Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 182

**The Heart I Buried for You by Serene Lockwood**

Felix’s fangs elongated, sharp and menacing, while his wolfish fur bristled along the nape of his neck, sending a wave of his potent scent crashing through the room like an impending storm. The atmosphere thickened with tension, electrifying the air around them.

Deanna maintained a steady composure, her voice unwavering as she replied, “It doesn’t matter who gave them to me. All we want are the photos.” Her words hung in the air, a challenge wrapped in calm authority.

A flicker of malice ignited in Felix’s eyes, a glint that revealed the predator within. He leaned back in his chair, the corners of his mouth twisting into a cold, mocking sneer that sent shivers down Zelena’s spine.

“You truly believe this is enough to intimidate me?” he scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. “Do you think I’ve survived this long in the ruthless world of the wolf pack without mastering how to deal with situations like this?” His bravado echoed in the room, but beneath it, Zelena could sense the underlying threat.

Zelena paled, her heart racing as she recalled the cunning and ruthless nature of Felix. She understood all too well the depths of his ambition; he wouldn’t have climbed so high in the business world without being a master manipulator.

Maggie’s anxiety bubbled to the surface, her earlier confidence wavering. She had genuinely believed that this evidence would be enough to scare Felix into submission, but now doubt crept into her mind.

Deanna, however, remained unfazed. Perhaps it was the countless hours spent with Luis that had instilled a sense of calm within her. Luis always exuded an air of control, an untouchable presence that seemed to envelop her. His unwavering confidence had become a part of her, a shield against the chaos surrounding them.

With a composed smile, Deanna leaned forward slightly, her voice steady and measured. “If I can get my hands on this evidence, you should know my backer has the means to destroy you.” The words were deliberate, each syllable weighted with the promise of consequences.

At that moment, Felix’s expression shifted, the color draining from his face. He prided himself on being meticulous, on never leaving loose ends. The realization that someone could unearth evidence against him sent a tremor of unease through him.

For a brief moment, silence enveloped them, the tension palpable. Felix’s glare bore into Deanna, his teeth clenched in frustration. “Didn’t know you had it in you. Zelena, I’ll remember this,” he spat, his voice low and threatening.

He shot a glance at his assistant, who immediately understood the unspoken command and rushed out to fetch the incriminating photos. The anticipation hung heavy in the air as they waited, each second stretching into eternity.

Moments later, Felix’s assistant returned, a bag of photos clutched tightly in his hands. He tossed it onto the table with a careless flick of his wrist.

Zelena’s heart raced as she snatched the bag, ripping it open with a sense of urgency. Maggie and Deanna leaned in, their eyes wide with a mixture of dread and curiosity.

Inside, an array of nude photos lay exposed from every conceivable angle—some captured in the intimacy of the bathroom, others taken in the privacy of her own home.

Once they departed, the room felt eerily empty, the silence suffocating. Zelena sank into a chair, her body trembling as the weight of the confrontation settled upon her.

She buried her face in her hands, tears slipping through her fingers as her voice cracked with despair. “How could I ever have fallen for a guy like that? How did I let myself get so pathetic?” The vulnerability she felt was overwhelming, a stark contrast to the fierce spirit within her.

Deanna and Maggie took turns wrapping their arms around her, offering comfort and support as she struggled to regain her footing. Slowly, the storm within her began to calm, the waves of anger receding.

It was then that Violet called, her voice bright and cheerful as she announced her return.

Deanna quickly filled her in on the harrowing events of the day, the gravity of their encounter weighing heavily in her tone.

Without hesitation, Violet booked a private booth at a nearby bar, her invitation ringing with a promise of reprieve. “Come blow off some steam,” she urged, her enthusiasm a balm for their frayed nerves.

Half an hour later, Deanna and Violet arrived at the bar, the vibrant atmosphere a stark contrast to the turmoil they had just faced. The night was young, and perhaps, just perhaps, they could find solace in the company of friends.