Chapter 8.

Diane’s POV.

“Doing well so far?”

I jumped when I heard the voice behind me and spun around to see Ryan standing at the doorway. He had a smirk on his face from my reaction.

“What do you want?” I huffed.

“I’m only trying to be hospitable.”

“Threatening me to stay isn’t very hospitable.”

“Threat? It was an offer, remember?”

“Can you leave? I’m busy.”

“With?” He raised one brow at me, putting both hands in his pocket.

“Nothing that concerns you, Ryan.”

I wasn’t imagining it, his eyes began to change colors from blackish grey to pure grey. I straightened my back as I knew this meant his wolf was taking over.

“I don’t-.”

“Shut up!” He snarled at me and took a step inside the room.

I didn’t move or say anything, just stood there waiting. He had walked fully into the room and was now standing in front of me, staring down at me.

“You see that stupid stunt you pulled in my office a while ago? It’s not going to continue. Call me by my name one more time and I swear you’d beg for your life right now.”

I gulped. Intimidation, I haven’t felt that one in a long while. I wanted to talk back and take him on with his dare but something at the back of my head told me to keep my mouth shut.

“I have nothing to say to your empty threat.” I lifted my chin and he took a step closer.

There was little to no space between us now as we breathed on each other’s faces. Despite the situation I was in, an odd feeling of warmth spread through me in our proximity.

“Please, humor me and try.” His voice was grave.

“I won’t entertain this circus scene you have going on.”

I felt his hand at the base of my neck and when I reached up to pull it away, it slid and was firmly clasped around my neck.

I raised my hand to connect with his face and he quickly took them both in his other hand, pinning them behind me.

“You’re so tiny, I could just snap your head right now and get over it.”

“What’s your obsession with me?”

“You’re so full of yourself, Diane.” He shook his head with a wry chuckle. “To even think you’re attractive is far-fetched.”

For some strange reason, his words stung me, badly. I swallowed again and he grinned because he felt it as his hands were still on my neck.

“f**k you.” I spat. “Ryan.”

In a flash, I was lifted off the ground at slammed into the back wall of the room. My head connected with a harsh impact, a throbbing pain filling it immediately.

“You fucker.” I gasped out.

“You seem to still have so much energy, let’s change that, shall we?”

I hadn’t even opened my mouth before I was pulled forward by my neck and slammed back into the wall. All the air left my windpipe and I tried to claw at his tightened hold on my neck.

“You’d apologize for every single time you’ve been disrespectful and we’d be even.”

I could still barely breathe when I felt him tighten his hold on my neck.

“Being an Alpha rogue might mean everything in the life you’re used to but here, it’s nothing. I’m the Alpha of this pack and your king. That should be easier to get into your head now that it’s broken.”

I lifted my legs and kicked him in the stomach which resulted in having my head smashed into the wall again.

“I’d draw it down to seven times, begin your apologies whenever you feel necessary.”

I knew he wanted me to feel small and humiliated. I was struggling for air and he wanted me to apologize, not once but seven times. As though reading my thoughts, his hand on my neck loosened in the slightest. Not enough but something.

“I’m sorry.” I wheezed out.

“You’re sorry, who?”

“I’m sorry, Alpha Ryan.” I gritted out.

“Six more.” He regaled his hold slightly again.

“I’m sorry, Alpha Ryan.”

“Two.”

“I-I’m s-sorry, Al-alpha Ryan,”

God, I hated this man so much. I didn’t want to break down in front of him but it was so hard to remain composed in a situation like this.

With every word that left my mouth, I felt something inside me break, felt it dissipate. That’s exactly what he wanted.

“Diane, open your freaking mouth.”

“I’m sorry.” I sobbed. “Alpha Ryan.”

I blinked rapidly to stop the tears from rolling down my face. My eyes connected with Alpha Ryan’s and I noticed his eyes had returned to the original color they once were. They now held emotion; remorse and…pity?

I hated being pitied.

“I’m sorry, Alpha Ryan.” I was about to offer another apology when I felt the tear trickle down my face.

So much for holding it in. My tears began to flow, drop after drop, till I was full-on crying. I sobbed and whimpered from the pain while shaking slightly. I had forgotten Alpha Ryan was there until he released his hold on my neck and I slid to the ground as I was too tired to hold myself up.

“I’m s-s-sor. I’m s-sorry.” I gasped for air.

“Diane,” Alpha Ryan spoke softly this time. “You don’t have-.”

“I’m sorry, Alpha Ryan. I’m sorry, Alpha Ryan.” I rushed out before he could complete his sentence.

I didn’t want his pity. I curled myself in a ball and lay on the floor, calming myself down.

“Diane.” I heard him speak and opened my eyes to see him crouching in front of me.

I closed my eyes back and continued focusing on myself while hoping desperately he’d just go away. He called out to me once more and when I still didn’t respond, he sighed. I listened to his shuffling before he stood up then retreating footsteps as he left the room.

I could finally breathe properly now that I was alone. I took in deep breaths and cried silently to myself. Maybe if I had shut the door when I came in, he wouldn’t have come in.

Maybe if you had just kept your mouth shut like I told you to, none of this would have happened.

I shot up from the floor the moment I heard the voice within me.

“My wolf.” I gasped.

I hadn’t felt her in so long, so many years. Relief washed over me as I realized I may now be able to shift into my wolf form without needing the potions John makes for me on a regular. If not, I’d try making them myself here if I can get all the ingredients. Regardless, I was glad to finally be able to feel my wolf again.

I wiped my eyes clean and stood to my feet, wobbling a little. I felt energetic again as I made my way into the bathroom to clean myself up.

I caught my reflection in the mirror and grimaced. Familiar words came rushing back into my head and I gritted my teeth.

Eventually, he’d pay, I told myself. After all, I had just completed phase two of my plan.