The Lycan King's Second Chance Mate: Rise of the Traitor's Daughter 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 mory. His words ran in my ears, an accusation covered in dark amusent. 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 stamred, 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 ," he said, his tone dripping with restrained anger. "You humans think you're smart. I can sll him on you. The Alpha scent. You reek of it; where is he? Your mate? And why are you out here pretending to be so 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 like cold water. But he didn't know who Darius was. That much was clear from the way he spoke, and also, he seed to think I was human.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay calm. If he found out about my past, he'd judge just like everyone else did. He'd think I was a traitor—an outcast. The room felt like it was drowning , and my instincts scread at to run, but my legs refused to move.

"Answer !" 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 , who sent you? Did they think you could kill 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 ti darker and more nacing. "Do you really expect to believe that?" He leaned closer, his eyes narrowing at . "If you don't tell 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 imdiately. "Nora," Zane called over his shoulder. "Take Alexander to his room."

His room? Jack had his own room?

Nora hesitated for a mont 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 so plot against him?

"You don't want to tell 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 . I'm just a normal girl trying to save her friend's life. That's all."

Zane smirked again, but there was no amusent 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. Monts later, two n entered the room. Abel was tall and lean, with dark hair and forest-green eyes that seed to see right through my soul. Ronald was broader, his muscles strained against his shirt, and his expression was one of cold detachnt. He looked like he had never smiled a day in his life.

"Abel," Zane commanded, pointing at . "Sniff her, then go find out whose scent she's carrying."

Abel stepped closer, his movents slow and deliberate. I shrank back, my pulse hamring in my ears. He inhaled deeply, his nostrils flaring as his sharp eyes locked onto mine. After a tense mont, 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 !" Oh, Goddess, my life was going to be over before I even got the chance to live it. What cri did I even commit?

Ronald grabbed my arm, his grip was firm but not painful, and he began leading 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 as I was dragged away. "That's what they all say."

The door slamd shut behind us, sealing my fate. My pleas echoed in my mind, unanswered and unheard. Just like always.