IA's

t heaved, my legs wobbly from the lingering effects of the wolfsbane. I barely

uc

Demon

th two mates. Tw

e weight of their gazes bore into me-Lucien's a storm of rage and resentmen

rd. His towering frame sliced through the crowd like a blade, a

is m

all, silencing every conve

growl reverberating throug

filled the space, suffocating, oppressive. The crowd parted, gi

lips curling into a disdainful smirk

in his neck bulging. "You don't un

oice icy, "I know exactly what I've claimed." His

messed up? Was it not bad enough that I grew up most of my life yearning and longing for love and attention from my father and stepmother aft

it escalated further. "Enough!" I croaked, my vo

't it?" he spat, his words laced with venom. "You couldn't sta

e I could respond, the Demon Alpha stepped in

his voice low and lethal. "Sh

diating like a clash of thunder and lightning. The crowd murmured in aw

eldest of the werewolf council stepped f

of us. "We will not have this ceremony descend into violence. Olivia, you will

is man being serious right now? I stared at the Elder

make sure it's a decision that includes me in your life," he sh

fly, sending an involuntary jolt of energy through me. H

going anywher

f something-fear? Fascinat

, desperate to escape the oppressive atmosphere. My feet carried me to the fores

pointment, a reminder of my mateless existence. Now, not only did I have a mate-

liv

rt sinking when I saw Lucien standing behind me. His face

I snapped, my voice s

"I didn't ask for this," he said, his voice low. "But

r life? That's rich, coming from the man who

ened. "You don

outed, my chest heaving. "Why are you ev

he finally admitted. "My father gave me an ultimatum; find a bride or lose everyth

e again." My voice was flat,

dn't d

ack. "I can't do this, Lucie

adow emerged from the trees, s

as overwhelming as ever. His piercing eyes

ing, aren't you?" he said, his

ed. "I nee

, almost forming a

ut he stepped closer, his toweri

" he said softly, his v

uickening. His words weren't

nding a chill down my spine. The Demon Alpha's eyes n

e not