Marked

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 20

I walked toward them, heart racing, knowing that surrendering to the situation was my best option. Trembling slightly, I felt Lysander pull me close, his grip firm around my waist. "You better have a good explanation when we go back, or your little alpha friend here won't be alive for much longer," he said, kissing my cheeks softly, a possessive glint in his eyes.

I felt myself blush at his words, nodding slightly, anxiety swirling in my stomach. "You're spoiling him," I heard Cassian say, his tone both critical and concerned as he watched me. Feeling cornered under his gaze, I quickly looked away, trying to suppress the wave of embarrassment washing over me. "This is the reason he thinks he can do whatever he wants."

What the hell does he mean by "spoiling"? I've been locked up in that room, with no choice but to sit and wait. I couldn't even choose the meal I wanted.

"Let's go," Viktor said, breaking the tension, his tone brokering no argument.

"Wait, you can't just take me and do whatever you want!" I protested, my voice rising despite the fear creeping into my chest.

Lysander tightened his grip on me, his expression darkening. "And what do you propose we do instead? Leave you here to get into more trouble? You think we're just going to let you wander around freely after losing our trust like that?"

"No," I said, desperation creeping into my voice. "But I didn't mean to cause any trouble. I just wanted to talk to the director about things."

Cassian stepped forward, his brow furrowed. "Look, our wolves are worried about you. We've been considerate with you, but you can't expect to walk in and out without consequences. You're not in control here."

I felt a surge of frustration. "I know that! But I need to be treated like a person, not a prisoner. I didn't choose this; I didn't choose to be locked away!"

Viktor, usually stoic, exchanged a glance with Lysander, and I could see a flicker of anger in his eyes. "We understand that, but you have to understand our position too. We're trying to protect you, even if it doesn't feel like it."

"Protect me?" I scoffed, shaking my head. "Locking me away and controlling my every move is not protection. It's suffocation."

Lysander's expression softened for a moment, but then it hardened again. "You don't get to dictate how we handle this. You're ours, and that means we have to make sure you're safe."

"Safe from what?" I challenged, meeting his gaze defiantly. "From the people who care about me? From my friends? You're treating me like I'm fragile, like I can't handle my own life!"

Cassian stepped closer, his voice lowering. "This isn't just about you. It's about all of us. We each have a kingdom to rule, and what you do affects everyone. You can't just waltz back in and expect everything to be the same."

I felt a pang of guilt at his words, the weight of responsibility pressing down on me. "I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I just wanted to explain myself, to make things right."

"Then let's go back and explain to us what you were trying to do," Viktor said, his tone more strained now.

Looking between them, I felt torn. Part of me wanted to rebel, to fight against their control, but another part craved the safety of their presence. Maybe they were right. Maybe I did need them, at least for now.

"Fine," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "I'll go back with you. But I want a chance to speak for myself. I want to be heard."

Lysander's grip on my waist relaxed slightly, a sign of his approval. "You will."

"Miyo?" I looked at Andy, momentarily forgetting he was there. "You don't really have to go. I'm sure there's a law that prevents them from taking you," he said, stepping closer, concern etched on his face.

"Take one more step and I'll break your legs," Cassian warned, his tone icy, eyes narrowing at Andy. "You really do have a lot of flies around you."

The tension in the air thickened, and I felt my pulse quicken. I had just calmed them down, too. Andy hesitated, glancing between me and Cassian, his expression torn. "But Miyo, they can't just control your life like this. You deserve to make your own choices."

"And what do you know about it?" Cassian snapped, stepping forward aggressively. "You're not part of this world, Andy. Your weak ass can't go up against us."

Andy flinched back at the name-calling, but he seemed determined to keep going. Please, I silently begged for Andy to shut up.

"Maybe not, but I know Miyo deserves to be treated with respect!" Andy shot back. I could feel the anxiety bubbling within me, desperately wanting to avoid the escalating confrontation.

"Enough!" I raised my voice, stepping between them. "I'm tired of this. Let's just go, and Andy, stay out of this. You're not helping."

Lysander's grip tightened again, his possessive nature flaring as he pulled me closer. "I will kill him," he said, his voice low but firm. "Bunny, we need to go now, or you'll regret what's about to happen."

I turned my attention back to Andy, who was watching the exchange intently, his expression a mix of worry and determination. "Please, just let me handle this. I can talk to them."

"Handle what? Being their prisoner?" Andy shot back, frustration evident in his voice. "You deserve to have a say in your life!"

"Enough!" Cassian thundered, stepping forward and blocking Andy's path. "You're out of your depth here."

As we turned to leave, I felt a mix of relief and anxiety wash over me. Leaving was not a good thing, and I regretted it deeply. I felt Andy's eyes on me as we walked away. I was glad he cared, but the level to which he cared was too much. He didn't even know the situation, and he just made it worse for me. After I had just told them my feelings, it finally seemed like they would cooperate, but now I didn't think so.