leaned forward, his voice dropping dangerously. “You’re here to serve, not stare. Do your job.”

The bartender nodded hastily, rushing off. Kade leaned back, satisfaction clear. “No one gets too close to what’s mine.”

Dax leaned closer, his voice softer. “Zara, you seem quiet. Something on your mind?”

I laughed softly. “Just adjusting to this whole ‘four mates’ thing. It’s… a lot.”

Ryker smirked teasingly. “A lot? Zara, you’re handling it better than fine.”

Luca added gently, “You’re safe now. No one can hurt you.”

I nodded, slipping into the role they expected of me.

When the bartender returned, Kade made sure the man didn’t even glance in my direction before he scurried off.

“This place is secure,” Kade said, his gaze sweeping the room before settling on me. “No one will find you here. Not even Theron.”

I kept my face neutral, even as the mention of my father sent a chill through me. “So, is this where you plan to keep me hidden, or should I prepare for a return to Theron’s pack?”

Ryker took my hand, his grip firm but reassuring. “You’re not going back. You’re marked, Zara. You’re with us now.”

Dax grinned wickedly. “Exactly. And we don’t share.”

I smiled, warmth rushing through me. “You’re all so protective—it’s kind of sexy.”

Kade smirked, leaning closer. “Protective? You’ve seen nothing yet.”

As he spoke, he called the bartender back again. “You!” he barked. The man froze.

“I thought I told you to focus on your job,” Kade said coldly.

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

Kade leaned in further, his tone icy. “You’re lucky it’s only your job at stake.” With a quick shove, the man stumbled, knocking over a tray of drinks.

“Next time, it won’t be so easy,” Kade warned as the bartender hurried to clean up.

Ryker smirked. “See? We’re serious about keeping you safe.”

Watching the scene unfold, an evil grin crept onto my face. “This is going to be fun…”