From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 175

Chapter 175

Something primal roared to life in my chest. My canines began to extend involuntarily.

Easy there,” Peter whispered urgently.

I forced myself to retract my fangs, but the rage remained. Watching another man touch her, hold her, make her smile-it was torture.

Then the lights went out.

*The sudden darkness brought confused murmurs and nervous laughter from the crowd.

“What’s happening?” Peter asked.

“Look around.”

Couples throughout the ballroom were taking advantage of the darkness, moving closer together, some already kissing.

My gaze snapped back to Sable and Chris. They were standing close-too close-in the middle of the dance floor.

The thought of him kissing her in the darkness made me see red.

Without thinking, I moved toward the light controls on the wall. A quick flip of the switches, and the ballroom was flooded with light.

Startled gasps echoed around the room. Couples sprang apart, blinking in the sudden brightness.

I searched frantically for Sable and Chris. They were still standing close, but no kiss had happened. Thank God.

The relief was short-lived as the lights dimmed again-the official restart of the event.

This time, I didn’t go for the switches.

This time, I went for Sable.

I moved through the darkened ballroom, using my enhanced senses to navigate between the dancing couples. I could hear Sable’s heartbeat, smell her scent even in the crowded room.

She was standing near the center of the dance floor, probably disoriented by the darkness.

In one smooth motion, I swept her up into my arms. She gasped in surprise, but before she could cry out, I was already moving toward the

exit.

End Flashback

Now we’re in the hotel corridor, and she’s still fighting me.

“Answer me, damn it!’ Sable shouts, “Why are you here? What gives you the right-

I reach the end of the hallway where it branches into a quieter section. Soft lighting creates intimate shadows along the cream- colored walls. The sounds of the party fade to a distant hum.

Finally, I set her down.

But I don’t step back.

…

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Fri, 22 Aug

Chapter 175

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Instead, I brace my hands against the wall on either side of her head, caging her between my body and the cool surface behind her.

“You want to know why I’m here? My voice comes out rougher than intended.

Her eyes widen slightly, but the defiance doesn’t leave them. “Yes, 1–

I silence her with my mouth. My lips crash against hers with barely controlled force.

“Mmph- She tries to protest, her hands pushing against my chest.

But I don’t pull away. If anything, the kiss deepens. My eyes flutter closed as I lose myself in the taste of her-sweet like the

strawberry macarons.

She kept pushing me away. “Mmph… let go… Caelan…” The words came out muffled against my lips.

When she kept her teeth clenched shut, refusing me access, I slid my hand to her waist and pinched.

“Ah!” The small sound of pain escaped her, and I seized the opportunity. My tongue swept into her mouth, claiming every inch I

could reach.

I sucked on her tongue greedily, trying to memorize every sensation.

Sable struggled harder now, her fists beating against my chest, but she might as well have been a butterfly trying to move a mountain. I was so much stronger, and I used every ounce of that strength to keep her exactly where I wanted her.

In her desperation, she bit down. Hard.

The metallic taste of blood flooded our mouths instantly. Pain shot through my tongue, sharp and immediate, but it only fueled the fire burning in my veins. The raw, primitive sensation of it-her teeth in my flesh, the copper tang between us-made me kiss her even more wildly.

She was mine. She would always be mine, no matter what lies I’d told, no matter what act I’d performed. The blood proved it. We

were bound in the most basic way possible.

When I finally pulled back after what felt like an eternity, her hand flew up and connected with my cheek in a resounding slap.

“CAELAN!” She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, fury and tears warring in her expression. “What the hell is wrong with you?!”

“We broke up! We BROKE UP, do you understand that?!” Her voice cracked with emotion. “You have Elena-your fiancée-and she has your baby!”

That’s not true, Sabi. I wish I could tell you the truth right now.

“How can you do this to her? How can you do this to your child?” Tears spilled down her cheeks. “You’re despicable! You’re worse

than scum!”

You’re right. How can I make you suffer?

“You make me feel disgusting-like I’m some home wrecking whore who destroys families!”

I stood there and took it. Every accusation, every tear, every piece of her broken heart. Because she was right. From her perspective, I was exactly what she said I was.

Finally, when her sobs subsided slightly, I found my voice. “I’m sorry.” The words came out rough. “I know I have no right… but Sable, I miss you so much it’s driving me insane.”

…

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12:03 Fri, 22 Aug PM.

Chapter 175

“Can you just… wait for me? Give me a little more time? I can explain everything soon, I promise-

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“Explain what?” Her laugh was bitter. “How you’re cheating on your pregnant fiancée with your ex? How you’re playing with both our feelings?

She shook her head in disgust. “I thought you were different from Darrell. I thought you had some shred of decency left. But you’re exactly the same-maybe worse.”

“I don’t want to hear your explanations.” She straightened her shoulders, trying to gather what remained of her dignity. “Just stay away from me. And be good to Elena. She deserves better than this.”

She pushed past me and walked away, leaving me standing there with the taste of blood still on my tongue.

I punched the wall so hard my knuckles split. Then I followed her quietly.

Sable and I reached the washroom entrance at the same moment the door swung open.

Scarlett stumbled out first, her dress wrinkled. The fabric clung to her in all the wrong places, the belt hanging askew around her waist. Her hair looked like she’d been through a windstorm.

Peter emerged behind her, his appearance equally disheveled. His tie hung loose around his neck, shirt collar twisted and gaping open at the throat. His normally neat hair stuck up at odd angles, and were those lipstick marks on his neck?

All four of us froze.

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From Substitute To Queen