Jasmine's life had always been a cage, and Alaric, her stepbrother, held the key. His control began subtly, a seemingly protective concern that slowly twisted into a possessive obsession. As the Alpha, his power was absolute. He dictated her friendships, forbade any romantic relationships, and stripped her of all personal freedom.
Her one hope was her twenty-first birthday—a milestone that promised to change everything. She fantasized about finding her true mate, breaking free from Alaric's suffocating grip, and finally living a life of her own. But destiny, it seemed, had a cruel sense of humor.
On the eve of her birthday, her hopes shattered. The person meant to be her one and only was the very man she despised—Alaric, her tormentor, her stepbrother.
The thought of being bound to him was a fate worse than death. How could she be mated to the man who had stolen her youth? A man who would stop at nothing to possess her completely? But in a world where love sours into possession and possession  draws blood, how far can one person truly run before they are forced to face the inevitable?

That necklace never leaves my neck. Not even when I didn't want to set eyes on the man who gave it to me. Celia practically bounced behind me, still gushing. "God, I swear, if I was a wolf, I'd mark you myself. You're dangerous, Jasmine!"


I gave a dry laugh. She didn't catch it, though. Celia never did when she was too hyped.


My eyes drifted back to the mirror. Smokey eyeshadow framed my gaze, making it darker than usual. Bold. Beautiful. I looked… like the woman everyone expected me to be tonight. Strong. Regal. Ready.


But inside, I was slipping. Slowly and quietly.


As one of the maids adjusted the clasp on the back of my gown, my thoughts slid where they had been trying to go all day.


I hadn't seen him since I got back from Celia's house.


Chapter 182 - Chapter 182