Peniel
I could feel the urge to run as the two brothers glared at each other with a ferocity I couldn’t comprehend. Prince Lucian’s fury was obvious, a living, breathing entity. His eyes, dark and intense, remained locked on Prince Cassian while his arm remained possessively wrapped around me.
"What makes you think she's yours?" Lucian growled in a low voice, barely controlled. He took a step closer, his fists clenched at his sides. "You know nothing about her." He clenched his jaw.
Cassian's grip on me tightened, his fingers digging into my skin as if he feared letting go would mean losing me forever. "I knew right away when I saw her that she's my mate," he retorted with confidence. "And I will not let her go."
Lucian's jaw clenched so hard I thought his teeth might shatter. "You marked her without her consent if she will accepts you," he spat, his eyes narrowing with disdain.
Cassian's laugh was bitter, a sharp bark, it's the only thing I could hear in this huge silent halls.
"Would you reject me, my Genevieve?" he asked, turning his gaze to me. His eyes softened, like a puppy stare he barely showed. "Could you reject your mate?"
My heart started to beat fast, a wild drumbeat that it's actually hard to answer. My wolf stirred within me, its need for its mate pulling me towards Cassian. I am bonded to be with both.
"See?" Prince Cassian smirked as he faced him. "You even marked her. I thought you would never mark anyone else and you would just f**k random girls?" Cassian laughs.
Prince Lucian's eyes get back to normal. "It was an accident. You know I will never mark any girl, especially if they don't consent. I f**k girls who's desperate to be in my bed." His words moved my heart, I know that's his always behavior and girls would like him.
"Then, unmark her, brother," Prince Cassian commanded like it's easy for him and he held me closer with him.
He has no idea how much I want to push him away, despite being marked by him. Lucian knows my secret, and the way he looks at me suggests he’s willing to expose it to seize the Alpha throne.
Prince Lucian stepped closer, a smirk playing on his lips. “Why would I do you a favor?” he taunted. “I derive no pleasure from granting satisfaction, even to my brother. I have no time to love her.” His fingertips brushed against my thumbs, making me flinch. Prince Cassian stared at him in stunned silence.
“You sound confident,” Prince Cassian said, his voice taut with annoyance.
Lucian laughed, his gaze flicking between me and Cassian. “She tried to kill me,” he said, amusement coloring his tone. My eyes widened in shock. How did he know?
“She kissed me and attempted to use it as an opportunity to kill me, but I didn’t mind,” he continued with a smirk. “I relished her lips. I’m honored to be the first to experience that.” His eyes lingered on my lips again. “And then, I let my wolf take over and mark her.” His words made Cassian’s facial expression changed, and I could feel the intensity of both their wolves within me.
“Why would she try to kill you?”
I swallowed hard and glanced at Lucian. “What are you—”
“Tell me,” Prince Cassian commanded, lifting my chin to meet his gaze. “Is he telling the truth?”
I shook my head and looked at Lucian again.
"What do you want?" I asked, my voice trembling with fear. I was lost, unsure of what was happening or what he intended.
Prince Lucian's smirk widened, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "What do I want?" he asked. "I want to enjoy the little game we're playing, Genevieve. I want to see how far you'll go to protect your secrets."
Cassian's grip on me tightened, his face a mask of barely-contained rage. "You know nothing about my mate and don't act like that."
Lucian's gaze flicked back to Cassian, his expression almost pitying. "And what if I do?" he taunted. "You think you can protect her from everything? From me? From her own choices?"
Lucian stepped closer to me, his eyes never leaving mine. "Tell me, Genevieve," he said softly, his voice taking on a seductive tone. "Do you really believe you can hide from me? I have a knack for uncovering the hidden, the buried. And you, my dear, are positively intriguing."
My heart pounded beats angrily. I felt an involuntary shiver as Lucian's gaze roamed over me with a predatory interest.
Cassian's jaw tightened. "She doesn't have to entertain your games," he said firmly. "And neither do I. I am her mate, and I will defend her against any threat. And you, will be powerless as I will soon ascend the throne of the King."
"And what if I were to reveal something interesting about our dear Genevieve?" he purred. "Something that might change the way you see her, or perhaps even the way she sees you?"
Cassian's face hardened, his eyes flashing with fierce protectiveness. "Enough of this," he declared. "If you have something to say, say it clearly. If not, leave us. I will not allow you to use her as a pawn in your twisted games."
Lucian laughs and I feel like I am not able to move in this place. If I say something, Lucian could just play me and let Cassian kill me.
"She's also marked to be with me," Lucian clenched his jaw. "And I will not break our bond."
"This is crazy!" I exclaimed, pushing both of them aside. "I am not something for you two to use in your rivalry!" I cried out, glaring at them with my hands raised as if to shield myself.
"Oh, Genevieve," Lucian said, his voice smooth and almost soothing. "You're not a pawn in our game."
He added, "You know I never want to mark you... but, it's unexpected. But I have came to the realization, that it's actually fun to continue doing this with you."
"This isn't about proving anything," Cassian said sharply. "It's about you, Genevieve. I would never let you be used as a bargaining chip in our rivalry. My bond with you is real, and I won't let him twist that."
I took a step back, feeling the intense stares pressing down on me. "I am not your prize!" I shouted, my voice cracking with the strain. "I am not something you can win or lose in some game!"
Lucian's smile was infuriatingly calm as he took a step toward me. "You misunderstand, my dear. It's not about winning or losing. It's about the undeniable connection between us. You're marked for both of us, and that's something you can't simply ignore or wish away."
He reached out, his fingers gently brushing my arm, sending a shiver down my spine. "Think about it, Genevieve. You're caught between two powerful forces, and whether you like it or not, you're bound to us both in ways you can't yet fully understand." I flinch when I felt his touch against me.
"It's ridiculous," I thought, feeling a compulsion within me to crave their touch—both Prince Lucian's and Prince Cassian's.
"Don’t listen to him, Genevieve," Prince Cassian said, pulling me close once more. "You know you're mated to me. I've been waiting for this moment." His voice softened as he held me.
I knew how long Prince Cassian had been waiting for me, studying me and preparing to use me. It was ironic that he hadn't realized I was the one sneaking around the palace. Meanwhile, Prince Lucian knew my secret but had yet to expose me, as if he had no desire to be Alpha at all.
Being entangled with these princes was like playing with fire. They were sons of the most powerful king in the werewolf world, and defying Prince Lucian could put me in grave
“I can’t choose right now,” I managed to say.
Prince Lucian laughed. “What do you think about that, Cassian?”
“You’re scaring her!” Prince Cassian exclaimed, reaching for me. “You don’t have to be scared of him. I’m here with you!” His eyes shifted to yellow, his wolf triggered, and I heard a low growl.
“I’m afraid your so-called girl might actually give in to me. She will submit to me as my mate,” Lucian’s voice was cold, a smirk forming on his lips as he approached his brother.
“I don’t believe you,” Prince Cassian said firmly.
“You should ask her yourself,” Lucian laughed.“You don’t have to be so tough. It’s time for you to accept that you have to fight fair—or perhaps learn to share.” Cassian grunted and punched Lucian in the chest, pushing him away.
"Share . . .?" Prince Cassian's voice filled with disdain and anger. I tried to stop him but I don't know how.
"What? You're disappointed that I actually got the advantage—"
Prince Cassian's eyes shifted into yellow as his wolf was triggered by the insinuation. The sudden rush of adrenaline and anger coursed through him, heating his blood and sharpening his senses. The insult, the challenge, the audacity—it all stirred the beast within. His muscles tensed, his breathing grew heavy, and a low growl rumbled in his chest. My heart beats fast as suddenly touched his chest and he calms down.
Prince Lucian clenched his jaw. "Embarrassing."
"Stop it." I commanded, begging him.
He smiles. "Then you decide."
I looked at Prince Cassian, his teeth gritted in frustration and determination to defeat his brother and claim the Alpha King title. Then I turned to Prince Lucian, who seemed to find the situation amusing and who could endanger me at any moment.
I took a deep breath. "I will submit to both of you," I declared. "It’s a matter of choice. I want both of you, and you both have the authority to do whatever you wish with me." I felt a fiery heat coursing through my body, an emotion I couldn't ignore.
I knew this wasn’t just about survival; it was my way of seeking revenge.