Hadley's POV

My body wanted to recoil as Nolan's hand rested on the small of my back pulling me in so I was pressed against his body. He sneered at West showing me off like I was some prize to be won. I had hoped the ancontium leaves ground up in Nolan's drink would have knocked him out longer to avoid me having to be near him anymore tonight then I already have. We had danced through the crowd making our way to the other side. I had lost sight of Tate and West.

"Come, let's go outside," Nolan pulled me to the doors leading to the gardens. Still covered in a light frost from the cold spring evening.

My eyes darted the gardens. My pulse quickened. Nolan walked casually eyeing me. As though he could see right through my bored gaze.

"Hadley.. Why do you resent me?" He said as we made our way to the fountain at the center.

"I don't resent you," I said innocently, my back hitting the stone. Nolan put his arm on either side of my face cornering me in. I was forced to meet his dark gaze.

"Don't lie to me Hadley,"

He moved his head in so that his fangs were on my neck. My heart was racing in fear as he placed a kiss that trailed up to my jawline.

"I can feel you lying," his mouth curved upwards.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I said quietly.

"I'm not some fool Hadley!" he slammed his fist into the stone. "Now darling I have a short temper. I don't want you to see that side of me," his lips were back on my neck. I tried to mind the link with Tate and West. But there was nothing. The link was completely silent.

"Get off of me," I growled, shoving his chest.

"Worried your mate is going to catch us?" He raised his eyebrows.

All the color instantly drained out of my face. Only causing that wicked smirk on his face to grow bigger.

"I'm surprised Hadley you'd be willing to settle for a beta. When you can have all of this," his arms spread out.

He thought West was my mate. Not Tate.

"How did you know?" I asked. Forcing my face to show a mix of shock and quiet fear.

"The way he acts. The way his scent is all over you," Nolan grabbed my wrists holding them to my side. "You should know Hadley. I don't like to share what's rightfully mine," he said growling in my ear.

"I'm not yours. I will never be yours," I spat.

"Hadley you have and always will be mine. You were promised me. I intend to collect on that promise," he said pushing into me.

"Bullshit".

"Warren knew what he was doing when he offered you up. You were still just a girl but I was patient,".

"What are you talking about?"

"Your father gave you to me. He probably thought I wouldn't be able to find you hidden in the mortal world. But the deal was made by blood years ago,".

"You're lying," I couldn't help it as the tears welled in my eyes.

"Pity about the human boy and now West too," Nolan smiled.

"If you touch him!"

"Come with me and I won't"

Nolan ran his finger over my cheek wiping away the tears. I cringed at his touch. No longer hiding how I felt towards him.

"Even if you go back the blood oath is still in place. You are mine Hadley you can only avoid it for so long," his black eyes watched me intently as I processed everything.

"If I go with you... you will not hurt any of them," I said, tears now coming fully out.

"Cross my heart," Nolan said, tracing an X over his heart. Which I'm sure was just a void of space.

"I hate you" I snarled.

"Hate and love. Such close emotions. Soon my darling you'll hate just how much you love me," He held my chin so I was forced to stare into those depthless eyes.