Page 87

“If I do this,” he warned, “it’s because you are mine. Because you will always be mine.”

My heart hammered.

“Yes. I know.”

His breath caught, then he nodded.

“Okay,” he murmured, his voice dark and heavy. “It’s a good idea given the current circumstances, but let’s get one thing straight: you’re going to know what it means to belong to me,” he added, his voice rich with authority, “and you’re going to learn to obey me.” His fingers shackled my wrist, his touch radiating heat. “You don’t get to disobey me if you’re my mate.”

I gulped as Silas stood, his grip still firm on my wrist as he pulled me to my feet. He didn’t say another word, didn’t need to. The look in his eyes said everything.

It was time for my reckoning.

The others were still gathered around the fire, engaged in quiet conversation. I caught the way Varek smirked knowingly and Rowan glanced up briefly, but didn’t say anything. Hale shifted uncomfortably, like he knew what was about to happen, but also knew better than to acknowledge it.

Silas led me toward the tree line, his pace purposeful.

Not too far, just far enough. Far enough that the others wouldn’t see, but they’d most certainly hear what was about to happen.

My cheeks burned at the thought, but I didn’t resist.

I didn’t fight him, because some part of me—the part I didn’t want to admit existed—wanted this.

The second we were concealed in the trees, Silas turned, pushing me gently but firmly against the rough bark of an old pine. He bracketed me with his arms, his body so close to mine, his heat sinking into me like a second skin.

I could barely breathe.

“You knew I was going to punish you when you left camp, didn’t you?” he asked, thrumming with control.

I nodded, trying to swallow the lump in my throat. “Yes.”

“And you still followed me.”

I exhaled shakily. “Yes. I need to be with you.”

His thumb skimmed along my jaw, tilting my chin up so I had no choice but to meet his gaze.

“What am I going to do with you, Wildcat?” he murmured.

I bit my lip and felt my core clench.

Silas huffed a quiet laugh. “You don’t even regret it, do you?”

I hesitated, but only for a second.

Then I grinned, lifting my chin defiantly. “Not even a little.”

I expected him to push me up against the tree, maybe kiss me and tear off my clothes, but then he grabbed my arm and pulled me toward something half-buried in the underbrush—a freshly fallen log, thick and sturdy, the bark rough.

My ass muscles contracted as I realized what he intended.

My heart pounded as he positioned me over it, pressing down lightly on my back until I had no choice but to drape myself over the log. The position left me completely vulnerable: my hips resting against the rough bark, my hands gripping the other side for balance, my body perfectly presented for whatever he was about to do.

Silas took his time.

He ran his palm slowly down my spine, a deliberate reminder of who was in control. His fingers traced just beneath the hem of my shirt before sliding lower, just above the waistline of my jeans and lingering just long enough to make my breath hitch.

“You’ve been waiting for this, haven’t you, Wildcat?” His voice was deep, smooth, almost mocking. “Ever since you stepped onto that trail, you knew this was coming.”