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Great. Now I’m an asshole?

Taking a deep breath, I try one last time. “You have until the count of three before I smash this damn thing, Dani.”

I hear her puff of displeasure. "Give me one reason I should believe anything you say."

I start counting. “One…”

“Just go away, Rhyland,” she pleads.

“Two…” I persist.

“Rhyland, this isn’t funny…” she says while trying to hide the fear in her voice.

“Three… I warned you, Angel. You better move away from the door.”

Without giving her time to think, I quickly kick the door, causing an explosion of wood shards and making it crash against the wall. She hurries away and lands against the farthest wall.

“How dare you! Who the hell do you think you are?”

I stalk toward her and press my body weight hard into hers, trapping her against the wall. She can’t escape. She presses against my chest unsuccessfully, her voice laced with frustration.

“Rhyland, what the hell? Just go away!” I capture her wrists and force them above her head, holding her in place.

“No way, sweetheart. I’m not going anywhere until you hear me out.”

My cock is rock hard as she stands her ground and gives me attitude. Her feistiness electrifies me, and I can’t help but revel in it. I press my body against hers, ensuring she understands how much her defiance excites me. I can feel her arousal surging through the air, and I take a deep breath, savoring the delightful musk of her desire. My sweet, sinful Angel loves it when I’m aggressive and dominating, urging her to submit to my every whim.

Her face scrunches up in annoyance as I gently tilt her chin up. “Well, go on then," she grumbles. "This should be interesting.”

I inhale her scent, hearing her breath hitch. “In my past, there were tales of destined mates—two people who complete each other. We haven't seen this in centuries...until I met you."

Her eyes widen. "What does that even mean...soulmates?"

I take a deep breath. "Sort of. There's a ritual I must perform to claim you as mine fully."

Her brows furrow. "Claim me? What ritual?" Curiosity tinges on her confusion.

I smile wryly. "It involves drinking your blood."

She inhales sharply. "You can't bite me! That's...that's..." Her protest trails off, eyes flickering with intrigue.

I brush my lips against her ear. "You'll beg for more when I sink my teeth in, quivering with desire."

Her breathing quickens, soft breasts grazing my chest. She whispers, "I...please. Don't..."

I cling to her waist, aching as she trembles. "Shh, I won't until you ask. I promise." She exhales, body relaxing before tensing again. This storm of fear and longing intrigues me.

Does she crave my bite?

I trail my thumb over her parted lips. "This is new, I know. We have time to understand it together."

She inhales sharply, eyes burning into mine. For a moment, she softens, leaning into my touch. But then doubt darkens her gaze again. She turns her head away, emotions at war. I want to soothe her fears and make her feel safe in my arms. But I must be patient—the mating bond compels us but cannot be forced. "Talk to me, Angel," I urge gently. "Let me ease your worries."

She hesitates, wavering. At this moment, balanced on a knife's edge, I see the battle within her. And I see hope. I lean in and lick her neck. She shivers at the sensation. “I won’t bite, I promise. Not unless you ask me to. And, baby…you will be begging for it.” I murmur as my tongue slowly moves around her collarbone, savoring her sweet taste.

Fuck, she tastes like heaven. I’m so riled up from our earlier encounter that my cock is raging hard; my balls are swollen with an uncontrollable desire for her that’s driving me fucking insane.

She whimpers in response and allows herself to melt into me. I move lower and give her a gentle nip before swirling circles along her skin with my tongue. I meet her gaze, intrigued by her shift from anger to curiosity. “I was scared,” I explain softly.