and Ba

sleep t

had called it, but the barred windows said otherwise. Outside, the snow fell heavy an

ing, confused by the bond that now tangled throug

a

with him. The Alpha who'd spilled my father's blood, who'd stolen land that rightf

touch had sparked against my skin. I hated that my body hummed at

d for the nearest weapon an old fire poker by t

ht. He didn't flinch at the iron I aimed at his chest just s

he said, voice low, too calm

at him. "

ou a warm bed, a fire, and you repay me

doing me a favor," I s

, the next he was in front of me, fingers curling around

ide, then cupped my chin between his thumb and forefinger. His

caught. I hated the way my

ured, eyes locked on mine.

n't move an inch. "I belong to no one. You thi

bleeding into silver. "Caref

ead. Rip my throat out,

is eyes something raw and almost... haunt

as the wind outside. "He died because he couldn

tter. "And what's the t

d my cheek. "It only cares about power. And you, Isabella, are power wrapped in a pretty package. The mate

. "That this is fate? Or is it just your e

hair. The heat between us crackled like lightning. I hated th

id, voice a growl against my skin. "It

-air, then brushed his lips against my ear,

we talk terms. And maybe... we'll see just how fa

g shut behind him. I stood there shaking, my wolf torn between

y out and when I did, I'd bury a

ys in the n

to suppo