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Tully flexed her fingers, and her smile flattened. Tension crackled around us, and I sank into her rich, heady scent. She knew what I wanted. Could feel it coursing through the link between us. SubduX mimicked an omega, it made its users want to submit. It took away all the sharp, harsh parts of my life and I could just follow.

But alphas shouldn’t follow. Since the Warrior created us, it’s been our nature to lead.

Tully hooked her finger under my collar and tugged me close to her. The one Walden claimed me with, even though he didn’t like the idea of owning me the way I craved.

Deep, dark needs that I couldn’t numb with alcohol. Tendrils that kept me awake at night.

“I remember my heat. You want to be my little bitch, don’t you?”

Her words hit me like a sucker punch, and I fell backward off the seat. My ass hit the marble floor. Tully tilted her head and the flush that crawled up her throat was the only sign her words shocked her too.

Gods, all at once, the crawling, scratching anger blinked out. Replaced by need so thick my tongue tangled.

“Yes.” I choked on the assent, my mouth watered with possibilities.

She leaned forward and the point of her pink tongue darted out to coat her lips.

“Do you think you deserve it?”

“Don’t ask me, tell me.” I rolled my shoulders.

The heat of the moment ebbed, but she jerked her head at me.

“Sit, pup.”

I rolled to my knees.

“Stay.” A smile toyed with her lips.

She held me in the palm of her hand, and she could crush me. My chest was hot and heavy. I wanted this so much, to fall into the hard embrace of her promise and let myself be ruled. She was the queen of my heart, just like Walden was my king. I waited for her next instructions.

“Listen closely.” She tapped her ear and raked a discerning gaze over me.

Like she wasn’t sure if I was capable of it. Gods, I wanted to please her. It trembled through my limbs until it was hard for me to sit still. What had I even been upset about earlier? I could barely remember my name, just the desperate taste of bursting fig and sweet honey drenching the room.

Her pupils blew wide. “I’ve seen how you are with Walden, so eager, and you’re going to give me the same obedience, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” I agreed in an instant, breathless.

“That was quick. But I don’t think you understand. You’re a pathetic little alpha who wants to please me. What does that make me?” She crooked her finger, and I shuffled closer.

She widened her legs and made space for me between them.

“Everything.”

Her hands cupped my face, so tender. She could cut me in two and I’d die smiling, for just the hint of her surprising dominance.

“I like that. My lapdog. Do you want to laze at my feet and be my plaything? Begme to use you?”

“So bad,” I choked, and my voice didn’t sound like my own.

I floated half out of my body like I was high. My insides quivered with the need to please her, and I let her see the desire as I stared up at her. Walden treated me roughly, but I could never swallow the sweetness he gave me after. The shame was too thick.

But I would do anything she asked of me.

“You need a safe word.”

“It doesn’t matter.” I licked my lips and laid my hands on her knees.