Chapter 54

Ciara's POV “How could you, Lauren? You were supposed to be mine!” Zach yelled, his voice cracking with frustration. “I’ve wanted you for years. This jerk just met you! Why couldn’t you accept me?” I didn’t flinch. My voice was calm but commanding. “Open the gate. Let him in.” The gate guards glanced at Ashton for approval before slowly swinging the gate open. I could have bypassed the whole thing, lifted both men over the fence without breaking a sweat, but I chose to be polite. I’m on their turf, and I’m doing my best to respect their pack’s boundaries. Besides, the less they know about the extent of my power, the better. Power flaunted carelessly becomes a weakness others can exploit. “Are you serious right now?” Lauren snapped, glaring at Zach. “I don’t like you. I never did. I’ve told you that more times than I can count. I only ever wanted my mate and you knew that. It’s why you were always so angry with my father.” She stopped there, realizing she was getting dangerously close t