The mate bond pulsed between us, a chaotic mix of desire and despair that made my body betray me even as my heart seethed with hatred. His golden eyes bored into mine, filled with that toxic blend of possession and spite—the ghosts of his parents' murder, my father's sin, all twisting into this moment.
I hated him for it, for dragging that ancient betrayal into every fight, every touch. And he hated me right back, for the blood in my veins that tied me to the monster who destroyed his world.
His grip didn't loosen an inch; if anything, it tightened, his thumb pressing against my racing pulse like a threat. No regret in his gaze, just that cold, predatory gleam.
"Naomi," he snarled, his voice rough like shattered glass. Then his eyes darkened further, and he leaned in closer, his
