Elena
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Marcus’s voice drones on, oily and triumphant, each word dripping with the sick satisfaction of a man who believes he’s already won.
He circles her like a predator savoring the moment.
“You’ll give me strong pups,” he says, his tone almost conversational. “My pups. Heirs worthy of my line. You’ll carry them whether you want to or not. And when the bond is gone, you’ll beg for the privilege.”
Elena doesn’t look at him.
She doesn’t hear him.
Not really.
Because something else is happening.
Something stronger.
Something louder.
Ryker.
His presence presses against her mind like a rising tide, fierce and unyielding. He’s close — so close she can almost feel his breath on her skin. The bond, though frayed and trembling, pulses with new strength.
Not hers.
His.
He’s pouri
