ra'

self and just as unforgiving. My heartbeat drummed loudly in my ears, but I forced my br

e in a green gown that was too tight to my body, its neckline far lower than I was comfortable with. "Appearance

the door

e he

p and piercing as they locked onto me. For a moment, I forgot to breathe. He was taller than I'd imagined, broader too, with dar

m, his gaze scanning over me l

his voice cold and smooth,

. "You must be K

by my tone. "You sound less enthusia

t of a man known for his brutality," I s

ough his eyes-amusement, maybe-bu

ace between us. "Brutality keeps people alive, Miss Thornwood.

efused to let him see it. "My pack didn't need

n enough to send a shiver through me. "You think I want

but I refused to let him see the hurt.

edator preparing to rat up its prey. "I know enou

y skin gave me the strength to stand taller. "Then

his eyes. "Oh, I never expect anything to be easy. Least of al

ect a man so feared to be nothing more than an

ed by a hint of something darker, something dangerous. He

ce like a blade slicing through the ai

ead and try. At least I'd feel something other than

ne too far. But then he straightened, his face emotio

Enough," he barked. "This bond is about survival, not your petty

His eyes stayed locked on mine, as

lly, though his voice lack

"Good," I spat, turning on my heel. I needed to get out of ther

e doorway, his

la

ding a strange chill down my spine. I turned

his tone cold but quieter. "But don't make the

atisfaction of a reaction. Instead, I walked away, each step fu

back. Kieran stood in the doorway,

fire lasts," he said, his

rling into fists. "Longer

ark that flared between us-fiery and dangerous,

ated hi