"I mean, come on," I continued between gasps, my voice rough with emotion. "Someone like me? A nobody who spent most of his life silenced in a brothel? You really think I'd have the guts to trick an Alpha like you? You would've seen through me in a heartbeat. And if I ever did try something like that, you'd have killed me right then and there."
I tilted my head, offering a sweet, almost innocent smile. "Unless, of course, you're disagreeing with being strong and smart. In which case, by all means please keep insisting that I orchestrated murders that never even existed."
Cassian fell silent. The tension in the room thickened, clinging to the air like fog. I could feel his eyes locked on me, searching, weighing.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he spoke.
"You're right, Zane," he murmured, though his voice cold. Then came a sudden burst of forced laughter. "I was just trying to make you laugh, and I guess I succeeded. You really do recover faster when you laugh, don't you?"
"I know, right?" I replied, my voice light as I tilted my head coyly again, playing the part. "Thank you so much, Alpha Cassian. That was quite an expensive joke, but I suppose that's expected from someone as powerful and intelligent as you. I can't imagine you cracking simple jokes but only the kind that nearly gives people a heart attack."
I paused, my smile sharpening just slightly. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were scared one of your brothers might get to me first."
Cassian chuckled under his breath, the sound low and velvety. But something flickered in his gaze, something dark and unreadable.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it, Zane," he said as he stood from the bed. With slow, deliberate movements, he leaned in closer.
I instinctively tried to shift away, unease prickling down my spine. But his hand darted out, catching me by the neck, not hard, not painful, but firm. Possessive. His fingers pressed just enough to remind me who held the power.
He pulled me toward him, his breath warm against my skin.
"I'll be leaving now," he said smoothly, as though we were simply exchanging pleasantries. "But I'll send a servant to tend to your needs shortly. And get well soon…"
His gaze darkened, and his next words dripped with intent.
"Because I can't wait to have that tight little asshole of yours."
Fuck! What a bastard!
My breath caught. I choked, coughing as he finally released me. He stepped back, that same warm, deceitful smile curling his lips as if he hadn't just said something vile.
"That should count as compensation for the joke, don't you think, Zane?" he added lightly, almost teasingly.
Then, without another word, he turned and strolled toward the door. He opened it with casual ease and paused just long enough to glance back over his shoulder, his eyes gleaming.
"See you soon, Zane."
And with that, he stepped out, shutting the door behind him with a soft click that felt far too final.
Before I could even begin to process what had just happened, the door creaked open again.
A young woman stepped inside, elegant and precise in every movement. She had long, jet-black hair tied into a neat bun, and she wore a pristine white gown under a black apron, standard uniform, yet on her, it looked almost ceremonial. Her expression was composed, her smile practiced, but her eyes… her eyes were cold.
"Greetings, young master Zane," she said smoothly, inclining her head. "I am the maid assigned to assist you."
So soon?
Her voice was warm, but it rang hollow.
"My name is Sofia. Please feel free to call upon me for anything you need."
The moment hung, unnatural and strained. I stared at her, my heart still thudding from Cassian's departure.
Her demeanor screamed reluctance. Not openly disrespectful, she was far too well-trained for that but the stiffness in her shoulders, the way her lips barely curved, the vacant quality behind her eyes… It was clear she didn't want to be here.
Probably forced.
Probably disgusted.
After all, I was an omega in this world.
To most people in this place, that alone made me little more than a tool. A breathing, talking, breeding machine. Something to bend over, fuck, and seed. Not a person. Not someone worthy of respect.
How pathetic.
"Thanks, Sofia," I finally replied, flashing her a warm smile, even though I still felt slightly off balance from Cassian's earlier visit. I mean a maid acting displeased in serving me is the least of my worries. She could die from anger for all I care.
"Anyways, it's time to have your bath, young master," Sofia announced, her voice smooth and professional. "You'll be having dinner with the patriarch of this estate tonight. He's expressed interest in meeting the omega his sons have selected for themselves."
I choked on my breath.
Wait, what?
My eyes widened, and I coughed a little, stunned by the news. There's a patriarch? I hadn't even considered the possibility. So those bastards have a father after all.
"And before dinner," Sofia continued, completely unfazed by my reaction, "you may stroll through the garden, or perhaps go shopping, anywhere you wish. You'll be driven there, of course."
I blinked, my mind catching on the word that mattered most.
Shopping.
Now that sounded like something I could use right now.
"Oh yeah. I should definitely do some shopping," I replied with another smile, reaching up to touch my hair. "And of course, get a haircut."
The Zane of this world had let his hair grow so long it brushed against his waist. Honestly, it felt like I was dragging around a curtain. I couldn't live with that.
Not me.
I needed something fresh, something sexy. Something that actually felt like me. Maybe a sharp cut to bring out my cheekbones, even if they were still hidden beneath all the weight I'd lost.
"Alright then, young master. It's time," Sofia said with a respectful nod.