Iwoke up abruptly, tense.
It wasnt the healing sorceressI knew exactly who it was.
Relax, dont make any sudden movements.
Im just keeping your healthy skin clean, as the healer instructed, his low, soft voice poured into my ears.
Icould picture him leaning over my body, his blond hair falling to his shoulders, his golden eyes focused.
Thad only seen him briefly when I expanded my senses upon rebirth.
Hes beautiful and masculine, so sexy.
He could easily find a mate within his own kind.
Im not the one for himespecially not now, not after what Ive become.
You dont have to do this.
There are others who can Of course, I have to do this.
No one can take care of you better than I can, he said.
I remember his voice giving me strength amidst all the chaos and pain.
No, I raised my hand, trying to grasp his wrist, frustration burning inside me from not being able to see anything not even having the power to "see" my surroundings with my mind.
Inever thought Id find myself like thisso useless, so insignificant, so dependent.
Right now, were going to perform the rejection ceremony, like in your race, so you ll have the chance to find another mate.
T wont accept it.
I dont want to argue with you about this again.
I know ---- we dont know each other, but give me the chance The chance for what?! I snapped, trying to sit up, clenching my teeth to hold back a groan of pain.
Do you really want to chain yourself to a worthless woman? If you re holding onto the image you saw at the sanctuary, forget it.
Ill never be that again, and even if I could, I dont want a mate.
Do you understand? I wouldnt have accepted you anyway! Irejected him mercilessly.
It was better if he hated me.
Besides, what I was saying wasnt far from the truth.
Im nota healthy woman when it comes to relationships.
I never really cared about anything except my daughter and my former mate, Draven.
In the end, I killed him myself.
This man seems like a good person; he doesnt deserve a harpy like me.
J, Gabrielle Von Car I couldnt even finish speaking when soft but firm hands pushed me back against the pillow, and his lips brushed against mine, wetting their dryness, sucking them erotically.
I froze, not knowing how to respond.
So sweet...
This lycan smelled and tasted just like my favorite dessert apples and honey.
It made me want to devour him whole.
Every time you try to reject me, Ill take advantage of you, his heated whisper fell against my lips, sending a shiver down my spine.
I even forgot how much pain I was in.
you're no longer the all-powerful Selenia, so what? Do you really think that bothers me? I think you dont know me well enough, and you think too highly of me.
Im not a noble knight, Gabrielle.
His words sounded like a delicious threat.
I couldnt see him, but for some reason, I imagined his intense gaze.
His fingers stroked my wrists, pinning me down against the bed.
With you like this, it gives me the perfect opportunity to do whatever I want, Your Majesty.
Try rejecting me again, and 1ll give you more than just a kiss.
There are parts of your body that are still perfectly healthy Ive already checked you from head to toe.
youre so damn bold, lycan! You...
How dare you look at my body?! How dare you touch me?! I leaned forward in anger, our faces mere inches apart.
I could feel his breath against my bandages and my bruised skin.
J dare because youre mine.
Only mine.
You have no idea how long Ive been dreaming of you, Selenia.
Iclenched my fists and pressed back when I felt him speak into my ear with that rough, seductive tone.
I had never felt so dominated before.
T will move heaven and earth to heal you, Gabrielle.
Ill do whatever it takes, but no matter what happens, I will stay by your side forever.
J dont want your pity, I turned my face to the side, drowning in the dark abyss of blindness.
You will never have my pity, sweetheart, he whispered, gently kissing my cheek, and a knot twisted in my chest.
I can only offer you my unconditional love and my heart.
A heart that Ill crush in my fist.
Tts yours.
Do whatever you want with it, he replied with a sigh, and I felt him shift.
I thought he was getting up to leave, but he remained seated beside me on the bed.
The sound of water dripping from a wrung cloth filled the stillness of the room.
Damn it, what kind of situation is this? Mother Moon, after so many years of serving you, you put me in this mess? The worst part of all is that right now, I need to pee.
Can I not even go to the bathroom on my own anymore? From being the powerful Selenia, Queen of an entire Realm, to being the hostage of a love-struck lycan...
Is this some kind of damn joke from the Goddess?