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…but he’s also irritated at himself, for so clearly betraying his emotions when I said that to him.

I can only hope logic wins out – but that’s a lot to hope for.

BrennanknowsI’m right – but his pride is what’s stopping him from admitting it. I know that just from watching him. Brennan’s face returns to the impassive mask he wore before, but I can tell he’s just trying to convince usboththat he’s a fair and impartial judge, and not a wild beast on a frayed leash.

But in truth? It’s already too late. I’veseenthe animal need lurking deep beneath those pale, slate-grey eyes – and I know what lies in store for me if that beast is unleashed.

“I willnotlose control.”

Brennan’s voice is as cold as stone. There’s no lie in his words. He believes them…

…but he’s wrong.

And beneath his frigid tone is something else – somethingdark.

In the last day, I’ve learned that I ache for things I’d never known I’d wanted before –thingswith these three Aurelians. Likewise, Brennan is learning that he aches uncontrollably for something beyond his control – something he could never have anticipatedneedingwith such intensity.

I know that if he punishes me, he won’t stop with just teaching me a lesson. It’s going to end with him losing himself to the mating rage – andclaimingme.

If Brennan truly believes I’m his Fated Mate, nothing I can do or say will stop his instincts from taking over. I’ll be spanked, disciplined – and then taken hard by my alien captors. First Brennan, and then the other two – one at a time, or all at once, I couldn’t tell you…

…all I can tell you is shameful – that part of me wants it, too.

Dark and delicious thoughts wash over me. All I can imagine is how small and helpless I’d feel as Brennan claims me ashis. It’s intoxicating to imagine the mating rage overwhelming the three of them - until they ripped the clothes from me and sated their desires, whether I allowed them to or not.

But, of course, I would allow them. It’s as if I can see the future already. I know I’d lose my mind in the heat of passion, too – and then lose it again as the three huge, dominant aliens ravaged me; holding back nothing as they took my innocence and each of them claimed me.

Even standing there, my body responds to these desires – my stomach churning, my nipples hardening, and a hot pulse throbbing between my legs.

My body betrays my mind. I ache to feel the utter surrender of succumbing to these three men.

Shivering, I look up at Brennan, seeing the barely contained rage and need that he tries to hide beneath his cold authority.

Then, I shift my eyes to Lazar – but as I study the calm alien’s face, I read nothing. Brennan and Otho bubble and churn with need – but when it comes to Lazar, it’s like trying to read the mood of a sentinel.

So, I let my gaze turn to Otho instead – and nearly gasp as I realize he’s never once taken his eyes from mine.

As our gaze locks, Otho licks his lip. He’s staring at me with unabashed hunger.

Otho is a brutal, violent man – and yet his face holds no anger and cruelty; only raw desire. He doesn’t get aroused at the thought of giving me pain, like Brennan does. He may like the feeling of control and dominance – as all Aurelians famously do – but I sense that he won’t enjoy my whimpers and cries as anything more than proof that heownsme.

With a trembling finger, I point to Otho.

“Please,” I stammer. “Please, lethimdo it.”

I turn to the leader of the Aurelians.

“I know you, Brennan,” I plead. “I can see it in your eyes. You’regoingto lose control.” I gulp dryly. “I accept my punishment – just let me choose who delivers it.”

I accept my punishment.

I can’t believe those words just left my mouth.

Nor can Brennan, apparently. His eyes narrow, and for a moment I think he’s going to snap before the punishment even begins – rushing forward to scoop me up and throw me over his shoulder again.

But then Otho steps forward, raising a hand and glaring at me.

“No,” he growls. “I will not do it.”