Jessica's POV
"Who dares fire a bullet in my palace?"
The voice rolled through the hall like thunder.
It wasn't loud, but it carried weight. Real weight. The kind that pressed down on my chest and made my wolf curl low inside me.
I stood frozen at the edge of the hall, rain still dripping from my jacket, my gun heavy in my hand. Every head turned. Every breath stopped.
A man stepped forward from the shadows.
No—two men.
They were tall. Too tall. Broad shoulders, long legs, bodies built for war. One had dark hair and sharp gray eyes that burned like storm clouds. The other stood just behind him, quieter, his gaze calm but cutting, like he was already counting ways to kill everyone in the room.
My heart slammed hard against my ribs.
Twin Alphas.
The Reed brothers.
"They're back," someone whispered.
Eight years. That's how long they had been gone. Eight years since the Twin Alphas were exiled. Eight years since Silverfang had ruled itself into rot.
My fingers tightened around the gun.
Jackson stood near the front, his face pale. For the first time, he looked small.
I lifted the gun.
"Jessica—" someone shouted.
Too late.
I pulled the trigger.
The sound cracked through the hall, sharp and final. The force kicked back into my arm. I didn't blink. I didn't breathe.
The man in front—the Alpha with the storm eyes—took the bullet straight to the chest.
Gasps filled the room.
He didn't fall.
He didn't even stagger.
He looked down slowly, fingers brushing the torn fabric of his shirt, red blooming beneath. Then he looked at me.
And smiled.
My wolf screamed.
Not in fear.
In recognition.
The Alpha inhaled deeply, his chest rising. His eyes darkened. Something wild flashed across his face.
"That scent," he murmured. "Jude."
The second Alpha moved closer, his gaze locking onto me. His eyes narrowed, sharp and curious.
"It's her," Jude said quietly. "She's rare."
My knees weakened.
I took a step back.
Guards rushed forward. Hands grabbed my arms, yanking the gun away. I fought them, teeth bared, rage boiling hot in my veins.
"Let me go!" I shouted. "He deserved it!"
Jackson found his voice then. "She tried to kill me! She's gone mad!"
The storm-eyed Alpha laughed softly. "You?" He glanced at Jackson like he was dirt. "No. That bullet wasn't meant for you."
He stepped closer to me, ignoring the blood soaking his shirt. The air changed with every step he took. Thick. Heavy.
"What's your name?" he asked.
I lifted my chin. "Jessica."
His smile deepened. "I'm Charles Reed."
My wolf slammed against my ribs.
"Mine," she whispered.
I shook my head. "I don't belong to anyone."
Charles's eyes dropped to my throat. "That's where you're wrong."
A low sound rumbled from his chest—not quite a growl, not quite a breath. Heat rushed through me, sudden and sharp. My skin prickled like sparks were dancing under it.
Jude stepped in then, placing a hand on Charles's arm. "Easy."
His voice was calm, but his eyes never left me. "She's not lying. She's fighting it."
"Fighting what?" I snapped.
Jude tilted his head. "Us."
They dragged me forward, forcing me to stand between the twins. I could feel them on both sides of me. Power. Pressure. My wolf paced wildly, confused and desperate.
"Release her," Charles ordered the guards.
They hesitated. Then they let go.
I didn't run.
I should have.
Charles leaned down, his mouth near my ear. "You shot me," he said softly. "And my wolf didn't want to tear you apart."
My breath hitched.
"She wanted to mark you."
My stomach dropped.
"No," I whispered.
Jude watched my face closely. "You feel it, don't you? The pull."
I clenched my fists. "I feel angry."
Charles chuckled. "That too."
Jackson pushed forward. "This is nonsense! She's wolfless! She has no claim!"
Charles straightened slowly and turned. His smile vanished.
In one smooth motion, he grabbed Jackson by the throat and lifted him off the ground.
The room erupted in shouts.
"Wolfless?" Charles said, his voice cold. "You lied."
Jackson clawed at his hands, choking.
Jude spoke calmly. "Brother."
Charles dropped him. Jackson hit the floor, gasping.
Charles turned back to me. "You're coming with us."
I laughed, sharp and broken. "I'd rather die."
His eyes burned. "Careful."
"Make me submit," I snapped.
Something dangerous flashed across his face.
Jude stepped between us. "Not like this."
He looked at me. "Jessica, whether you like it or not, your life just changed."
I shook my head, backing away. "I didn't ask for this."
"No one ever does," Jude said.
Charles moved closer again. "You're under our protection now."
"I don't want it!"
He leaned down, his voice low. "You don't get to choose anymore."
My wolf howled.
Chains snapped around my wrists.
I struggled, breath coming fast, heart pounding.
"This isn't over," I hissed at them.
Charles smiled. "It's just beginning."
They dragged me toward the inner hall, the doors closing behind us with a heavy boom.
As we crossed the threshold, the pain hit.
Sharp. Deep. Burning.
I cried out, dropping to my knees.
Charles froze. "What's happening?"
Jude's face went hard. "Her bond is reacting."
"To what?" Charles demanded.
Jude looked at me.
"To us."
The floor blurred.
The last thing I saw was Charles kneeling in front of me, his eyes no longer amused.
They were afraid.