Alpha’s Regret After Putting Me In Jail novel Chapter 98

Chapter 98: A Royal Wolf’s Claim

Chapter 98: A Royal Wolf’s Claim

(Celeste’s POV)

Marcus’s fingers dug into my silver–scarred wrist again, his grip unyielding. The pain from his touch was relentless, sending sharp jolts up my arm as he carelessly handled the raw burns left by Victoria’s silver dagger.

Stay calm, I told myself. Any sign of weakness would only encourage him further.

“So delicate,” Marcus purred, his violet eyes gleaming with twisted amusement as he studied

my reaction.

I fought the urge to pull away, but his grip tightened as if sensing my resistance. His wolf,

Shadowfang, pulsed with dominance, a heavy aura pressing against mine. It wasn’t just

physical force–his wolf pressed on mine emotionally, seeking submission.

“Are you testing me, little mate?” he asked softly, though the cruelty in his voice was

unmistakable.

I stiffened, sensing the trap in his words. Anything I said could provoke him further.

From across the chamber, Regina Blackwood, the Alpha King’s sister, watched us with an air

of satisfaction. Her sharp violet eyes moved between us, missing nothing.

Seated elegantly on her throne–like chair, she exuded power, her wolf radiating the calm

dominance of a royal. Yet her subtle smirks revealed just how much she enjoyed this moment.

“Growing closer already, I see,” Regina said, her voice smooth like polished silver. “I must say,

Marcus, you’ve done well.”

Her words made Marcus’s smile widen. “Of course, Mother,” he replied, his tone dripping with

arrogance. “She’s learning her place.”

Learning my place. How often had I heard that phrase since my return to the Winters Pack?

Each word grated against my nerves, but I masked my emotions carefully.

Regina tilted her head, her perfectly styled black hair shimmering under the light. Her regal appearance was only enhanced by her near–glowing violet eyes.

“Celeste,” she purred, shifting her attention fully to me, “you’ve made quite the impression on

my son.”

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Chapter 98: A Royal Wolf’s Claim

Her words were deliberate, probing. Her wolf rolled against mine, testing for weakness.

“Lady Regina,” I responded formally, forcing my silver–scarred wolf to remain steady, “your

family’s kindness has been… remarkable.”

The polished response earned a raised brow from the older royal. It was clear she relished the

control she held over this situation.

“Remarkable indeed,” Regina echoed, before flicking her gaze to the pendant hanging around

my neck. Alexander’s pendant.

I resisted the urge to touch it as her focus lingered. There was something about the way her

wolf’s aura darkened slightly at the sight, though she said nothing.

“Interesting choice of accessory,” she remarked finally, her tone deceptively light.

“Very modest,” Marcus added with a calculated grin. His violet eyes burned with malice,

flicking from the pendant to my face.

I held my ground, refusing to lower my gaze under Marcus’s scrutiny.

“Though hardly suitable for my future mate, wouldn’t you agree?” he added, his voice dripping

with mockery.

My wolf tensed, curling inward defensively. His words weren’t a compliment–they were a

declaration of control.

“I’ll find you something far more appropriate,” Marcus declared, his grip on my wrist tightening.

“Something deserving of your new status.”

The implication in his tone twisted in my stomach. My wolf bristled, wanting to break free, but I forced her back. Marcus’s violet eyes gleamed with possession, his wolf howling in silent

warning.

“Manners,” Regina chided gently from her seat, though her tone held no real reprimand. “A royal mate deserves only the best, Marcus. Do be mindful.”

Her thinly veiled criticism settled heavily in the room. Though superficially polite, her words carried the weight of warning–as if to remind Marcus that even he remained below her

authority.

For a moment, Marcus’s fingers faltered slightly. It was brief, barely noticeable, but it gave me

a fraction of hope that maybe she wasn’t as utterly cruel as she seemed.

“Of course, Mother,” Marcus replied smoothly, though his tone had cooled slightly.

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Chapter 98: A Royal Wolf’s Claim

Regina stood gracefully, her movements calculated. She gestured toward the ceremonial tools laid out neatly on a long table nearby, their silver glinting ominously in the light.

“Shall we begin selecting materials for the mate–marking ceremony?”

The phrase struck me like a blow, making my wolf recoil.

My gaze landed on the ceremonial dagger first, its blade etched with ancient symbols of bonding and blood.

One swipe of that blade across both our palms, and my life as his mate would be sealed–a

permanent, unbreakable tie to Marcus.

The weight of the realization pressed on my chest, but I forced myself to focus. I couldn’t

afford to show my hesitation now.

Regina’s violet eyes gleamed knowingly as she lifted another item from the table–a

moon–blessed crystal vial. The fragrance of wolfbane and bone ashes reminded me of binding

rituals, sealing not just spirit bonds but also dominance hierarchies.

Her actions seemed graceful, but the deliberate nature of displaying each tool wasn’t lost on

1. me.

“It’s all coming together beautifully,” she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

Marcus suddenly released my wrist, though an unmistakable smirk remained on his lips.

“Choose something, my little mate,” he instructed casually, stepping back enough to grant me

a sliver of space.

I hesitated. Each movement was deliberate now–anything I touched would be noted and held

against me.

As if sensing my unease, Marcus leaned forward slightly, his wolf energy radiating

dominance. “Don’t take too long.”

I turned toward the table, careful to keep my expression calm. Still, I felt their eyes on me- Marcus, watching for signs of hesitation, and Regina, cataloging every decision for potential

manipulation.

My fingers hovered over the ceremonial dagger. Though instinct screamed at me to avoid it, I

couldn’t let them see my fear.

A sudden knock at the chamber doors saved me from making a decision. The tension in the room shifted as Regina turned gracefully to face the interruption.

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** Ponts

Chapter 98: A Royal Wolf’s Claim