Defying the Rogue Alpha-Chapter 16: Desire

Ava practically flew to her room, her legs moving faster than her thoughts. The air in her lungs felt thick and yet she refused to break.

The door slammed shut behind her, the sound like a gunshot in the quiet night. She stood there for a moment trying to hold herself together. Then, like a dam bursting under the weight of an unrelenting tide, the tears came.

They ran hot and fast down her cheeks as she sank onto the bed, curling in on herself.

What an idiot she had been.

She had let herself believe that Alpha Lucas would pick her above the others. That she was special. That she meant something.

Because he had given her his credit card that day? Because he had bought her coffee?

Ava let out a hollow laugh, shaking her head at her own stupidity.

No, she was just another option in a sea of desperate women, just another name on his list. And worse? She wasn't even at the top.

*****

Hours later, when the tears had dried and the weight in her chest had settled into something dull and throbbing, Ava found herself slipping out of bed. The walls of the concubines' quarters felt suffocating, pressing in on her from all sides. She needed air.

She wandered outside until she found herself at the training yard.

The cool night breeze kissed her skin, sending a shiver down her spine.

She turned toward the small room. The one where...

Ava swallowed hard.

Where she and Kade had tangled together just last night.

Without hesitation, she stepped inside, flipping the switch. The dim lights flickered to life, casting their glow over the scattered towels and abandoned clothes.

Her gaze drifted to the wall.

The exact spot where Kade had pressed her up against it, his hands gripping her thighs, his lips...

A tremor ran through her, the memory hot and electric. She let out a shaky breath, her fingers curling into the fabric of her dress.

The door creaked open.

Ava startled, turning quickly to see Kade stepping in.

His eyes scanned the room before landing on her, something unreadable flickering in their depths.

"I saw the lights on," he murmured. "Came to check who was here."

Ava forced a small smile. "I couldn't sleep. Decided to take a stroll."

His brows lifted slightly. "Thought you were spending the night with the alpha."

Her smile faltered. "I thought so too." She shrugged. "Turns out, he doesn't want me."

Kade studied her for a long moment. "Do you want him?"

A humorless laugh escaped her lips. "I thought so... maybe. I don't know." The words tumbled out before she could stop them. "What else is there for me here except to be the alpha's plaything? And yet, he still doesn't want me." Her voice cracked. "Rejection after rejection after rejection."

"Did he say why?"

She hesitated. "Because I'm a virgin." She swallowed hard. "A virgin without a wolf, to be specific. Apparently, that's a death sentence if I go to his bed."

Kade stiffened.

"You're a virgin?"

The way he said it made her blink.

"Yes, Kade, congratulations. You cracked the code," she said dryly.

He blinked rapidly, running a hand down his face like he was processing something deeply concerning.

"A virgin?" he repeated. "You didn't think to mention that last night?"

Ava crossed her arms. "Should I have provided a PowerPoint presentation before you threw me against this wall?"

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Kade groaned. "Moon Goddess, Ava..."

She scoffed. "Why does it even matter?"

Kade took a step closer. "What if I hadn't controlled my desires, Ava. What if I had fucked you last night. You think the alpha will be pleased to find out you are not what you say you are anymore."

The weight of his words settled between them, thick and unspoken.

Ava looked away. "It doesn't matter anyway."

Kade exhaled. "Be careful, Ava," he murmured. "I can't stop you from going after what you think you want, but if you're not strong enough to handle what comes next..." His eyes searched hers. "Then don't do this to yourself."

She studied him intently. "Did it bother you?" she asked quietly.

His brows furrowed. "What?"

"That I was going to spend the night with him?"

Kade shifted on his feet. His silence was enough of an answer.

"...Yeah," he admitted finally. "It did."

"But he's my alpha," Kade added. "What happened last night shouldn't have happened."

"No one has to know."

He swallowed hard. "Ava..."

She took a step toward him. "Maybe just one more time."

Kade grabbed her.

His lips crushed against hers, hot and demanding. Ava melted into him, as he lifted her, placing her onto the nearest table.

"You looked magnificent tonight," he whispered against her lips.

She smiled. "Yeah, that's what I was going for."

Her hands ran over his skin, memorizing every muscle. This—this was what she wanted. This kind of control.

Kade's fingers traced up her thighs, his touch igniting her skin. His hands found the hem of her nightdress, lifting it, exposing her bare thighs to the cool night air.

Then, he bent over her.

Ava gasped as his mouth found her, his tongue flicking against her with precision that sent waves of pleasure rolling through her. Her fingers tangled in his hair, torn between stopping him and pulling him impossibly closer.

Her body arched, her lips parting in a silent cry as he sucked on the most sensitive part of her, his grip tightening on her thighs to keep her still.

She shattered, her body trembling as she gasped his name.

Kade pulled away, his lips glistening with her essence. He stood, tugging down his shorts, his arousal thick and ready.

He took her hand, guiding her fingers around him. She began to move, her touch hesitant at first, then surer. His breathing grew ragged, his head dropping forward as he let out a strangled groan.

Ava watched him come undone, his release coating her hand as he shuddered against her.