?Chapter 286:


    Fury burned through me—at him, at my powerless position, at my own responding flesh. With no other recourse, I sank my teeth into the muscle of his shoulder until iron flooded my tongue.


    I wanted to wound him, to make him feel even a sliver of the agony he was causing me. The metallic tang of blood filled my mouth as I bit down, but Bryan only chuckled darkly. My resistance seemed to excite him further. He took my act of defiance as a provocation, thrusting into me with renewed force – deeper, harder – until I could nearly feel him reaching my womb.


    “Aaaah…” The cry tore from my lips unbidden. Bryan’sughter vibrated against my skin, pleased by my stifled moan. Some traitorous part of me responded to the brutal pleasure, even as my soul recoiled in torment. I clenched my eyes shut, praying for the vition to end.


    Makenna’s POV:


    The next morning, I awoke, groggy and alone. Bryan had vanished without a trace.


    “That bastard!” I cursed, my teeth clenched in frustration. As I struggled to get out of bed, a quick nce at the clock made my heart race with panic. Damn it! I was on the brink of beingte.


    I leaped out of bed, washed up in record time, and dashed downstairs.


    In the grand hall below, the other women were already gathered, ready to go.


    Alice spotted me from afar, waving energetically. “Over here!” she called out.


    I hurried to her side, still catching my breath.


    She noticed my weary expression and the heavy dark circles under my eyes. Concernced her voice as she asked, “Why sote? You look like you barely slept. What happened?”


    The memory of Bryan’s relentless tormentst night shed through my mind, making me inwardly curse him a hundred times over. “Don’t even ask,” I sighed, utterly exasperated.


    Sensing my reluctance to delve into the details, Alice tactfully dropped the subject.


    Step into new worlds at g ? lnσ ν?? ?s?conn


    At that moment, the sharp click of high heels announced Hayley’s arrival. She pped her hands,manding everyone’s attention. “Alright, everyone, listen up!” The once noisy hall fell silent as all eyes turned to her. With everyone present, Hayley began outlining the day’s agenda.


    “The hunting event will span three days. On the first day, we honor the ancestors of the werewolves by tending to their tombs as a sign of respect. Tomorrow, the hunt begins, and on the final day, we hold the worship ceremony.”


    Her gaze swept over us, her tone deepening as she continued, “However, you women aren’t permitted to participate in the tomb cleaning. Instead, the king has a special task for you: you’re to prepare meals for the king and princes. Keep in mind, whoever manages to impress the princes will earn the privilege of spending the night with one of the princes, along with some extra rewards.”


    The announcement sent a wave of excitement through the women, their eagerness palpable as they anticipated their chance to curry favor and perhaps win over one of the princes that night.


    But where there was excitement, there was also anxiety. Alice sidled up to me, her face clouded with worry. She whispered, “Oh no, I’m hopeless at cooking. What if I mess up and the princes punish me?”


    “Ha-ha!”


    I couldn’t help but chuckle at her anxiety. “Don’t worry, Alice. I’ve got your back. We’ll whip up something delicious together.”


    Relief washed over her, and she beamed at me. “Makenna, I’m so lucky to have you as a friend!”


    .


    .


    .