007

ELIANA

As I tilted my head, my gaze met Axel's, and I felt a flutter in my chest. But Gabriel's firm grip on me remained unyielding, making me release a heavy, frustrated sigh.

"Let go of her," Axel repeated, his voice low and menacing, more a growl than a command. I knew Gabriel's stubborn nature, but I was also certain that he wouldn't want to cross Axel, not when he spoke in that tone.

Gabriel's grip on my hand relaxed, and he released me, his eyes blazing with a fierce intensity. "Give me some time to speak to my woman," he growled, his burning gaze fixed on me, as if daring Axel to contradict him.

Axel's words dripped with venom, his tone deadly and cold. "You wouldn't be treating her like that if she were your woman." A shiver ran down my spine as I felt the weight of his gaze, even though it wasn't directed at me. The air seemed to vibrate with tension, and I could sense the unspoken challenge hanging between them.

Gabriel's voice was a low, menacing whisper, barely audible, as if he didn't intend for Axel to hear. "Maybe you should settle your own mess before you interfere in mine," he hissed, his words dripping with malice.

Axel's reaction was instantaneous and terrifying. His eyes blazed with a fierce, reddish glow, and his voice thundered through the air, making me tremble with fear. "Apologize this instant," he growled, his words dripping with a deadly menace. I felt a chill run down my spine as I gazed into his wolf’s eyes, and I knew that Axel was on the verge of unleashing his fury.

Gabriel's head bowed down, and he muttered an apology almost immediately. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice low and begrudging. He turned to leave, but not before casting a warning glance in my direction, a silent promise that this wasn't over, that he would be back to settle the score. I hated to admit it but I was scared.

"Thank you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper as I faced Axel, whose expression still simmered with anger. His eyes, though no longer blazing with that intense rage, still seemed to bore into my soul, making me feel uneasy and a little scared.

I couldn't help but wonder what Gabriel had meant by "your mess" and what kind of situation Axel was embroiled in. The air was still thick with tension, and I felt like I was walking on eggshells around Axel, unsure of what might trigger another outburst.

"You don't have to," Axel replied, his voice still rough around the edges. "I suggest you handle whatever you have with that bas..." He caught himself, his eyes locking onto mine as if searching for something. For a moment, it seemed like he was going to finish the sentence, but then he stopped, his jaw clenched in restraint.

I tried to speak, but my voice came out slurred and barely audible. I attempted to clear my throat to try again, but before I could even react, everything around me went pitch black.

As I slowly opened my eyes, a wave of pain washed over me, and I winced at the throbbing headache. The first thing I saw was an unfamiliar face, his features etched with concern as he gazed down at me.

I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through my head, making me fall back onto the pillow. As I looked around, I realized that I was in a hospital room, the unfamiliar surroundings and the beeping of machines making me feel disoriented and anxious.

"W... who are you and what happened?" I stuttered, my voice shaking slightly as I tried to piece together my fragmented memories. The stranger's expression was unreadable.

"I'm the alpha's beta," he said, his eyes never leaving mine. I looked at him, confused, and he added, as if reading my mind, "Alpha Axel."

The stranger's words brought back a flood of memories. "You fainted at the pre-ceremony." His expression serious. I remembered the argument between Axel and Gabriel, the tension in the air, and then... nothing. I must have passed out.

The door swung open, and Axel walked in, his presence commanding attention. My eyes widened in surprise, and I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I took in the sight of him.

GOOD GODDESS!

He was shirtless, his chiseled torso on full display, tattoos all over his chest. The muscles in his chest and arms rippled as he moved, and I couldn't help but stare, but I quickly averted my gaze so he wouldn't know I was checking him out.

Axel's deep, smooth voice sent shivers down my spine as he asked, "How are you doing today, my lady?" The smirk on his face was unmistakable, and I felt a flutter in my chest. His hands bracketed me on the large bed, his fingers gripping the mattress on either side of me. I was trapped, but I didn't feel threatened. Instead, I felt...aware. Aware of the heat emanating from his body, aware of the way his eyes seemed to bore into mine, and aware of the way my heart was racing in response to his presence. The way he deepened his voice when he said "my lady" sent a thrill through me, and I felt my cheeks grow warm.

"I'm good," I said, trying to sound casual. I blew off a strand of hair that had fallen across my face, trying to appear nonchalant.

Axel's eyes followed the movement, his gaze lingering on my face before returning to meet my eyes.

"Tom, excuse us." Tom bowed his head and quickly exited the room, leaving me alone with Axel. The door closed behind Tom with a soft click, and I was acutely aware of the sudden intimacy of the situation. I was alone with Axel, the dead gorgeous man who seemed to radiate an aura of power and confidence.

Axel's words hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving me breathless and stunned. "You have to regenerate your bonds with your alpha; you're pregnant with his children, and you know the tradition of your pack." My heart dropped, and I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.

How did he know?!