Chapter 4 Chapter 4

E L A R A

Kane leaned forward slightly on his throne, his eyes locked on my bare chest, the smirk deepening into something hungrier. "Good," he murmured, the word laced with approval that twisted my gut. "Now the rest. Show me everything, omega. Prove your devotion."

My breath hitched, fingers trembling as they dipped toward the waistband of my panties. The thin lace felt fragile against my skin, a last flimsy shield. I hooked my thumbs into the sides, my pulse roaring in my ears, drowning out everything but the command echoing in my head.

Slowly, as he'd ordered before, I pushed the fabric down over my hips. It slid along my thighs, the cool air kissing my newly bared skin, sending a shiver racing up my spine.

The panties caught briefly at my knees before I stepped out of them, one foot then the other, leaving me utterly naked on the stone floor. My body felt exposed in every sense, vulnerable, raw, the chill of the room raising goosebumps across my arms, my belly, between my legs.

I stood there, legs pressed together instinctively, my hands clenched at my sides to keep from shielding my pussy or my heavy breasts.

His gaze burned into me from his throne, unblinking and intense. His eyes traced downward, lingering first on the swell of my breasts, then dropping to my stiff nipples, peaked and sensitive from the draft and the weight of his attention. He shifted slightly, his smirk fading into a more appraising look, like a predator sizing up its prey.

"It's been ages since I've seen such huge breasts and hard nipples," he said, his voice a deep, resonant timbre that filled the chamber. The words hung there, bold and unfiltered, making my skin flush hotter despite the cold.

Tension coiled tight in my muscles, a sudden urge surging through me to cross my arms over my chest, to hide the fullness he was staring at so openly. My nipples ached under his scrutiny, tightening further, and I fought to hold still, forcing my body to remain open, obedient. Every instinct screamed to curl inward, but I couldn't not with Luca's life hanging in the balance.

His expression softened just a fraction, though his eyes stayed fixed. "Do not take it the wrong way," he continued, his tone measured, almost gentle in its command. "It's a compliment. You have a very beautiful set of breasts, yet you hide them in such a hideous gown."

A strange warmth flickered in my chest at his words, unbidden and confusing. Why did this little compliment ease the knot of shame inside me, even just a bit? I knew my breasts were large, had known it since they first swelled in my youth, drawing leers and crude grabs from men in the pack who saw me as little more than a body to claim.

They'd lusted after them openly, their words always laced with greed or mockery, reducing me to curves and nothing else. And now, Kane's eyes held that same glimmer of hunger, dark and possessive, but the way he phrased it... it landed differently. Appreciative, almost respectful in its directness, without the slobbering vulgarity I'd endured before.

It made my cheeks burn, but not entirely from embarrassment.

From the shadows, Sera's voice shattered the moment, sharp and biting. "Won't you appreciate the Alpha, you spoilt brat? He just complimented you!"

Her yell jolted me, a fresh wave of humiliation crashing over me. My head snapped down immediately, eyes fixed on the floor as I bowed low, my naked body trembling with the effort to submit. "Thank you, Alpha," I murmured, the words tumbling out in a rush, my voice small but steady.

Kane's eyes drifted lower still, past my breasts and belly, settling between my thighs where I stood with legs squeezed tight. The air felt thicker now, pressing against my bare skin, making every inch of me tingle with awareness. I could feel the heat of his stare right there, on my most private spot, and it made my stomach twist in knots.

"Even from the way your pussy is shaped, I can tell it hasn't been touched in a while," he said, his voice steady and low, like he was stating a simple fact. "Does your husband not fuck you, lowly omega? I would assume men of your pack enjoy things like this."

His words hit me like a slap, raw and invasive. My face burned, shame flooding through me hot and fast. Why was he talking like this? Starting a conversation about my body, my life, while I stood here naked and shaking? I came for help for my Luca, not to bare my secrets or let him poke at my pains.

This wasn't the time for questions about my bed or my loneliness. But deep down, a cold fear gripped me, if I stayed quiet, if I pushed back or ignored him, he might turn me away. All this, stripping down, showing everything, it would mean nothing.

Luca's feverish face flashed in my mind, his small body curled under blankets, waiting for medicine only Kane could give. I had to answer, had to play along, no matter how it clawed at my pride.

I swallowed hard, my throat dry as dust. "I do not have a husband," I said finally, the words coming out soft, almost a whisper. My voice cracked a little, betraying the storm inside, anger at his boldness, hurt from old wounds reopening, and a desperate need to keep this going.

Kane tilted his head, his gaze sharpening, still locked on me without mercy. "But you have a son? Where is your husband?"

The question hung there, simple but sharp, cutting right to the heart of my world. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out at first. Hesitation gripped me tight, did I want to share Luca with this man, this Alpha who watched me like prey? Fear bubbled up, mixing with the ache in my chest for my boy. What if admitting it made things worse, gave Kane more power over me?

From the shadows, Sera's voice exploded again, harsh and impatient. "Are you deaf? The Alpha asked you a question!"