SON

erched on the edge of a sofa. She looked pale, fragil

as our Mating Ceremony, and she was in here, faking a

frustration of waiting had made my palms sweat. I unconsciously slipped the signet ring I'd b

ed with a familiar fear and vulnerability. She lo

mbled, his anger shifting to a kind of conde

mas were probably the only way she thought she could get my attent

snow-dusted pine and cold steel-filled the small room, surround

efiance ignited my

snarled i

TH

like a net, the smell of pine and

at, hot and acidic. I fought the

oked him. His hand shot out, grabb

h a mixture of suspicion and raw possession. "What are yo

estless and violent. In my past life, th

dn't pull away. I had to be the frightened little Omega he e

my voice trembling. I willed tears to well in m

softened slightly. The rough motion of his thumb on my

ismissive smirk, but his tone was laced with satisfaction.

r. He was going to kiss me, a kiss mean

with anticipation, but with disgust.

cond, dodging his lips as I let

instantly, thinking I

oice thick with fake tears. "My foot...

ady slightly red and swollen-from where I

ence. An injured mate was a complication he

Always causing troubl

oed from the hallway, followed by a woman's d

ra's

The impatience and coldness vanished,

ther glance before turning

I allowed myself

had taken