006

ELIANA

I couldn't believe Gabriel's audacity, showing up to the ceremony with Vivian less than 24 hours after our rejection.

I rapidly blinked back tears, my throat parched and constricted. Overwhelmed, I knew I had to escape. I had to find a way to leave despite my father's warning; I just couldn't bear seeing my Gabriel with that bitch.

I envied the fictional heroines I'd read about and watched on screen, who weathered heartbreak with poise and confidence. 

‘Why couldn't I be more like them?’

I was a total emotional wreck; even the most mundane movies could move me to tears. So, how was I supposed to handle a devastating heartbreak that had blindsided me? Just as I was about to make my escape, that sexy, velvety voice cut through the air.

"Did I say anything, Pixie?" He wrapped his fingers around mine in a firm yet gentle grasp. 

I looked up at Axel; even in the midst of all this chaos, he still called me Pixie. I tilted my head, avoiding his gaze. "You didn't," I whispered, my voice cracking with emotion.

His large, gentle hands cradled my small face, his fingers wrapping around my chin as he tilted my head upward, forcing me to meet his gaze.

He leaned in closer, the space between us dwindling, and whispered, "Then what made you leave?" His warm breath danced across my skin, making my body react in an unexplainable way.

I swallowed hard, my eyes inadvertently drifting to his lips, before I hastily looked away, hoping he wouldn't catch the fleeting glance. "I saw someone."

His playful glint faded, replaced by a soul-piercing look. "That's why you ran off?"

I stuttered, "Y-yes," caught off guard by the sudden shift in his expression.

"We need to head back," he growled, his expression darkening to a menacing intensity. "I'll protect you from whoever it is," he vowed.

As we made our way back, I frantically scanned the crowded hall, my heart racing with anxiety, desperately hoping to avoid a run-in with Vivian or Gabriel.

My hands were securely locked in the crook of his muscular arms as he guided me back to the dancing floor.

It seemed the moon goddess had turned a deaf ear to my plea, for no sooner had we stepped onto the dance floor than my eyes clashed with Gabriel's piercing gaze.

I hastily looked away, attempting to compose myself as I turned to Axel and stuttered, "W-what are you interested in..." My words trailed off. What an odd thing to say, but you wouldn't blame me; I wasn't dumb—I was just utterly disoriented.

Axel's puzzled expression deepened as he said, "He isn't going to bite you; just relax." I mentally face-palmed. Goddess! He noticed. I chastised myself, Eliana, why are you built this way?!

He gently lifted my hand and swirled me into a slow dance, drawing me close to his chiseled chest. "That wasn't so bad," he whispered, his beautiful orbs locking onto mine.

I could feel the weight of Gabriel's burning gaze, but I deliberately chose to ignore him. However, I couldn't help but notice him heading in my direction. As he drew closer, my eyes instinctively locked onto Axel's, my gaze intensifying as if seeking refuge in his piercing stare.

The words that spilled out of Gabriel's mouth left me stunned. "I want to speak to my woman," he said to Axel, his tone firm yet respectful; he wouldn't dare speak rudely to the lycan king. He wasn't just a lycan king but Axel Draconis.

Axel released my hands, away from his calming touch, his eyes flicking towards the man who had been staring at me with an air of annoyance.

I gently lifted Axel's muscular hand, feeling the weight of it as I smiled up at him. "Let's continue with the dance," my voice light and carefree, as if I was completely oblivious to Gabriel's brooding presence beside us.

I could see the anger simmering beneath Gabriel's surface, his eyes flashing with a fierce intensity as he gazed at me. Yet, I continued to stare in his direction, my expression serene and detached, as if I was merely admiring the decorations, rather than deliberately provoking him.

Gabriel's firm grip wrapped around my hand, leading me away from the dance floor. I wanted to protest, but I didn't want to cause a scene, so I reluctantly followed him.

As soon as we were in a quiet space, he released my hand, and I spun around to face him, my pent-up frustration boiling over. "What the fuck is wrong with you?" I demanded, my voice low and furious.

Gabriel's face darkened, his eyes blazing with fury as he thundered, "How dare you speak to me like that? I'm still your alpha, remember? What's your deal with the Lycan King?" He added. "You want to make me feel jealous, right? Newsflash: It didn't work." 

My expression was neutral, as if his words had no effect on me. I raised an eyebrow, feigning nonchalance despite the sting of his words.

Gabriel's expression turned grave, his eyes burning with a warning. "You better stay away from him," he cautioned. "He is no good news and can never fall in love." I sensed the underlying selfishness in his words, but the sincerity in his eyes gave me pause.

I raised an eyebrow, my voice laced with defiance. "You stay away from me too," I said, my hands still crossed over my chest. "And even if he harms me, what's it to you?" I challenged.

Gabriel's gaze lingered on my boobs, his eyes burning with a possessive intensity. "You have to wait," he said, his voice low and commanding, "until I make Vivian my Luna. Then, and only then, can you go off and flaunt whoever you want." I could see the jealousy in his eyes.

The words "making Vivian his Luna" felt like a punch to the gut, making my heart sink. But I refused to let Gabriel see the impact it had on me. I stood tall; definitely not in height but in spirit, my expression neutral, pretending that his words did not affect me whatsoever.

His eyes widened in astonishment, his face a mask of surprise, as if he couldn't believe the sudden spark of defiance in me. He seemed taken aback by my feistiness, his expression a mixture of shock and curiosity.

I tried to pull away, but Gabriel's grip on my arm only tightened, his fingers digging deep into my skin. "You don't leave until I'm done," he growled, his voice low and menacing. His eyes flashed, transforming into the piercing yellow of his wolf's, and I could feel his grip constricting, like a vice around my tiny arm.

I struggled to break free from Gabriel's grasp, but his grip only tightened, causing me to wince in pain as my arm was squeezed even harder. Just as I thought I couldn't take it anymore, a deep, commanding voice cut through the tension.

"Let go of her!" the voice growled.