ALPHA THORNE: Claimed by the Billionaire Beast

sunlight bled across the sky in soft oranges and dusky purples. I hadn't slept a wink.

t had even been that short, pressed down on me like a mountain. Th

fate had tied me to a man who barely blinked when he tossed me out of my job. Now, I was surrounded by people who spoke in riddles and half-truths. Words like "bond" and "claimed" and "rival pac

es burned. I refused to let the same man who'd dismissed me in front of a boardroom now play prison warden in a mansion laced with secrets and threats. Sure,

all. My heart slammed against my ribcage as I jerked toward the sound-and there

an T

sleeves hugged his arms in a way that made my breath catch, and black slacks hung low on his hips.

. Without thinking, I snatched the pillow beside me and hurled it straight

said, one brow arching w

betrayal, and confusion into that one look. If I c

go," I

d final. Like the matter wa

d. "You drugged me. Dragged me out of

er into the room, "and something... ancient snapped into place. Th

," I said bitterly. "You fire me one day, and the next I'm your mate

long, slow moment. "I

, that's good. Let's both pretend it never happe

is means," he said quietly. "

impulse. Then I ran. I didn't think. I just sprinted toward the hallway, heart thudding in my chest like a war drum. But befo

ve. But the door was closed. And behind me, I felt him. The press of something large and shado

pression was unreadable, but the power radiating off him was like a sec

f my body was nearly pressed against his. His warmth enveloped me like fire on all sides, and my breath stuttered

r met," he murmured, voice rough like gra

ice," I muttered, c

ng to pro

n a mansion surr

here are things you

m instead of play

breath against my cheek, it felt warm, electric, maddening. Then he pulled away just as qui

u with anything you need," he

How generous

I could make another mad dash, he stepped outside and closed it behind him with a soft

of rage and helplessness. He really thought he could control