Chapter 5: Chapter Three

Esra

We'd been driving for two hours in silence, the tension between us palpable. Zade had tried to make small gestures, like holding my hand or touching my thigh, but I'd pushed him away each time. I knew where we were headed – the portal to our hidden realm. I stared out the window, scared to even sleep. I couldn't risk it, not with Zade so close.

After another hour of driving, Zade finally broke the silence. "Esra," he said, his voice low and smooth.

I ignored him.

"Esra, how long are you going to be angry with me?" he asked, his hand reaching for mine.

I swatted it away, remaining silent.

"Esra, please talk to me," he pleaded.

My throat bobbed as I turned to face him. "You want me to talk to you?" I whispered, my voice laced with venom. "You know what you did, and you still have the audacity to act as if nothing happened."

My voice grew louder, my anger boiling over. "Esra—" Zade started, but I cut him off.

"No, Zade, you are a thick-headed, stupid moron. You went around sleeping with other she-wolves, then on my birthday, I found you kissing my best friend. You didn't even apologize and never mark me. You was always interested in everyone else but not me."

He was silent as he listened. I suppressed a few tears from releasing, my voice shaky. "Now you come after five years and kidnap me from my home, my family, and my friends. For what? So you can repossess me? I hate you, Zade Kratos."

By the time I finished, I was shouting. I shifted in my seat, looking away from him. His silence made me want to look at him again, and what I saw infuriated me more – a smirk plastered on his face.

"Firstly, you're my mate. Secondly, this is not your home. And you're mine, Esra Argent," he stated, his eyes fixed on the road. "Mine." He looked at me this time. "I never wanting anyone else more than I wanted you, and it took me a while to realise that."

I turned to face him, my anger reigniting. "Then why? Why did you cheat on me?"

Zade remained silent, his smirk gone.

"Exactly what I thought," I spat, turning back to the window.

We remained silent for the rest of the journey. As we reached the clearing, Zade announced, "We're here."

I glanced over, my eyes dropping with exhaustion.

Don't sleep. Don't sleep. Don't sleep.

The three brown wolves appeared from behind the car and made their way to the middle of the clearing, where a large, brown circle stood – the portal. As we approached, it shimmered brighter, as if calling to us.

Zade drove into the portal, and a wave of dizziness washed over me. But it passed after a few seconds. On the other side of the portal was another clearing, surrounded by millions of trees – the Darkwood forest.

As we exited the forest, I noticed a pathway I'd never seen before. Zade took the path, and I couldn't help but stare at him. He seemed to be... glowing. He looked older, powerful, and – I had to admit – hot.

I shook my head, clearing the thought. What am I saying?

Zade caught my gaze and smiled. "Like what you see?"

I rolled my eyes.

Zade chuckled. I glanced at myself in the car's side mirror, and my eyes widened. I was glowing too. My skin was brighter, and I looked... alive. I looked stunning.

I turned back to Zade, who was still smiling. "You look as beautiful as always," he said, his gaze fixed on the path ahead.

I felt a flutter in my chest, but I quickly suppressed it. I wouldn't fall for Zade's charms again. Not after everything he'd done.

We pulled up to the pack house ten minutes later. The mansion loomed before us, its grandeur unchanged since my last visit. Memories came flooding back as I gazed at the familiar structure.

"It hasn't changed," I said.

"That may not have changed, but other things sure did,"

I didn't bother asking what exactly had changed, if I had to know, I'd find out myself eventually.

Zade parked the car haphazardly and got out, pocketing the keys. He walked over to my side and opened the door, but I beat him to it, slamming it shut behind me. I stood before him, arms crossed.

Zade sighed. "Let's go inside."

I rolled my eyes and followed him, despite my reservations. As we entered, all eyes fell on me. I barely recognized anyone in the room, and they all looked stunned.

"Everyone, our Luna is back," Zade announced, his voice commanding attention.

The room erupted into a flurry of activity as people began to approach me. But Zade stopped them, calling over the Beta to escort me upstairs instead.

"It's been a while," the Beta said, a hint of a smile on his face.

"I'm sorry, do I know you? Or at least remember you?" I asked, trying to place him.

"You really have forgotten me, Snow White," he said, chuckling.

The nickname sparked a memory, and my eyes widened in recognition. "Jackson? Oh my god!"

He had grown from a teenager to a man so quickly. We had been inseparable back then, and he had given me the nickname Snow White because of my white wolf.

"I'm hurt. How can you forget your best friend?" Jackson asked, feigning offense.

"I don't have an elephant's memory," I shrugged.

Jackson laughed. "I see the human world really got to you."

"Yeah," I sighed.

Jackson led me to my room, and I opened the door, expecting a familiar space. But instead, I was met with a sea of red – Zade's signature color. I knew this wasn't my room and besides the scent gave it away.

"Jackson," I turned, but Jackson was nowhere to be found. I muttered a curse under my breath, realizing I had been duped.

I stomped downstairs, determined to confront Zade. I asked one of the Omegas for his whereabouts and was directed to his office.

I burst into the office without knocking. "I'm not sleeping in your room."

Zade looked up from his laptop, a smile spreading across his face. "Very well then. I won't force you. You may have your own room – the one across from mine."

My jaw clenched, and my hands fisted. I would rather sleep outside or in the furthest room than across from his. But I was too tired to argue.

"Thank you," I said, my voice tight with resentment.

I left his office and made my way back to the room across from Zade's. I opened the door, and my breath caught in my throat. The room was stunning – huge, blue, and beautifully decorated. It was my favorite color, and for a moment, I forgot about my anger and frustration.

I didn't bother exploring my room, opting for sleep instead. I locked the door and collapsed onto the massive queen-sized bed, dozing off immediately.

____________________

As the sun rose, I woke up to a warm glow filling my room. I yawned, rubbed my eyes, and stretched, feeling the tension melt away. But as I got out of bed, I realized I had no toothbrush or clothes.

I headed to the bathroom, attached to my room, to wash my face. As I entered, I noticed a towel, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Of course, Zade would ensure I had everything I needed.

I opened the small bathroom cupboard, finding it stocked with various toiletries. After brushing my teeth, I took a shower and then made my way to my wardrobe, which was filled with beautiful clothes. I chose a pair of black jeans, a black crop top, and black heel boots.

As I wondered if there was any jewelry, I opened my drawers to find them filled with exquisite pieces – real gold, and possibly other precious metals. I felt a surge of frustration.

This wasn't the kind of apology I wanted. A simple "sorry" would have sufficed, accompanied by some genuine effort. I appreciated Zade's gestures, but this was excessive.

I made my way downstairs, following the enticing aroma of eggs and bacon. As I passed the kitchen, I spotted Zade eating. Unfortunately, I couldn't sneak by unnoticed.

"Esra, you're up early. Did you have a good sleep?" Zade asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"It's nine," I replied irritably.

"I know. Anyways, come eat." He gestured for me to sit beside him.

"Why aren't you eating in the dining room?" I asked, choosing to sit at the farthest seat from him.

"It's no fun sitting alone," he said, taking another bite of his bacon.

I glared at him. "Why are you doing this?" My voice came out as a whisper.

Zade's expression turned innocent. "Doing what?"

"Don't play dumb. You know what you did. I don't need all these things. What are you trying to do? Buy my love?" I accused, my voice rising.

"I just wanted to get those things for you," Zade protested.

"That's the problem, Zade. You think material possessions will make me want you? I'm sorry, but it won't work on me. I'm not some object you can easily possess."

Zade stopped eating and walked towards me, his eyes burning with intensity. "Esra, you're mine. Always have been and always will be."

His breath brushed against my skin, sending shivers down my spine. But I stood my ground.

"Then why treat me like that back then? If you really loved me, this wouldn't have happened."

Zade's expression faltered. "Okay, I was an idiot back then. I was a coward. I didn't know how much you meant to me until I lost you."

He stared into my eyes, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of sincerity. I hated how easily I was swept by his words.

I shattered the illusion before anything could happen. "I'm sorry, but I lost my appetite."