Elowen's POV

The soft glow of candlelight flickered between us, casting warm shadows across the polished table. I sat across from Zephyr in one of the fanciest restaurants I had ever been to, and my heart raced not just from the exquisite atmosphere but from the revelations of the day. The air was thick with the smell of gourmet food, but all I could taste was the weight of what had happened earlier.

As I picked at my food, my mind drifted back to our earlier encounter. I couldn't shake the image of the tortured man, the realization that Zephyr was capable of such brutality. He had gone above and beyond to ensure my safety, eliminating my sleazy landlord without a second thought. Even though I had planned to leave that life behind, he had stepped in and taken care of it for me, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

I glanced up to meet Zephyr's intense gaze, and my breath caught in my throat. There was a storm of emotions behind his eyes—anger, protectiveness, and something deeper that I couldn't quite decipher. I felt a flutter in my chest as I remembered his words, his actions, how he had obliterated that man with a level of ruthlessness that made my stomach churn. The thought that he would go to such lengths for my safety made me appreciate him even more.

Zephyr's fierce determination and willingness to protect those he cared about struck me deeply. The sheer intensity of his actions made his words resonate within me in a way they hadn't before. I realized he could have easily hidden that side of himself from me, pretended to be someone he wasn't, but instead, he had laid bare his reality—the darkness he carried and the lengths he would go to protect those he loved, even me.

I couldn't help but admire him for it. This was more than just a man trying to impress me; this was a guardian shaped by a difficult childhood, molded by the need to protect those he loved. I marveled at how someone so capable of violence could also be so caring, so gentle in moments that mattered.

My heart ached at the thought of the sacrifices he made, the burdens he carried to keep his family safe. I had entered into this complicated world without fully understanding the depth of the ties that bound them together, and now I found myself longing to understand it even more.

As dinner continued, I stole glances at him, trying to memorize every detail of his face—the strong jawline, the dark hair falling just above his piercing eyes, the way he focused so intently on me as if I were the only thing in the world.

As we finished dinner, the clinking of silverware faded into the background, and a sense of satisfaction settled within me. I could still feel the warmth of Zephyr's gaze as we walked out of the restaurant, and I was lost in my thoughts, replaying the moments we had shared.

But just as we stepped onto the sidewalk, my thoughts were interrupted. A stunning woman approached, her figure draped in a sleek dress that hugged every curve. Her smile was dazzling, but the way her eyes landed on Zephyr sent a surge of jealousy through me.

"Zephyr! Is that really you?" she cooed, her voice dripping with flirtation as she stepped closer, closing the space between them. "It's been ages! I thought you'd forgotten about me."

He stiffened beside me, a subtle tension running through his body as he tried to sidestep her advances. "I'm busy," he replied curtly, his tone flat.

But the woman was relentless, leaning closer and batting her eyelashes. "Oh, come on! Just a quick drink? We used to have so much fun together."

I felt my heart race, anger bubbling just beneath the surface. Who did she think she was? I could see the annoyance on Zephyr's face, but it was mixed with something else—something darker. He didn't want her attention, and yet she persisted.

In a moment of boldness, I pushed past her, positioning myself between them. I couldn't let this woman have her way, not when Zephyr was right beside me. With a swift movement, I grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him towards me, kissing him fiercely. The taste of his lips ignited a fire within me, and I made sure to keep my eyes locked on the woman as I did it.

Her expression morphed from surprise to shock, her mouth falling open as she registered what was happening. For a brief second, I reveled in the satisfaction of seeing her scorned, her confident facade cracking.

When I finally pulled away from Zephyr, my breath came in quick bursts, my heart racing not just from the kiss but from the audacity of my actions. I couldn't believe I had done that. I glanced back at the woman, whose eyes were filled with disbelief before she turned on her heel and walked away, a look of disdain etched on her face.

I turned to Zephyr, expecting a smirk or a teasing comment, but what I saw was far more intense. His expression was shocked, eyes stormy and dark, swirling with an unspoken emotion that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Elowen," he murmured, the way he said my name wrapped in an unexpected gravity.

Before I could respond, he took my hand, leading me towards the car with a purposeful stride. The warmth of his grip sent a jolt through me, but I couldn't shake off the nervousness bubbling inside. Did I really just do that? Did I claim him like that?

Once we reached the car, he opened the door for me, his demeanor shifting slightly as he helped me inside. The silence was thick as he slid into the driver's seat, and I felt my cheeks flush, both from embarrassment and excitement.

As he started the engine, I stole a glance at him, but he was focused on the road, his jaw clenched tight. I looked away, biting my lip, unsure of what to say. The thrill of my impulsive act was still coursing through me, but the air between us felt charged, heavy with unspoken words and emotions.

What had I just done?

The car ride back to the building was charged with an electric tension that left me on edge. Zephyr's silence was almost suffocating, and I could feel the weight of his gaze on the road ahead, his expression dark and unreadable. My heart raced as I stole glances at him, trying to decipher what was running through his mind. Was he angry? Did he like her?

As we stepped into the elevator, the silence pressed down around us like a heavy fog. I could feel the air thick with unspoken words, and it made my stomach twist uncomfortably. This wasn't the comfortable silence we often shared; this felt serious, and I could sense that I had crossed some sort of line.

There's a time for bravery and a time to retreat, I reminded myself, trying to calm the rising panic within me. This was definitely the time to retreat.

The elevator dinged, signaling our arrival at the penthouse floor. Without thinking, I hurriedly stepped out, the doors sliding shut behind me. "Good night, Zephyr," I rushed out, forcing a smile, hoping to ease the tension that hung in the air. "Thanks for the meal."

I turned, my heart pounding as I made a beeline for my door, feeling a sense of victory at my escape. But just as I reached the threshold, I felt a powerful presence behind me. In an instant, I was swept off my feet, and before I could process what was happening, a muscular arm wrapped around my waist, lifting me effortlessly from the ground.

"Where do you think you're going, little girl?" Zephyr's voice was low, a dangerous edge to it that sent a thrill down my spine.

I gasped, my heart racing faster than before as I was pulled against him. I turned to look up at him, his intense gaze locking onto mine, and I could see the storm brewing in his eyes.

"Put me down!" I protested weakly, though a part of me relished being so close to him, feeling his strength surrounding me.

He ignored my plea, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth as he began walking toward his penthouse, my body pressed against his chest. "You're coming with me, Elowen."

Before I could think too much about it, he carried me through the door, his grip firm yet possessive, making it clear that he had no intention of letting me go.

As we crossed the threshold, he leaned in closer, his breath warm against my ear. "What have I said about running from me?" His voice was low, dangerously smooth, sending shivers down my spine.

I swallowed hard, my heart racing as I met his stormy gaze. There was no escaping now.

Zephyr carried me effortlessly down the hallway, my heart racing with every step. He finally settled me on the edge of his bed, the plush comfort of the sheets contrasting with the tension crackling between us. I could feel my nerves spiking, uncertainty flooding my mind.

"I'm sorry," I fumbled out, barely able to meet his intense gaze.

He held my chin firmly, forcing me to look up at him. "You need to be responsible for your actions, sweetheart."

Confusion washed over me, and I opened my mouth to ask what he meant, but before I could find the words, he took my hand and placed it on top of his very large bulge, the heat radiating through the fabric shocking me.

"This is what I mean," he said, his voice low and rough, filled with a mix of frustration and something deeper. "You don't just kiss a man like that and think there won't be consequences."

My breath hitched as I processed what he was saying, the reality of the moment crashing down on me.

"Z-Zephyr," I stammered, my cheeks flushing. "I didn't mean to—"

Before I could even think of protesting, Zephyr slammed his lips against mine, capturing me in a brutal kiss that left no room for doubt. It was a clash of hunger and desire, his lips demanding and possessive. He held my hands tightly in one of his, the other gripping my neck firmly, not painfully but possessively, like he was claiming me for himself.

"Shut the fuck up, baby," he growled against my mouth, his voice low and filled with lust. "You're going to let me take control tonight. No more running. You understand?"

I nodded, feeling a rush of heat flood my cheeks as he kissed me harder, his tongue dancing with mine in a way that made my head spin. There was a rawness to him, a wildness that mirrored the chaotic emotions raging inside me.

"Damn, you're so fucking beautiful," he hissed, pulling back just enough to look into my eyes, his grip on my neck tightening slightly. "Trying to claim me with a kiss? You really think you can tease me like that and get away with it?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but he silenced me with another fierce kiss, his tongue dominating my mouth as he pressed me back against the bed. "You have no idea what you did to me, Elowen. I've been wanting to fuck you senseless since the moment you kissed me. I've barely held myself back but I can't, not anymore."

His words sent a jolt of electricity through me, igniting the fire deep within. I could feel his need radiating off him, the way he pressed against me, hard and demanding. "You're mine, and I'm going to show you just how much," he growled, pulling away slightly to meet my gaze.

"Now be a good girl and let me have what I want," he commanded, his voice thick with desire. The air crackled with tension, and I felt my resolve begin to crumble under his intense stare.

"Get ready for me, baby," he growled, his voice low and demanding. "I'm going to make you feel so fucking good, you won't even remember your own name." He kissed with an increased intensity, until I was pushing him away to breathe.

Before I could catch my breath, he was on me again, crashing his lips against mine with a ferocity that left me reeling. His tongue plunged into my mouth, hot and demanding, as if he intended to claim me completely. "Do you know how hard you make me?" he snarled against my lips, his breath coming in heavy bursts. "You're so fucking irresistible, it drives me insane."

His mouth trailed down to my neck, and he bit down hard, marking me with a possessive growl. "I want everyone to know you're mine, Elowen. Mine to fuck, mine to keep."

I let out a moan, the mix of pain and pleasure sending shockwaves through my body. "Zephyr..." I gasped, but he silenced me with a brutal grip on my throat, squeezing just enough to make my vision blur.

"Just shut up and let me take control," he commanded, his voice dark and gravelly. "I promise you'll love it. You're going to be my good little girl tonight, and I'll give you everything you've been craving."

With that, he shoved his hands down my sides, fingers digging into my skin as he explored every curve of my body with a possessive intensity that made me shiver. "You like this, don't you?" he asked, his eyes locked onto mine, fierce and challenging. "You like knowing that I want you, that I'm going to make you feel incredible."

"Yeah, you are," I managed to stammer, my voice trembling with both excitement and fear.

"Damn right I am," he shot back, a wicked smile spreading across his lips. "And you're going to beg for it, aren't you? I want to hear you say it, baby. Tell me how much you want me."

"I want you, Zephyr," I breathed, my heart racing in response to his demanding presence. "I want you so much."

"Good girl," he praised, leaning down to capture my lips again, his kiss rougher this time, as if he wanted to consume me entirely. His hands were everywhere, sliding beneath my shirt and tearing it off with a ruthless efficiency that left me exposed and vulnerable beneath his fierce gaze.

"Look at you," he said, his eyes drinking in the sight of me. "You're so fucking perfect. And tonight, I'm going to ruin you for anyone else."

He yanked my bra off, and without a second thought, he took one nipple into his mouth, sucking hard and pinching the other with his fingers. The sensations crashed over me, and I cried out at the force of it. "You'll remember this, Elowen," he growled, pulling back just enough to meet my gaze. "I'm going to make you mine in every way."

I felt the tip of his cock near my entrance as he continued his assault on my breast. He abruptly pushed himself inside, making me let out a scream at the sheer size of his member. Pain mingled with pleasure as he kept sucking my nipples, overstimulating my sensitive breasts.

He didn't let up for a second. With every thrust of his tongue and every savage bite, he pushed me closer to the edge, my body responding to him against my will. "You're taking this, Elowen," he growled, his voice laced with raw desire. "You'll take everything I give you."

"Zephyr, please..." I whimpered, the overstimulation becoming almost unbearable. "I can't—"

"Can't what?" he taunted, pulling back just enough to meet my gaze, his eyes dark and filled with a predatory hunger. "Can't handle it? You're stronger than that, baby. I know you can take it."

His hands roamed lower, gripping my thighs with a bruising intensity as he spread my legs apart. The heat from his body was almost suffocating, and I could feel the weight of his desire pressing down on me. "I'm going to fuck you so good, you'll forget your own name," he declared, his voice a deep growl that sent shivers down my spine.

"Stop!" I gasped, my body instinctively arching away from the overwhelming sensations. But he only laughed, a dark, wicked sound that made my heart race.

"Stop? You think I'm going to stop when you're begging for more?" He pressed his body against mine, pinning me to the bed as he continued his relentless assault on my senses. "You're going to take it, Elowen. You're going to take everything I give you and love every second of it."

His hands roamed over my body, fingers gripping my breasts roughly, kneading them as he leaned down to suck my nipples, pulling hard with his lips. "You like that, don't you?" he murmured against my skin, the vibrations sending jolts of pleasure through me. "You're so fucking sensitive, it drives me wild."

"Zephyr, I—"

"Don't you dare say it," he interrupted, his grip tightening around my neck just enough to keep me on edge. "You're not going to run away from this, not from me. You need to understand that you're mine now, and I'm going to claim you completely."

He pushed deeper, his movements rough and unforgiving. Every thrust sent jolts of pleasure coursing through me, and I felt like I was losing control. "Please, I can't..." I pleaded, gasping for air as he continued to toy with my breasts, squeezing them harder, teasing my nipples with his fingers.

"Take it, Elowen," he commanded, his eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made my heart race. "You're going to take it all and love it. I know you want this as much as I do."

With a deep, primal growl, he surged forward, claiming my mouth with his again, the kiss heated and filled with a desperate need. I could feel myself spiraling out of control, caught between the ecstasy he was giving me and the fear of what he might do next.

"I won't stop," he murmured against my lips, his breath hot and heavy. "Not until you're begging for more. And trust me, baby, I know just how to push you over that edge."

He tightened his grip on my breasts, fingers digging in as he continued to thrust against me, the pressure building to an unbearable peak. "You like it rough, don't you?" he growled, his voice low and dark. "You want me to make you feel every fucking thing."

"Zephyr, I—"

"Shh," he hushed, capturing my mouth again as his fingers worked their magic, sending waves of pleasure crashing over me. "Just let it happen."

As Zephyr continued his relentless pace, the world around us faded into a haze of pleasure and overwhelming sensation. Each thrust felt like a claim, a mark of ownership that sent jolts of both fear and exhilaration through me. I gasped, my breath catching as he pulled me closer, burying himself deeper, as if he were trying to meld our bodies together.

"God, you're so fucking tight," he growled, his voice low and rough, laced with the unmistakable hunger that only fueled my own desire. His hands roamed lower, gripping my thighs with a bruising intensity as he spread my legs apart, exposing me completely. The heat radiating from his body was almost suffocating, and I could feel the weight of his desire pressing down on me, turning me into putty beneath his touch.

"I want you to remember who owns you," he said, his breath hot against my ear, sending shivers coursing down my spine. "You'll take everything I give you, and you'll fucking love it."

"Zephyr, please," I whimpered, a mix of pleading and need spilling from my lips. The words barely registered in my mind, lost in the intensity of the moment, but every sound felt like a confession of my surrender.

"Please what, baby?" he taunted, a wicked smile curling on his lips. "You want me to stop? You think I'm going to let you off that easy?" His voice dripped with confidence, commanding and raw, making my heart race with both fear and excitement.

I shook my head, breathless, even as I felt the edge of discomfort flirting with the pleasure he was drawing from me. Every thrust sent shockwaves through my body, each one pushing me closer to the precipice of ecstasy. I could feel the heat pooling in my core, an intense pressure that begged for release, yet there was a part of me that felt overwhelmed by how far we had crossed this line.

But then he leaned down, his breath hot against my ear, his voice a seductive whisper. "You'll take it. You'll take every bit of me until you're begging for more. You'll remember this. You'll remember who owns you."

A shiver ran down my spine at his words, and I felt a mixture of shame and exhilaration swirl within me. He was right; I wanted more. I wanted all of him, no matter how brutal or raw.

"Fuck, you're driving me wild," he muttered, lifting me slightly, changing angles, hitting a spot that sent shockwaves of pleasure crashing through me. I cried out, the sound echoing in the charged air of the room. "That's it, my sweet girl. Let go. Let me hear you."

"Zephyr!" I moaned, my voice rising in pitch as I felt myself teetering on the edge. "I can't—"

"Shh, just focus on me," he murmured, his grip tightening around my hips. With every thrust, he hit that sweet spot inside me, igniting a fire that burned hotter with each passing second. "You're so beautiful like this, just for me."

I gasped as he buried himself deeper, every movement deliberate and primal. "You'll take it," he commanded, a fierce determination in his voice. "You'll take every bit of me until you're begging for more. Let me hear you, Elowen."

"Zephyr!" I whimpered, "I can't, I can't, p-please, no more, it's too much-"

"Yes, you can. Just a little longer. Just for me." He picked up the pace, his movements more frantic, more demanding, each thrust igniting the fire building within me. I felt a wave of euphoria approaching, my body responding to him with instinctual need.

"Take it," he urged, his voice thick with desire as he began to push me toward that sweet release. "You want to come, don't you? I know you do. Just let it happen."

With a cry that felt like it came from my very soul, I surrendered. My body convulsed, pleasure washing over me in waves as I clung to him, losing myself in the intensity of it all. I was overwhelmed, filled with an ecstasy that was both terrifying and electrifying.

His hold of my hips almost bruising, holding me in place as he thrust into me with abandon. "God, you feel so fucking good," he groaned, his voice thick with need. "You're mine, Elowen. You'll always be mine."

As the last waves of pleasure coursed through me, leaving me trembling beneath him, he finally slowed his pace, burying himself deep inside as he pressed his forehead against mine. We both breathed heavily, our bodies intertwined in a tangle of sheets and sweat, the world outside fading into nothingness.

"Did you see how fucking jealous you got?" he teased, a smirk playing on his lips, but there was a warmth in his eyes that made my heart flutter. "You didn't even think twice before pushing that bitch away. You're the only one I want. I wouldn't let anyone else touch me like this." His fingers brushed my cheek, and the roughness in his gaze softened momentarily.

As the reality of what we had just shared settled in, I looked into his stormy eyes, searching for the truth behind his playful banter. "Zephyr..." I started, unsure of what to say, feeling raw and exposed.

He leaned in closer, his expression turning serious. "Listen to me, Elowen. I'm not a guy who'll silently stand at the sidelines if someone tries to mess with you. I'm not that guy. I've done things that would make your skin crawl, things you don't even know about. But for you? I'd burn the world down if it meant keeping you safe."

My heart raced at his words, a mix of fear and thrill coursing through me. "You don't have to—"

"Yeah, I do," he interrupted, his voice low and intense. "You have no idea what it's like to lose someone you care about, to watch them suffer because of people like that scum. I've lost too much, and I'm not losing you, too. You mean too fucking much to me."

"Zephyr..." I breathed, overwhelmed by the weight of his confession.

He held my gaze, his possessiveness palpable. "I know I can be an asshole, and I know I'm not easy to deal with. I'm rough around the edges, and I won't pretend to be anything else. But I want you, Elowen. I want you more than I've wanted anything in a long time. So you can take your time to learn to trust me, but don't run from me and don't doubt the sincerity behind my words."

The way he said it made me shiver, a thrill running down my spine at the thought of his relentless pursuit. My chest tightened, emotions swirling inside me as I processed the gravity of his words.

"Except my brothers, no one's fucking seeing you like this. You're ours, and we don't share." His voice was steady, almost possessive, and it sent a thrill through me. I could feel the tension in his body, the weight of his desire, and I couldn't help but be drawn to it.

The moment hung between us, electric and charged, and despite the edge of danger that lingered in his tone, a part of me couldn't help but fall deeper. There was something about his intensity, the way he claimed me, that ignited a fire in my chest.

"I'm not afraid of you," I whispered, my heart pounding as I stared into his eyes.

"Good," he replied, a wicked smile spreading across his lips, mixing a hint of arrogance with his sincerity. "You shouldn't be."

In that moment, as he pulled me close again, wrapping his arms around me possessively, I realized that despite the chaos, despite the danger that seemed to surround him, I was exactly where I wanted to be. And as I let myself be pulled back into his embrace, I knew I was falling hard for the man who could be both my protector and my wildest nightmare.