Ruby''s POV


    Leonadas.


    I don''t have much information about this man. Yet, during the few social events I attended, he became the topic of conversation several times. Whether it was because of his loyalty prefer to call it the same taste for cruelty as his master), perfect body, or the aura of dominance that most she-wolves favored. Nevertheless, I knew one thing urately about him. Deadly intelligence.


    Of course, you would expect nothing less from a ri


    less from a right-hand man of a famous Immortal Lycan King in these five continents. The one and only.


    e, my blood boiled as I confronted him, the


    The one-eyed man stood before me, his posture rxed yet exuding an air of quiet menace. Therefore, my weight of recent betrayals still heavy on my heart.


    "I ask you once again why are you stalking me?" I demanded.


    "Orders."


    The simplicity of his response was like fuel to the fire. Of course, I knew who was giving those orders.


    This is my pack," I said firmly, stepping closer. "And as Luna, I will not tolerate such discourtesy. Every guest here-no matter their status-is expected to observe etiquette and respect the homeowner. Your King should know this better than anyone."


    Leonidas didn''t flinch. His expression remained as cold and unyielding as stone.


    "If your King has business with me." I continued, my anger building with every word, "he can confront me directly. I won''t tolerate being burdened by his games on my own territory. I''m sure the honorable Lycan King is well acquainted with chivalry."


    A for


    That was when heughed-a low, humorless chuckle that sent a chill down my spine. I froze, caught off guard by the sound. My anger wavered a moment, reced by confusion and a faint unease.


    "What''s so amusing?" I snapped.


    The sight of his amusement- of anyone from that twisted kingdomughing-was deeply unsenting


    Leonidas''s single eye gleamed with a dark humor as he spoke. "I can see why my King would be attracted to you"


    The words struck me like a blow, and my confusion turned to white-hot fury.


    "I am not a whore to be bought by anyone! I am Alpha Dominic''s wife."


    His smile widened, though it didn''t reach his eye. "Yes, I''ve heard all about that. Especially about how deeply devoted he is. About the child you lost, the betrayal by your own sister


    I growled, the sound raw and animalistic as I closed the distance between us in a sh. My strength surged, fueled by rage and indignation, and before he could react, I had my arm around his neck, holding him in a vise-like grip.


    "If you open your mouth about that again," I snarled into his ear, my voice low and deadly


    "I will rip it out."


    Leonidas didn''t struggle. He didn''t even flinch. Instead, be tilted his head slightly, his lips curving into that infuriating smirk


    "Touchy, aren''t we?"


    I tightened my hold, my heart hammering in my chest. What little courage I had was a little shaky but who cares what you face when your mind is filled with betrayal, pain, anger, and even death. This man came to me and who could refuse to make hins my punching bag for a moment. But that man will never be easily defeated in a game of physical or emotional violence. The evidence was in front of my eyes.


    "You have no idea what I''m capable of," I growled.


    "Oh, I have an idea," he rasped, his voice will maddeningly calm. "You''re every


    bit as fierce as they say. No wonder my King finds you so... fascinating"


    The mention of Killian only fueled my rage, but I forced myself to release him. Leonidas straightened, his smirk intact despite the reddened mark


    on his neck


    "Consider this your first and only warning"


    My blue eyes were as cold as my tome "Stay out of my way. And if your King wants something from the tell him toe himself


    Leonidas remained maddeninglyposed after I released him, the smirk never quite leaving his face


    "You know My King is very interested in you Really."


    1 tumed sharply, my re cutting through the shadows like a de. Hatred


    burned in my chest as I fixed my gaze on him


    "Oh y Really"" I spat.


    Leonidas nodded entirely unfazed by my ire.


    "Not just interested," he added. "He wants you. Everything you have-your courage, your record as a great Luna, and, of course, your beauty. In all my years of serving him. I''ve never seen him pay such special attention to anyone."


    Iughed humorless. "Your King collects pets, Leonidas. I''m not naive enough to think I''d be anything more."


    Leonidas raised an eyebrow, "And yet you don''t consider using this opportunity. Surely, you''ve thought about it Revenge is within reach. Luna. Why not take 11" The suggestion made meugh again, though this time the bitterness gave way to genuine amusement.


    Revenge?" I said, shaking my head. "No, thank you. I''ve been hurt enough. I''m not interested in whatever twisted games your King wants to y."


    And then I considered my next words as well as the new ambition burning in my mind earlier.


    "If I want revenge. I''ll do it myself"


    Leonidas met my gaze, his single eye gleaming with an something that sent a thrill through me.


    An intentionality.


    Holy crap.


    With a mind that was no longer in sync with the heart, my body moved on its own. I reached out, tilting his chin upward with a single finger. Hisposure fallered just slightly, the barest flicker of surprise crossing his face. I savored that moment of vulnerability, a small victory.


    "You''re loyal to your King" I said softly, "but I can sense something else, Leonidas. A certain desire.


    He didn''t deny it. Instead, his smirk returned, and he leaned closer, his face mere inches from mine.


    The man''s warm breath brushed against my face and our eyes were all the more intense to stare at each other.


    "I''ve always been passionate about you. Ever since I was assigned to represent the kingdom at your pack''s events, you intrigued me." he confruned.


    His gaze dropped to my lips, his words bing a murmur. "More than intrigued. I''ve imagined.. but my loyalty lies with Killian Rudwick. And for that reason, I''ve always regretted having to forgo one woman-you-for my King."


    Iughed, the sound mocking and sharp. "Arrogance must be a trait you share with him."


    Wrapping my arms around his neck, I leaned in until our breaths mingled.


    "But tell me this," I whispered, my tone softening into a dangerous edge. "If it''s just a kiss, would that be a betrayal of your King?"


    Leonidas''s hands moved to my hips, his grip firm and sending shivers of how pleasant the touch was. Dominic never did that to me again. Never. His single eye gleamed with dark amusement as he answered.


    "No. It wouldn''t,"


    1 smiled, tilting my head slightly. "Then you should pay for all your disrespectful behavior tonight."


    My eyes lowered to his lips before returning to gaze into Leonidas'' eyes that turned a golden hue.


    "With a kiss."


    His smirk widened, and his grip tightened slightly. "I would be happy to oblige,


    Luna."