CLAIMED BY THE ROGUE, BOUND TO THE WARLOCK, MATED TO THE WEREWOLF

It’s been three days since Aaron left, and his words have been echoing in my mind nonstop. How did he uncover the truth about my family?

I had a multitude of questions swirling in my head, yet no one seemed willing to provide answers.

For starters, everyone in my pack insisted I was orphaned, claiming I had a dormant wolf, and they nearly handed me over to the old vampire king before I managed to escape.

My parents were a complete mystery to me; I didn’t even know their names.

Lost in my thoughts, the door creaked open, and the three of them stepped into the room, their expressions unreadable, as if I had committed some unforgivable act.

“What do you want?” I snapped, and Vincent’s gaze darkened as he began to circle me. Out of the trio, he was the one I feared the most.

Every time our eyes met, I was haunted by memories of how he had taken advantage of me.

What kind of person does that to their mate just because they can’t handle rejection?

“Sharon, time is running out, and our patience is wearing thin. Your presence in our lives was meant to simplify things, but it’s done the opposite. Your wolf is aggressive and prevents us from connecting with you! You’re not a mate to us; we need your powers for our pack’s expansion!”

I hissed, fury evident on my face. “You can try all you want, but I will never give in to your demands. Why can’t you just reject me?”

Ryker, who had been silently observing, stepped forward. “I’ll be straightforward, and I hope you understand this quickly. You’re a hybrid, born of a werewolf and vampire father and a witch and warlock mother. We are Lycans, and we’ve existed long before you were even born.”

I shifted nervously in my seat, fear creeping in as I searched for any sign of a joke, but their faces were devoid of humor. “Are you serious?”

“Sharon, this is more than just serious. Your parents were the Alpha and Luna of the very pack that cast you out, and their powers have been wreaking havoc across all realms from beyond the grave. You are our only hope to break free from their wrath. If you refuse, the existence of all realms could be at stake”

“Wait a minute, are you really suggesting that I should marry you to placate my parents and stop their revenge? I couldn't care less if everyone perishes; if that's what they desire, then so be it!” I declared firmly, watching as they ran their hands through their hair in exasperation.

“You don’t grasp the extent of our sacrifices to reach you. Our lives have been unbearable without you. Even if you don’t want to do this for yourself, do it for your parents. Seek vengeance against those who took their lives and made you suffer!”

Vincent pleaded, and I turned to him, surprised by his vulnerability. Could they genuinely be serious, or was this all a manipulation to force me into their bond?

“Who was responsible for my parents' deaths?” I inquired, noticing the three of them exchange knowing looks before facing me.

“We won’t reveal that unless you agree to our bond,” they replied in unison. She and I shared a humorless laugh.

“I knew it! You all think I’m foolish, don’t you? Just because I’m weak and can’t defend myself doesn’t mean I’m naive. I will not accept your bond willingly, and if you try to force me, I’ll unleash my wolf!” I asserted, wiping away the tears that had formed in my eyes.

“Why do you have your bags packed?” Aaron suddenly asked, drawing my attention back to them.

“It took you long enough to catch on, but I’m leaving. I’m taking my child and going far away. I took your money, Aaron, and I’m heading to a place you’ll never find me!” I shouted, and they exchanged bewildered looks. My phone buzzed, signaling that my Uber had arrived.

I grabbed my suitcase, and just as I reached the door, Aaron lunged to stop me, but Ryker held him back.

“Let her do what she needs to do for once. Give her the space to think. When she’s ready, she’ll come back to us. But don’t make us come looking for you, Sharon; the fallout won’t be pretty.”

I didn’t respond. I simply went downstairs and hopped into the taxi that whisked me straight to the airport. As I stepped out, the chilly air hit me, and I began to second-guess my choice, unsure of where I was even going.

My flight was delayed by two hours, and with no other options, I searched for a place to sit. But I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched; it wasn’t Aaron or his brothers—I would have sensed them.

I quickened my pace, dragging my suitcase behind me, and spotted a black tinted car parked at the curb. It reminded me of the day I first met Vincent, prompting me to move even faster. Just before I could enter the terminal, two men in black stepped in my way.

“Sharon,” one of them said my name with an unsettling politeness.

“Who are you?” I asked, gripping my suitcase handle tightly.

The other man took a step forward and gestured toward the car. “We’re here to take you home.”