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He mustered a hardened scowl, putting enoughmeanin his tone to put even the most violent of Howlers’ patrons in check. “Would have been a real shame, someone getting a piece of me before you did. Don’t worry, honey. There’s still plenty left of me to go around.”

Vivian steeled her spine.Liam had taken her concern and thrown it back in her face. She’d almost forgotten how hateful he could be when someone dared to show him an ounce of affection. Minutes into their arrangement, and already, she’d made several mistakes. Being reminded of how close he’d come to death, she’d let her guard slip. That wouldn’t happen again.

She stepped away from him, pushing any kindness from her expression. “How’s Alexandra these days? Last I saw her, she belonged to another male. Jericho, I believe. In fact, she seemed quite smitten with her new protector.”

“She’s fine,” Liam said, tone guarded. “Haven’t seen her in a while.”

“Your former Chosen is healthy, happy, well cared for?”

“Sure.” He shrugged one massive shoulder. Shadows danced across his sculpted torso.Oh, là là,she’d never known a male as large and muscular as Liam. Perhaps she’d keep him shirtless for the duration of his two weeks.

She exhaled a heated breath, resisting the urge to fan her cheeks. “I imagine her life would be quite different now if she’d been sold at that auction.”

He folded his arms over his mouthwatering chest. “I suppose it would.”

The position made his already thick biceps seem even larger. Her brain went fuzzy.Focus.“You struck this bargain with me in order to save her from a hellish existence.” She offered the subtle reminder. “Two weeks is such a small sacrifice when compared to a lifetime of happiness.”

“Hmmm,” Liam grunted his agreement, some of the belligerence leaving the contours of his face.

“Disrespecting me while you pay that debt is an affront to both of our characters. While you may find ways around the blood oath, know there will be repercussions for your bad behavior.” She squared her shoulders and pointed to the floor, driving her point home. “On your knees, Liam.”

He arched a brow. “You’re kidding.”

While Dove squirmed with discomfort at the sharp command, Armond’s eyes were locked on Vivian’s every move. With his lovers, he was a natural submissive. His response to her authoritative tone was instinctive.

“On. Your. Knees.”

Heat sparked in Liam’s eyes, and his breath hitched. She took note of his many “tells.” Liam might object to obeying her commands, but his body told another story. How long he denied the desire to obey her was entirely up to him.

The blood oath would only allow his refusal for a short time. Every minute he resisted, he’d grow more uncomfortable, the need to fulfill his vow becoming an unimaginable pain he couldn’t ignore.

Warily, Liam placed his hand on his thigh, lowering himself onto one knee. Bones popped in the well-worn joint, and he muttered a curse, forcing the second knee into place like a great lumbering beast.

“Now, was that so hard?” she couldn’t resist teasing.

He snorted.

She flicked her hand to Armond. “You’re up, darling.”

Liam tensed, eyeing Armond as he rose from the settee. Her progeny eased closer as though he approached a chained tiger. Then, standing slightly behind Liam’s back, Armond met her eyes, his expression uneasy. Vivian nodded, urging him to proceed.

At her urging, he withdrew a flexible measuring tape from his pocket.

“Liam,” Vivian instructed, “I want you to be still while Armond takes your collar measurements.”

“Come again?” Liam asked.

Armond extended the tape. “Don’t move, big guy. I promise this won’t hurt a bit.”

Before she could draw a single breath to stop him, Liam clamped his iron fist around Armond’s wrist, snarling, “Wrap that around my neck, and I’ll shove it up your ass.”

Armond yelped, throwing a wild look Vivian’s way.

Her heart skipped. “Release him,” she barked, taking an assertive step forward.

When Liam was slow to comply, she closed the distance between them, grabbed his chin, and jerked his head up.

He met her glare, a low snarl rumbling in his throat. Protective instincts had her fangs dropping, stabbing her bottom lip. She leaned in close, ordering in her hardest voice, “Release. My. Progeny.”