Elaine’s hands trembled as she held the glass, the faint warmth of the liquid doing nothing to calm the storm in her chest.
The fire from the fireplace flickered shadows across Kael’s face, highlighting the sharp edges of his jaw, the hard line of his lips, and the dark, unreadable depth of his eyes.
Kael's expression didn't change. His eyes stayed fixed on hers. Unwavering.
“I don’t make requests,” Kael said finally, his voice low and deliberate, almost a growl that seemed to vibrate through the room.
The words settled over her like a death sentence.
Elaine's fingers tightened around the glass. The alcohol still burned in her throat. Her heart hammered so hard she thought it might break through her ribs.
“So… you are going to order your mate into bed with you?” She replied; the wor
