ra's

d away, and yet, there was no escape. No matter how much I search

el it. He wanted more than just my b

was undeniable. Gretchen was right-Kalix was dangerous. His charisma was

clicked

cating. My body betrayed me, respond

berate, like a predator sizing up

asked, voice steady despi

e was smooth. "Do I need your

ts. "Only my frie

mirking. "You have frie

. "My niece used

et used to it," he s

stood up, pacing. "I'm not

n me, his eyes following every move

ever you want? Do your wolves know y

now you're here for me to u

sitting on the bed, body obeying. I glared at him.

he

crossing my legs

anything," I muttered, venom

mine. "Then get used to changing your pl

ed the blankets, trying to stay ste

gerous. "Your life is in my han

I haven't eaten yet," I shot back. "Becau

x had a way of taking my edge away, and I couldn't figure out why. It wasn

said. "I spoke to the kitchen. They're sending someth

poison he could slip into eggs and toast. "Don't bother

nch. "Who say

re-how you use people. Your wolves do whatever they want to innocent women." I stepped

. You speak like you've walked in my shoes, bu

use me?" My fists clenched.

sually. "You judge based on rumor

shoved my fist into his chest, pushing just enough to make

I spat. "Your wolves kidnappe

. He didn't expect that. But he quickly masked it. "I

pack's taken," I stood my ground. "Mir

ions. Weakness like that w

"You want to make accusatio

e. "I know enough," I said firmly. "Trust me,

mile? It vanished quickly, and he stepped back, postu

to play," I shot bac

e hit harder than any physical blow. "I'll make sure you're

ht he had control, but I wasn't going to

se of relief washed over me. But it di

other t

" I sn

growled, pointing at me. "

redulous. "For kidnapping me?

nyone else, you wouldn't be standing here. I could've slit

t now?" I taunted. "Be t

on't?" His voi

topping you. Go ahead. You've got a better chance of walki

owled, frustration thick in his voi

hit,"

as he rolled his neck and sigh

sked, already dre

casm instead of

ot back, my voice defiant, though some

d as if he'd cr

tly, trying to break through the wall I'd built

ve it," I

nd through his hair. "I

reed quickly.

hands gripped me firmly, pulling me close. I fought the ur

w," he murmured, his

e as his lips brushed my

g?" I whispered, m

his lips crashed onto mine. My world spun-his

s pulled me closer, deepening the kiss, until it felt like my whole body w

The heat between us suffocated me. I wasn't ready for this, but my body was betra

asping for air,

whispered,

ease. I swung my fist at his cheek, bu

y, his grip tightening. My an

me?" I snarled. "H

e have been losses on both side

"I'm not concerned with your side.

ot

ymore. His kiss had

. His eyes, full of curiosity, stayed

eady moving past me. Then, to my shock, he

" He said. "One way or ano

rt stu

whispered, inhaling my sce

ve. And then, just li