I press myself against the cold metal bars, my breath coming in shallow pants. My body trembles—not just from fear, but from the sheer audacity of this situation. A gift? Like I’m some object to be owned?

The scent of the Alpha lingers in the air, suffocating, a silent reminder of the power imbalance between us. She stands there, watching me, unreadable. The dim lighting of the room casts shadows across her face, making it impossible to tell what she’s thinking.

I shiver but lift my chin, refusing to cower completely. Alphas expect submission. They expect obedience. But I will not be reduced to a mere possession, not even by someone as powerful as her.

The extravagant decorations from the party still linger in the corners of the room—gold-trimmed ribbons, scattered petals, unopened gifts stacked neatly in a corner. And then there’s me. The most precious gift of the night, locked inside this cage like a prized possession.

I refuse to be that.

Clenching my fists, I press myself further against the bars, as far away from her as possible. If she thinks I’ll bow my head and accept this, she’s sorely mistaken.