Crowned by Fate Chapter 138

Skye’s POV

Ryder's eyes widened when he saw Adrian's face as we approached the car.

Bruises were already forming along his jaw, the skin around his right eye beginning to swell.

"What happened?" Ryder asked, gaze darting between us. "Isn't the third trial still two days away? Why would you—"

"Just drive," I cut him off, sliding into the backseat. "Take us back to the hotel."

Adrian climbed in beside me, maintaining a deliberate distance. His eyes fixed on the window, expression unreadable save for the muscle twitching in his clenched jaw. I'd never seen him like this—cold, withdrawn, almost frightening in his silence. This wasn't the warm man I'd fallen for.

"So..." Ryder attempted after a few minutes of uncomfortable silence. "Did you guys meet Alpha King Thomas? I heard he's nearly seven feet tall—is that true?"

"Yes," I answered flatly, staring at my hands.

"Where's Lydia?" Ryder tried again. "Shouldn't she be with you?"

"Alpha Xavier will bring her back later."

I snuck a glance at Adrian. His profile was rigid, eyes dark and stormy as they reflected the passing streetlights. His fingers drummed against his thigh—a tightly controlled rhythm betraying his inner turmoil.

Ryder finally seemed to understand that conversation wasn't welcome. He focused on driving, the silence stretching between us like a physical barrier.

When we arrived at the hotel, I quickly thanked Ryder and moved toward the entrance, eager to escape to my room and process everything that had happened. I needed space, needed to think.

A strong hand wrapped around my wrist, stopping me.

"Where are you going?" Adrian's voice was deceptively soft.

"To my room," I replied without turning. "I thought you might want some time alone."

"Why would you go back to your room?" His grip tightened slightly. "Aren't you sleeping in mine tonight?"

I finally turned to face him. His expression had transformed from cold detachment to something possessive, almost predatory.

"Adrian, I—"

"Let's talk upstairs," he interrupted, guiding me firmly toward the elevator.

The ride up was excruciating. Neither of us spoke, but I could feel waves of anger radiating from him. His scent had changed—sharper, more dominant, with notes of aggression I'd never detected before.

Once inside his suite, he locked the door and turned to me. His movements were measured, controlled, but his eyes betrayed the storm within.

"Did you really resist him?" Adrian asked, his voice dangerously low as he stepped closer.

"What?"

He captured my chin between his fingers, tilting my face up. "Leon. Did you actually resist him, or was that just for my benefit?"

Anger flared in my chest. "Are you seriously asking me that? You're going to believe his manipulative bullshit?"

"He's your mate," Adrian growled, the word 'mate' dripping with contempt. "Your blood calls to his. Don't tell me you felt nothing."

"I've told you before," I said firmly, pulling away from his grip. "I choose you, not some mate bond."

Something dark flashed in Adrian's eyes. Without warning, he lifted me off my feet and tossed me onto the bed. I bounced against the mattress, momentarily stunned.

"Then prove it to me," he demanded, looming over me.

Before I could respond, he was on the bed, his weight pinning me down. His hands grabbed at my dress, tearing at the fabric with uncharacteristic roughness.

His fingers grazed my skin, rough and urgent, as he pulled the pieces away. He leaned in, his lips crashing against mine in a forceful kiss, stealing my breath.

I tried to turn my head, but his hand gripped my jaw, holding me in place. His other hand slid down my body, fingers brushing over my chest and stomach, leaving a trail of heat.

Then, with a sharp tug, he tore my panties off, the sound of ripping fabric echoing in the room. His body pressed closer, his intent clear as he positioned himself, trying to push himself into me. His breath was hot against my ear, heavy with need.

His fingers dug into my hips, pulling me against him, his touch both familiar and foreign. He kissed my neck, lips trailing down to my collarbone, sucking hard enough to leave marks. His hands roamed lower, exploring my thighs, spreading them with a possessive grip.

My skin burned under his touch, a mix of desire and fear. His eyes, dark with hunger, locked onto mine as he pressed himself closer, his arousal evident. He whispered my name, voice thick with lust, his fingers teasing sensitive skin.

I used to love his touch, his kisses, but the way he treated me now only brought pain.

"Adrian, stop!" I pushed against his chest. "Not like this!"

He wasn't listening. His eyes had taken on an amber glow—his wolf rising close to the surface.

"You're mine," he growled, his mouth descending to my neck, teeth grazing the sensitive skin where a mating mark would be placed. "I should have marked you already."

Terror shot through me—not of Adrian himself, but of what this meant. A mark given in anger, in jealousy, would bind us forever in the worst possible way. This wasn't love; this was possession.

"Stop it!" I shouted, struggling harder.

"I'll make you forget him," Adrian muttered, his voice deeper, rougher. "I'll make sure everyone knows you're mine."

When his teeth pressed harder against my neck, preparing to break skin, something in me snapped. I summoned all my strength and slapped him hard across the face.

The crack echoed in the sudden silence.

Adrian froze, blinking rapidly as if waking from a trance. He stared at me, then at my torn dress, horror dawning in his eyes as he realized what he'd almost done.

"Skye..." he whispered, voice breaking. "I didn't mean—"

I scrambled away from him, clutching the ruined fabric of my dress against my body, tears streaming down my face.

"I am not a trophy to be fought over," I said, my voice shaking with rage and hurt. "I'm not some possession for you and Leon to compete for."

I fled to my own room, slamming the door behind me and sliding down against it as sobs wracked my body.

The tattered remains of my dress hung from my shoulders—a physical reminder of how quickly trust could be torn apart.