Chapter 12 ELEVEN SECOND PART
Those three words freeze me in place. The chamber empties until only he remains, lounging in his throne like the predator he is. The candlelight casts shadows across his face, making his silver eyes glow.
"Come here."
My feet carry me forward without conscious thought. His scent grows stronger with each step, making it harder to think. Power rolls off him in waves, each one testing my control.
"You seem nervous," he observes as I sink to my knees before him, assuming the position Master Kane drilled into me. "Why is that?"
"No, my Lord," I whisper, eyes down, studying the intricate patterns in the marble floor. Anything to avoid his penetrating gaze. "I simply—"
His hand grasps my chin, forcing my gaze to his. The calluses on his fingers remind me of last night's punishment. "What did I say about lying to me?"
"I..." The words stick in my throat as his thumb traces my lower lip. His touch sends sparks of electricity straight to my core.
"Such pretty lies you tell," he murmurs. "Such careful walls you build. But they're cracking, aren't they? I can smell your fear... and something else. Something you try so hard to hide."
His other hand slides into my hair, gripping just tight enough to make me gasp. The position forces my throat into a vulnerable arch. "Your heat approaches, little wolf. Did you think I wouldn't notice? That I couldn't smell your body preparing itself?"
Terror and arousal war inside me. "Please..."
"Please what?" He pulls me closer, his breath hot against my ear. My wolf howls at the proximity. "Please don't look too closely at your secrets? Please don't notice how your wolf responds to mine? Please don't smell how wet you get when I show dominance?"
Each word strikes like lightning through my core. My wolf claws at her cage, desperate to submit, to bare her throat, to beg for his bite. The cursed blood running through my veins sings for him.
"The Northern Pack isn't the only one who knows how to wait," he whispers. "To watch. To strike when defenses crumble." His teeth graze my ear, making me shiver. "And your defenses are crumbling, aren't they, little liar? I can feel your wolf scratching to get out."
He releases me suddenly, leaving me swaying on my knees. The loss of contact feels like physical pain. "Go. Report to Master Kane for additional training. You'll need it for what's coming."
I flee on shaking legs, his dark chuckle following me. Only when I'm safely in the slave quarters do I allow myself to break.
Because he's right. My walls are cracking.
And when they finally shatter, I pray he kills me quickly.
Even though my wolf knows death isn't what she craves from the Beast anymore.
She wants his bite, his claim, his mark.
And that's far more dangerous than any punishment he could devise.