Page 28 of Hell-Bound

She couldn’t help but lean closer as a response. His body felt so…good. Strong and fierce, a perfect juxtaposition to his light touches.

“Wise of you to not belong to anyone,” he drawled. “One should be particular about such things. Mortals deserve the best, of course. I’m sure you’re not so easily…satisfied. But I could satisfy you. I would never leave you wanting.”

This time, he leaned so close that his lips stroked her neck, and she could feel his warm, flowery breath tickling the small hairs there.

She couldn’t breathe.

Her only response was to tremble and bite her lips, choking off a small whimper. She could feel his desire growing through her gown.

Oh my. What are you doing, my darling?

The voice. She tried to blink away the grogginess to stop the clouds from overtaking her. But her want was too great.

I see. Perhaps someone should remind you? You do not belong to him. You. Are. Mine!

His voice, harsher than she had ever heard him, snapped her out of her revelry, her mind instantly clearing right before feeling the ground tremble.

The glasses on the tables began to clink together, some crashing down, glittering the marble floor.

Xarek pulled back, startled and looking horrified.

Her right hand, still held in his, began to emit black tendrils.

He dropped her hands, and without warning, two giant bat-like wings sprang forth from between his shoulders.

The tremors stopped.

“You said you didn’t belong to anyone,” he hissed. “What is this, some sort of sick game? Are you trying to get us allkilled!”

His last words echoed in the room and she could feel every face locked on them.

Ren was too stunned, immobilized with fear at theterrifying beast standing before her. Too alarmed at how captivating had suddenly changed to malevolent within seconds.

She surveyed the room nervously. All eyes watching with terrified expressions. Some clutching their partners, others covering their mouths to stifle a cry.

“I…I...”

“Go,” he gritted out. “I don’t know what trick you are playing.” He shook his head. “But we want no part in your twisted plotting.”

His voice shook with rage, his wings spreading wider.

Ren backed up. “Sorry, I really didn’t—”

“I saidgo!” he bellowed.

She spun on her booted heel and ran. Running towards the double doors, feeling each set of eyes.

Crossing the threshold, she ran aimlessly. Anywhere. She needed to hide. To get a moment to untangle her thoughts and catch her breath. Hastily, she pulled open the first unadorned door she saw.

Please be a godsdamn broom closet.

The door swung open, and she flung herself inside, shutting it tightly behind her.

It wasn’t a broom closet.

And she wasn’t alone.

The room was dark, save for the light flickering from the mantle.