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Moans and groans fill the air in an erotic cacophony as others around me seek their pleasure. Normally, I’m up here, stroking myself as I bring the initiate into our fold, but not tonight. Not any other night if I have my way about it.

Feeling Ashleigh’s mouth quivering around me is far better than anything I could do for myself. Hell, it’s even better than a perfunctory act enacted by a willing submissive. And that difference is fundamental.

Now, I understand what Grigori killed for. Now, I understand James’s desperation as he called me from Scotland to claim his submissive. Now I understand what nearly drove Doctor Andrew to madness.

It goes far beyond lust. It’s like a primal instinct, a need to claim and make her mine. I want my mark upon her body in some way.

Tightening my grip, I pull her mouth away from my cock and hold her at an arm’s length. “Cloak off now,” I rasp as I slide my hand up and down my erection. “Let it fall to the floor. You won’t be needing it for a while.”

With the fabric puddling around her knees, I allow myself to look at her. A lacy designer bra wraps around her breasts, leaving very little to my imagination. Dusky nipples poke against the flimsy fabric, jutting out hard. Unfortunately, I can’t see between her thighs right now, but I’m sure she’s soaked.

Desperate little fae. Well, she won’t be so needy for that much longer.

Tipping my head back, I memorize the feel of her hair between my fingers, the way her soft gasp permeates the sexual haze surrounding us. It’s almost like an unspoken beg, a demand hanging in the air between us.

My balls tighten as my own need surges to the forefront. After tonight, I won’t take myself in hand again. I’ll make damn sure of that. She’ll be at my beck and call, whether she wants to or not.

It doesn’t take me long. Not with her panting beneath me, each breath matching my strokes. Each time I get down to the base of my shaft, her exhale washes over me, sending me further over the edge.

At the bed where the Lia lies, strapped down and waiting for the other members to initiate her into the fold, grunts of completion flood the room. One by one, they mark her, splashing their cum on her body, solidifying her place in our ranks.

With one final stroke, I grip the thick base of my shaft and point my tip toward Ashleigh’s breasts. Perfect spot as any. This time, it’s my turn to groan as cum shoots out and coats her pale skin.

Pleasure surges through me as I continue to run my hand up and down my shaft until every bit is on her, showing everyone she’s mine. At least for this evening, as far as they’re concerned.

The poor girl continues to kneel there, her mouth agape as she looks between me and her chest. Honestly, if the situation weren’t so dire, I’d find all of this absolutely hysterical. Unfortunately, until she’s officially mine in front of everyone, I don’t have the luxury of letting my guard down that way.

“Up.”

Though I can’t fully read her face, I can feel the disappointment wafting off her from all the way down there. But then, I’m not entirely sure what she expected after worming her way in here—a parade?

Reaching down, I grab her cloak and take her over to Luke and Shelaine. She kneels there on all fours as he runs his hand over her back. Hopefully, he’s finished, and I’m not interrupting things. When he sees me, he pats her on the ass and eases himself out, not giving a damn that his cum drips onto the floor.

“Something wrong?”

“I am in need of your submissive.” His eyes narrow for a moment as he takes a step forward, his muscles bunched as if prepared to fight all of us for his bride. “Not in a sexual way,” I quickly amend, silently cursing myself. “No male will touch her. You have my guarantee.” Once he relaxes, I bring Ashleigh from behind me and drape the cloak back around her shoulders. “I need her to stay with this one until I’m ready for her. Careful. She’s a flight risk.”

As much as I hate the idea of leaving her alone, I can’t have any more distractions. Better I leave her with someone she already knows than someone who might scare her even more, or worse, give her more ammo than she already has.

“Oh, and Shelaine. Impress upon her just how royally she fucked up.”

ChapterEighteen

Ashleigh

Ahint of pink washes over Shelaine’s face as she gathers her robe around her. The man behind, however, grips the back and wrenches it from her body, leaving her in just a bra and her panties shoved to the side as cum drips down her leg.

“No need to cover up, my love,” he murmurs, circling his arms around her waist.

For a moment, she stiffens in his embrace, as if she either doesn’t know him or doesn’t want him touching her. All too soon, she goes weak and pliant in his grasp.

“Yes, but if I’m going to be on babysitting duty, I want to do so with a modicum of dignity.”

“Dignity,” he growls. “What dignity do you have left? Especially not here. Not in front of these men. Besides.” His teeth graze her earlobe, eliciting a soft moan from her lips. “I want them to see the woman I own. You’re far too self-conscious since the baby, and I aim to prove to you just how desirable you still are.”

This is ridiculous. The man acts as if he owns her. This isn’t right. What’s worse is that the dean doesn’t even stand up for her. None of the men gathering around us do.

Someone has to defend her. She’s been nothing but kind to me the few times I’ve interacted with her. For these assholes to treat her like this is just wrong.