Page 37 of Colton

He nods again, a small, almost sad smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “I knew you were hiding something, but I didn’t care. You were mine, no matter what.”

“How...how did you know I was hiding something?” I stammer, my voice barely a whisper.

He shrugs, his eyes never leaving mine. “I have my ways. But it doesn’t change anything.” He steps closer, and I go to say something else when he stops me, his hand in the air.

“I prefer not knowing. Adds to the fun.”

What the hell have I gotten myself into?

Chapter 17

Luella

The first rays of dawn filter through the trees, casting a soft golden glow over the forest. I lie on my back, my body aching from the night’s events, a harsh reminder of Colton’s brutal claiming. My heart pounds—sickeningly, a part of me wants more. But I can’t let him win.

Focus, Luella.

Colton watches me, smug, knowing he’s gotten under my skin.

“Enjoying the view?” I snap, forcing myself to meet his gaze.

“Always,” he murmurs, his eyes raking over my body in a way that makes me want to simultaneously punch him and press myself against him.

I shake my head. “You’re delusional if you think last night changed anything,” I say, my voice sharper than I intend.

His expression darkens, that predatory gleam returning to his eyes. “Keep telling yourself that.” Colton stands, looming over me. “The truth is, you can’t resist me,” he continues, his voice a low, seductive rumble. He pulls me against him, his lips crushing mine with bruising force, a reminder that I’m his.

My body betrays me, sinking into the heat of his touch, even as my mind screams to run.

“See?” he murmurs, tracing a finger along my jawline. “Mine.”

I swallow hard, trying to regain my composure. I can’t let him see how much he’s affecting me, how his words and touch make me bend to his wants and desires.

“Keep telling yourself that, Colton,” I respond, my voice steadier than I feel. “But I’m not some pet for you to possess. I have...other things to focus on.”

His eyes narrow, and for a moment, I see a flicker of uncertainty cross his features. He knows I’m hiding something, that there’s more to my presence here than meets the eye. But he doesn’t press the issue.

“Whatever you say,” he mumbles, stepping back.

I hold his gaze, refusing to back down. He may think he has me figured out, but he has no idea what I’m capable of. No idea of the depths I’m willing to go to achieve my goals.

As we make our way back towards the cabin, I can feel his eyes on me, watching my every move. But I’m no helpless victim. I’m a hunter in my own right, and I have my sights set on a much bigger prize than Colton Blackwood.

The sun ishigh in the sky as Colton and I make our way through the forest, our footsteps crunching on the bed of frosty leaves.

Colton walks ahead of me, his broad shoulders set in a tense line, his movements purposeful and controlled. He’s on high alert, his senses attuned to the slightest disturbance in our surroundings.

I can’t shake the feeling that we’re being watched as we navigate the winding trails.

Always trust your instincts.

Colton must sense it, too, because he suddenly stops in his tracks, his body coiled like a spring. I collide with his back, my heart leaping into my throat as I catch myself just in time.

“Stay close,” he commands, his voice a low rumble that sends a shiver down my spine.

Before I can respond, a figure emerges from the shadows of the trees, stepping into the clearing before us. It’s a tall, broad-shouldered man.

Colton instinctively shifts into a defensive stance.