SAVED BY THE LYCAN KING novel Chapter 21

JACKSON'S POV

I stood by the window, watching the scene unfold. A grin spread across my face as I watched the guards drag Elise out of the car and into the palace.

The sound of her sobs and the sight of her tear-streaked face sent a thrill of satisfaction through me. Everything had gone according to plan, and now she was right where she belonged—under my control. Soon enough, I heard a knock on my door. I knew it was them.

"Bring her in," I commanded. The guards complied. They opened the door, shoving her forward until she stumbled and fell to her knees at my feet. I looked down at her, enjoying how vulnerable she looked. She was a mess— her eyes were puffy from crying, her hair was disheveled, her body wracked with sobs and her clothes were torn from the rough handling. It was a beautiful sight.

"Leave us," I ordered the guards, waving them away.

"Prepare for her arrival." They nodded and exited the room without a word, leaving Elise and me alone. I took a step closer, enjoying the way she moved away from me.

"Welcome back, Elise," I said. "I have to say, it’s quite satisfying to see you like this." Her eyes blazed with hatred as she looked up at me.

"You bastard," she spat "You set me up. You humiliated me. You won’t get away with this."

I laughed loudly "Oh, Elise, you’re in no position to make threats. Look at you. Pathetic, weak, and completely at my mercy."

Tears glistened in her eyes but she blinked them away.

"I hate you," she whispered, her voice breaking. I crouched down in front of her, close enough to see the tears falling from her eyes.

"I know you do. And I have to admit, I’m quite enjoying your pain. It’s a fitting punishment for a stupid bitch like you." She flinched at my words. More tears spilled from her eyes.

"Why are you doing this?" she asked, her voice trembling. "What did I ever do to you?"

I stood up and walked over to the window, looking out with a satisfied expression. "You defied me, Elise. You thought you could escape my wrath. But now you see, no one escapes me."

She let out a sob "You’re a monster,"

I turned back to her with a grin. "Perhaps," I said with a shrug. "But I’m a monster who gets what he wants."

I gestured to one of the guards standing by the door. "Take her to her new room," I ordered.

The guard stepped forward and roughly pulled her to her feet. As she was dragged away, she looked back at me. I simply smiled and waved.

My whole body trembled with fear. The smell alone was enough to make me gag. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I couldn't afford to show weakness now. Not when I was already so vulnerable.

"Ferris..." I whispered his name, my voice cracking. Thinking of him was both a form of comfort and sadness. I missed him already. In his presence, I felt safe, protected and happy. Now, I'm back to the nightmare that's my life. The guards laughed as they left. Their voices echoed down the corridor.

I listened to the sound of their footsteps fade away, and then the silence closed in. I forced myself to move, to take a look around. There was nothing in the room besides the bed and a small, rusted bucket in the corner that I assumed was meant to serve as a toilet. I slowly approached the bed, my skin crawling at the sight of it. It was covered in dirt and rust.

The metal frame creakef as I sat down. I could feel the cold seeping through my clothes. I tried to find a position that was at least somewhat comfortable, but it was impossible. Every movement made the bed groan and shift, and the blankets did little to provide warmth.

Closing my eyes, I tried to block out the reality of my situation. I willed myself to sleep, but the cold and the discomfort kept me awake.

Every time I started to drift off, I would jerk awake, my body aching from the hard surface. Suddenly, I felt a slimy touch on my leg. I jumped back in shock.

To my surprise, I could see a figure standing by the bed. His outline was barely visible, but the smell of his body filled the room. It was a horrible smell.

"Who's there?" I whispered in fear. A slow laugh echoed through the room. "You're not alone, sweetheart," I moved to the far side of the bed. My wolf stirred inside me. The man took a step closer, and I could see his twisted grin. He laughed loudly. From his looks, I could tell he was insane.

"Get away from me!" I screamed.