Kamrynn's POV
For a brief moment, his body stiffened, caught off guard by my sudden move. But then, he responded with fervor, his hands tangling in my hair as he dominated the kiss. His lips were insistent, commanding, and when his tongue plunged into my mouth, it stole my breath away, claiming me with an intensity that made me feel as though I were suffocating under the weight of him.
The kiss deepened, growing more aggressive as he tilted my head back to take full control. My fingers trembled as I reached for the bedside table, inching toward the pocketknife I knew was there. I needed to focus-needed to stay grounded despite the overwhelming sensation of his lips consuming mine.
My fingers finally closed around the cool metal of the knife. I gripped it tightly and quickly slid it into the folds of my clothes, careful not to alert him.
Draven was oblivious, too engrossed in the kiss as he maneuvered me backward. Before I knew it, I was on the bed, his weight pressing down on me. My breaths came in short gasps when he finally broke the kiss, his lips curling into a smug smile as he looked down at me.
"You kiss like you mean it," he murmured, his voice thick with satisfaction.
I didn't respond, my chest rising and falling rapidly as I tried to catch my breath. My face burned, and I hated the heat spreading through my body, even as his hand slid to my hip, caressing with slow, deliberate movements.
His lips found my neck, and he trailed soft, lingering kisses along my skin. When he nipped lightly at the sensitive curve near my shoulder, I couldn't suppress the shiver that coursed through me.
"Alpha," I whispered, hating how breathless my voice sounded.
He ignored me, his mouth continuing its exploration while his hand moved lower, brushing against my thigh. His touch was maddeningly light, teasing, and despite every fiber of my being loathing him, my body betrayed me with the faintest quiver of response.
"Alpha, stop," I said more firmly, pushing against his chest. "Please… my babies. I don't want to endanger them."
He stilled, his lips hovering against my skin as if considering my words. Slowly, he lifted his head to meet my gaze, his eyes dark with unrestrained desire.
"I'll be gentle," he promised, his voice a low rumble that sent a chill down my spine.
I shook my head, forcing my tone to remain calm. "What if your plan fails because you're late? You need to be there, Alpha. You're the one orchestrating everything."
His frown deepened, irritation flashing across his features. He held my gaze for a long, tense moment before finally pulling away with a frustrated sigh.
"You're lucky I'm a man of priorities," he muttered, standing to adjust his suit.
I swallowed hard, relief washing over me as I sat up, still catching my breath.
Draven moved back toward me, his expression softening into something that almost resembled affection. "Don't think this means you've escaped me, Kamrynn," he said, his tone low and possessive. "When I come back after the ceremony, I'll give you the time of your life."
Before I could respond, he tied me back to the chair, his movements meticulous yet unhurried. His lips brushed against mine in a possessive kiss before he stepped back, his smirk lingering as he left the room.
As soon as the door clicked shut, I wasted no time. I retrieved the knife, sawing at the ropes with all the strength I could muster.
Sweat dripped down my face, my arms trembling as the knife bit into the thick strands. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the last rope snapped.
I stood shakily, my legs numb from being bound for so long. The Ostracylle jingled softly around my neck, a reminder of the power Draven still held over me. But I didn't have time to dwell on that.
I pressed my ear to the door, straining to hear any sounds. If he'd left someone to guard the door then it would be really over. There was only silence.
Carefully, I opened the door, peeking into the hallway. It was empty. Relief flooded through me, but I didn't waste time celebrating.
If there was no one around, it could only mean one thing. The mating ceremony had begun!
I moved as quickly as my wobbly legs would allow, each step feeling like an eternity. My senses were dulled without Aryna, but I didn't need enhanced hearing to know where the ceremony was taking place. The distant hum of voices grew louder as I approached, the murmur of the Pack gathered for a joyous occasion that was anything but.
The Grand Hall loomed ahead, its double doors ajar, spilling warm light into the corridor. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat urging me forward. I didn't have much time.
As I slipped closer, the weight of my situation bore down on me. Draven was likely already in the Hall, gloating in his silent triumph. The ceremony would soon be sealed, binding not just Kyven and Thalia, but damning Rmonica and Orion in the process.
I reached the doors and peered inside, my breath catching at the sight before me.
The Hall was stunning, adorned with garlands of silver and blue, the traditional colors of the Blue Bell Pack. Lanterns cast a soft glow, illuminating the faces of those gathered. Pack members sat in rows, their gazes fixed on the raised platform where Kyven and Thalia stood, their hands clasped as they prepared for the ceremonial walk around the fire. It was one of the main mating rituals, second only to marking because it was the moment they exchanged vows, lifelong promises that would seal not just their fates but everyone else's.
My eyes darted across the room, searching. Draven was there, seated near the front with an expression of feigned solemnity, though his lips quirked up at the edges, betraying his satisfaction.
And then my gaze landed on Rmonica and Orion, seated to the side. Rmonica's hands were folded tightly in her lap, her expression serene but her body tense. Orion sat beside her, his posture proud and unyielding.
I couldn't let this happen.
"STOP!" I screamed, my voice raw and desperate.