Chapter 14: Deaf Ears

Words : 965 Updated : Sep 10th, 2025

Chapter 14: Deaf Ears Natalie~ Everything felt like I was standing in the middle of a bad dream. My legs wobbled as Zane's smirk sealed itself into my memory. His words ran in my ears, an accusation covered in dark amusement. He knows. The words kept playing in my head like a record; but how? My heart beat fast against my ribs as I stared at him, my mouth felt dry, unable to form a single reasonable thought. "What... what are you talking about?" I stammered, praying that I sounded confused enough to convince him. Zane's laugh filled the room, but it wasn't a laugh of humor. His laugh was sharp, condescending— like he couldn't believe I'd dared played the innocent card with him— "Oh don't play dumb with me," he said, his tone dripping with restrained anger. "You humans think you're smart. I can smell him on you. The Alpha scent. You reek of it; where is he? Your mate? And why are you out here pretending to be some innocent girl without any loved one?" I froze. The weight of his words crushed to dust any response I might have had. My mind raced a thousand miles. He's a werewolf. The realization hit me like cold water. But he didn't know who Darius was. That much was clear from the way he spoke, and also, he seemed to think I was human. I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay calm. If he found out about my past, he'd judge me just like everyone else did. He'd think I was a traitor—an outcast. The room felt like it was drowning me, and my instincts screamed at me to run, but my legs refused to move. "Answer me!" Zane barked, his voice cutting through my haze. I flinched, but I stayed silent. If I said the wrong thing, it could make everything worse. I had to find a way out of here. Later on, I could find a way to save Garrick on my own. Zane's lips curled into a humorless smile. "Ah, I see," he said, his voice cold and calculating. "You're quiet because you're guilty. Tell me, who sent you? Did they think you could kill me using my dear son as a distraction?" His accusation sent a chill down my spine. "I... I don't know what you're talking about," I said, my voice sounding very small. "I'm not here to harm anyone. I don't even know who your son is! All I want is to care for my friend, Garrick. That's it." Zane's laugh cut through the air again, this time darker and more menacing. "Do you really expect me to believe that?" He leaned closer, his eyes narrowing at me. "If you don't tell me the truth, you'll never see Garrick again." Jack growled, his bark breaking the chill in the room. Zane turned his attention to him, his expression softened immediately. "Nora," Zane called over his shoulder. "Take Alexander to his room." His room? Jack had his own room? Nora hesitated for a moment but eventually coaxed Jack away. As the door closed behind them, I felt a strong wave of confusion and fear. What was happening? Why was Zane so convinced I was part of some plot against him? "You don't want to tell me the truth, right?" Zane asked, his voice now devoid of any warmth. "Fine. I'll find out myself." "I've told you the truth!" I insisted, my voice trembling. "Nobody sent me. I'm just a normal girl trying to save her friend's life. That's all." Zane smirked again, but there was no amusement in his eyes. "We'll see about that." He turned to his father, who had been standing silently in the corner of the living room. "Charlie, go and fetch Abel and Ronald." Charlie nodded and left the room. My stomach churned with dread as I waited, the silence stretching unbearably. Moments later, two men entered the room. Abel was tall and lean, with dark hair and forest-green eyes that seemed to see right through my soul. Ronald was broader, his muscles strained against his shirt, and his expression was one of cold detachment. He looked like he had never smiled a day in his life. "Abel," Zane commanded, pointing at me. "Sniff her, then go find out whose scent she's carrying." Abel stepped closer, his movements slow and deliberate. I shrank back, my pulse hammering in my ears. He inhaled deeply, his nostrils flaring as his sharp eyes locked onto mine. After a tense moment, he straightened and bowed his head to Zane before silently leaving the room. Zane's gaze shifted to Ronald. "Take her to one of the guest rooms and lock her up. Make sure she doesn't go anywhere until I've completed my investigation." "No!" I shouted, panic running through my body. "I'm not a criminal! I haven't done anything wrong! Please, you have to believe me!" Oh, Goddess, my life was going to be over before I even got the chance to live it. What crime did I even commit? Ronald grabbed my arm, his grip was firm but not painful, and he began leading me out of the room. I struggled against him, my voice rising in desperation. "Sir, please! I'm telling the truth! I just want to help Garrick! That's all I care about!" Zane's voice followed me as I was dragged away. "That's what they all say." The door slammed shut behind us, sealing my fate. My pleas echoed in my mind, unanswered and unheard. Just like always.

Chapter 14: Deaf Ears

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