Chapter 33

~Grace~

Today was the day. I’d finally be free from Liam once and for all… I hoped.

I stared in the mirror at myself, and even I could see the anxiousness in my eyes clearly. After all, I couldn't force Liam to do anything, and I’m not even really sure what my plan was…

Simply ask him nicely? Beg him? Threaten him? Demand him? Liam was an incredibly jealous and stubborn man, it would not be easy to get him to give up what he wanted so badly to hold onto.

I mean, we were already divorced! His reputation was down the drain, and I didn’t want him back. He couldn’t convince me to do what he wanted, and I’m afraid I couldn’t convince him to do what I wanted.

I sighed, staring at the tanktop, flannel and jeans I wore, my long hair falling over my shoulders. Alex’s moonstone necklace hung around my neck, dazzling in the dim bedroom light.

What was I supposed to wear to ask Liam to reject me? I didn’t want to look too fancy, I wasn’t trying to make him jealous or want me back, so I stuck with something casual.

Maybe then, he’ll look more at Sophia and remember why he betrayed me in the first place.

A knock at my door broke me out of my thoughts. Alex slowly opened the door, peeking in.

“Are you ready?” He asked, almost impatiently.

I straightened up, tossing my hair over my shoulder. “Of course.”

As Alex drove me into the Nightshade pack’s base, I took a good look around at everything. This would probably be the last time I saw it.

I would miss it. The grounds truly were beautiful, and I was proud to call this home, once.

As soon as Alex’s car entered into view, it only took a few moments until it seemed that word had reached Liam. He must have been on high alert ever since I left.

I watched as werewolves gathered around the car, and I cast an anxious look at Alex. What was Liam planning on doing with all of these men?

I looked back at the werewolves. They weren’t just members of the Nightshade pack welcoming me home, they were warriors. They were not friendly faces.

Alex scowled at them, his eyes looking from one warrior to the next, as if challenging each of them.

I took a deep breath. I couldn't just sit in here forever. Locking eyes with Alex, I gave him a nod.

Just before I could open the door, Alex grabbed my arm. Looking back at him with surprise, I was met with an oddly gentle look for Alex.

“You’re going to be fine,” he said firmly. It was definitely short and blunt, but I could tell he was trying to comfort me, and my heart warmed.

“Thank you,” I replied, feeling the anxiety that buzzed in my stomach slightly lessen.

Opening the car door, I stepped out, and warriors fanned out as I walked, giving me space to move. However, they closed in behind me, blocking my way back.

I was led straight to Liam, who stood right in front of the doorway, his arms crossed.

Oh, Liam.

He had a wild look in his eye, and he looked… oddly well-groomed. His hair had been done neatly, and he wore a recently-pressed suit. What was the occasion?

Did he know I was coming?

“Grace,” he said sharply as I came into view. I crossed my arms defensively over my chest.

“Liam,” I responded, giving him the same tone back.

This displeased him, as he scowled at me. Good. We were off on the right foot. I didn’t want him to like me at all.

“You came here of your own free will,” Liam said, as a statement, staring intensely at me.

I raised an eyebrow at him. Yes, that was obvious. Alex hadn’t gotten sick of me and decided to return me or something.

“And you will never leave this property ever again,” Liam continued, his eyes wide with intent.

Oh my god, he really meant it. My stomach twisted. He’d gone insane!

I took a step back, and I bumped into a large warrior, who blocked me. My heart pounded quickly. This had quickly become a situation I was no longer in control of.

A yelp cried through the air and I turned around.

What was that? The warriors shuffled as I saw the tall figure of Alex pushing through the crowd, shoving his way to the front.

His face was stone cold, his eyes locked on Liam with a vicious glare. Even though it wasn’t directed at me, I felt my blood run cold.

If Liam feared Alex at all, he didn’t show it. He lifted his head in defiance, challenging Alex with his own glare.

Alex reached the front, standing boldly next to me with his chest puffed out, and malice dripping from his stance.

“Alex,” I said quietly, but he didn’t respond. It was as if Liam were his only target and nothing else mattered.

“Got sick of her?” Liam sneered, addressing Alex only.

I rolled my eyes. Way to talk about me like I wasn’t standing right here.

“If you’re projecting, you’re doing it well,” Alex responded coolly.

I almost gasped. Alex always had a way with words.

“What-” Liam began, his face twisting in rage.

“You cheated on Grace. It seems like you were the one to get sick of her,” he continued, his black hair partially covering his eyes.

“You thief!” Liam snarled, taking a step forward. The warriors moved in closer around us, and I bumped into Alex’s side as I was pushed forward.

I turned and glared at the warriors. How dare they treat me this way, I knew them, I used to be their Luna!

Alex placed his hand on Liam’s chest, who stopped abruptly, seemingly more shocked that Alex had touched him than he was listening to him.

“Enough of this nonsense,” Alex growled, his gaze dark.

I tried to step back, but bumped into another warrior. Dammit, what could I do?!

“No! You brought her right to me! I’m never letting her go!” Liam roared, slapping Alex’s hand away. His eyes were wide and his face was turning red.

He was desperate, I knew that. But I just couldn’t pity him. He brought this on himself, and I was getting rid of him once and for all.

“I’m right here!” I shouted, and that seemed to snap Liam out of his rage for a moment. “Don’t talk about me like I’m not!”

Liam looked at me with a look of crazed longing. It made me shiver, it was a little bit horrifying, but I stood my ground.

“I divorced you! Release me and break our bond!”

Liam’s face fell, and his eyes turned cold. There was a moment where he didn’t respond, and I actually thought he might be considering it.

“No,” he finally said, his tone quiet, but serious. “No, you’re mine. I marked you, and I’m never letting you go.”

Of course. I sighed. What now? How else was I going to convince him?

“I’ve never seen a fool bigger than you,” Alex said coldly, staring at Liam, who’s eyes snapped to look at him.

However, Alex remained unphased. “I challenge you to a duel, king against king. If I lose, I will transfer all of my honor and achievements to you, and your reputation may be salvaged.”

I gasped. What did he think he was doing?!

“But, if you lose, you must sever your mate bond with Grace and release her forever,” Alex finished.