Chapter 4 Unraveling

I felt like my entire world had shifted again. Steven is working with Malik and now living here with us?

The thought kept scrambling in my mind as I followed Alpha Malik to the room.

The first thing that caught my attention was the dress on the mannequin. It was stunning… but far too revealing.

"By the way, this is your dress for tonight," He said stepping into the room

"What’s happening tonight?" I asked, confused.

"We’re having a party to celebrate our wedding."

"Oh." I sighed. As if things weren’t bad enough, this just made it worse. "But… don’t you think this is a little too revealing?"

He scoffed, glancing at me briefly. "Why are you bothered about that?"

I looked down at my body, then back at him, unsure how to answer.

He scoffed again, this time like he was mocking me. "What do you even have that it’s going to reveal?"

His words struck me like a slap. "Excuse me?" I snapped defensively.

He laughed dryly "Just get ready," He ordered.

"No." The word left my lips before I could stop it.

He froze, then turned sharply toward me. His gaze darkened.

"What did you say?" He inquired in disbelief.

I hesitated for a moment before speaking "I said no!" I stepped closer to him, looked him in the eyes, and said, "You told me to follow your rules, and I agreed—but this? No. I won’t do it. I won’t wear this dress, because you don’t own me, Malik."

As much as I don’t want any drama, I wasn’t going to stand there and let him talk to me like I was some kind of item. I had my rights, and I was very much aware of them.

An evil smile tugged around the corner of his lips as he suddenly pushed me against the wall. His eyelids fluttered as he stared down at my lips, then back into my eyes. "I don’t think the rules were clear enough to you but you’re mistaken. Part of it all says I own you. I own every part of you."

I watched him lick his lips seductively as his gaze fell back to mine. Malik closed the small distance between us, caging me in with his arms.

My heart pounded in my chest as strange chills ran across my skin.

Why was I feeling giddy all over?

"Every part of you," He repeated. He leaned in, his lips grazing the lower part of my neck. My back arched instinctively as an unexpected wave of pleasure rushed through me.

There had to be something wrong with me. My emotions were all tangled up of the sudden. I knew I shouldn’t feel good about this, but for some reason, it felt so damn satisfying.

My body became painfully aware of our closeness, and heat stirred in the pit of my stomach things that made me feel stupid, dirty even.

What the hell was I thinking? Push him away, Eli! Push him away now! My mind screamed, but I couldn’t bring myself to do that. I didn’t know why, but a stupid part of me wanted to feel everything he was doing.

I should have been disgusted, furious, and insulted. But instead… I felt something I didn’t want to admit. Something dangerously close to satisfaction.

I felt Malik’s breath on my neck as he moved his lips to my ear and whispered, "Your body is mine to worship with my mouth."

The words sent shivers down my spine. My back arched against the wall, and my eyes fluttered shut. Malik trailed kisses down my neck, his lips brushing my skin until he found the spot he wanted. He sucked on it, slow and deep, and I released a heavy breath loving it.

I wanted to stop him but deep down I didn’t. I was enjoying it and that scared me.

"No!" I finally found my voice. "No, it’s not," I said, referring to his claim of my body being his.

I felt his gaze on me, but I didn’t open my eyes. I could almost see his smirk in my mind as he stepped closer. "You love this so much you can’t even open your eyes," He taunted.

"I don’t," I whispered, barely audible.

"Then push me away. Tell me to stop." His voice was husky

Our bodies were pressed against each other, and before I knew it, I felt Malik’s warm finger on my lower stomach. He traced slow circles, stopping just above my skirt. I opened my eyes, my breath caught, and I saw his smirk.

His gaze stayed locked on me as his hand slid lower, until he brushed against the edge of my panties. Before he could go any further, I hesitated, then shoved him back. "Get away from me," I growled.

"What is wrong with you?" I snapped.

Malik only shrugged, saying nothing, his gaze roaming over me like he was reading every thought I had.

What the hell was I thinking? Why didn’t I push him away earlier? God, I hated him. I wish I could wipe that smug smirk off his face and crush it into pieces.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked, my heart hammering in my chest.

"I sensed it," He replied.

"Sensed what?"

He didn’t answer at first. He stepped closer, slow and deliberate, like a predator.

"You’re a virgin," He said, almost amused.

"What!" I exclaimed. "N-no, I’m not a v-virgin," I lied through my teeth. Malik stood just inches from me, and I lowered my head, unable to meet his gaze.

"If you’re not," He said in a husky tone, "then why are you so nervous?"

His warm breath brushed against my face, laced with peppermint, sending another shiver through me.

"I am not a virgin," I insisted.

"You are," His smirk deepening. "And you crave a man’s touch, don’t you?"

"I don’t," I lied again. Of course I do. Steven and I have never been intimate, I’ve always wanted to wait till marriage but even though.. I don’t carve Malik’s touch

He scoffed as he tilted my chin up, his fingers firm but unhurried. His gaze flickered from my lips to my eyes before he spoke again.

"It only gets interesting with you Elina. I can’t wait to force those cravings out of you." He harshly lets go of my chin and then said "Now get dressed. I’ll be back in an hour.

As he walked out of the room, I cursed him under my breath. "Fucking bastard."

I can already feel myself hating every second I spend around him.

My attention then shifted to the dress. It wasn’t my style, and I wanted nothing more than to leave it hanging there. But I knew I had no choice. I just have to put up with Malik’s order even though it’s completely stupid.

I put it on. It was an off-shoulder gown with a daring slit that ran high up my thigh. The fabric clung to my body, exposing far more skin than I was comfortable with.

I turned toward the mirror and stared at my reflection. I didn’t look like myself. I looked exposed. The slit was too high, my shoulders too bare, and I felt small in it.

Maybe that was the point. Maybe Malik chose this dress to embarrass me, to show me I belonged to him and couldn’t fight back.

The thought hurt, sinking deep in my chest. I knew he could do it. After all, Malik didn’t just dislike me, he hated me. And tonight, he might enjoy proving it.

I let out a heavy sigh. I hate this party already.

I slipped on the matching shoes, and while putting on my earrings, I heard a knock on the door. Assuming it’s one of the maids, I called out, "Come in!"

The door pushed open, and my heart dropped— Steven.

Before I could even form a word, he spoke. "We need to talk. Meet me on the terrace thirty minutes into the party."

He didn’t wait for my response. He turned to leave but stopped at the door, glancing back at me. "Come alone," He added before walking out.

I stood there frozen, confused. Why would he want to meet me? And if I actually go… what happens if Malik finds out?