Bound to the Beast

d pine thick in the air. It was a place of strength, power, and fear. Her pul

o come. She hadn't

with curiosity, but there was an undeniable respect

er seed growing in her chest. Luna.

them. They saw the bond. And to

had been elevated, though it was a lie. She wasn

house, her rooms decorated with the fine

ood, Rhea could never forget why she was here. She was the mate of the m

und to him by the wil

. She couldn't stand this. She could

d to be

the windows. Rhea sat on the edge of the be

se? Cassian was gone, her pack was in shambles, and now s

couldn

rival," their leader's new mate. Xander wasn't

as her

nd music died down. Then, with her heart

, her footsteps light, quick. She didn't know wher

a pack that would help her. She wasn't sur

of the house, the unmistakable sound of

mn

her breath catchi

ainst the wall, his golden eyes watch

try this," he said, h

ed against her che

his presence consuming the hallw

" she spat, stepping closer to hi

er face to the door behind her, then back to her eyes. She

k a step toward her. His movements were smoo

softened. "You can try to run again. But i

ning wa

d herself to hold his gaze. "T

rous smile. "Because, Rhea... you still t

uth stung deeper. He was right. There

e room. "Go back to your room. I

, but he cut her off. "You're

ened, but she

voice softer now. "Be

d walked back toward her room. Every step fel

t sleep. N

like they would work. Xander had already caught h

wisted around her. The scent of cedar and Xand

inally claimed her. But even in s

amed of

s different. He was smiling, standing before her as if the world hadn't c

e like music in her ears. "You

he memory of his touch. But as she did, his

ng out her hand, desperat

e world around her

ke with

n her throat, and sh

gaze sna

was in

against hers. His golden eyes were closed, his breath ste

body screamed with the need to feel his touch, but h

hissed, pushing

didn'

oved h

snapped, lou

as if waking from a pleasant dream. And when he saw h

" he said, voice sti

e was no escape. Not fro