Page 81 of Pretty When She Breaks

I hoped she tried.

It might help if I got to chase her again.

I was disappointed when, after a long moment, Laurel resettled on her ankles, clearly not betting on an escape attempt.

She was still tense, though, still cautious, which was natural, for how clearly I dwarfed her.

I reached out, ignoring her flinch, and took one of her wrists. With the other hand, I picked up the rope by my side. I didn’t need it to get what I wanted, but I needed her to understand the truth.

I was taking this from her.

This would not be a moment of tenderness, not a mate seeking comfort from another.

There was no mercy, no forgiveness, and she would feel no control.

I pinched her wrist between my thumb and finger, then nodded to her other hand, waiting.

It was impossible not to watch each inch of her slender neck shift as she swallowed, clearly working through my request. If I pressed my lips to her neck right now, would I feel her racing pulse?

My impulsive imagining of my teeth sinking into flesh was interrupted by her doing what I wanted. It was a strange thrill in itself, seeing her lift her other wrist for me.

I grinned before I could stop myself. “Hold still, little demon,” I murmured, lifting the rope and binding her wrists.

She sat still for me as I tugged off my shirt, though the blood was quickly draining from her cheeks, her eyes more flighty as understanding dawned on her.

I dragged her onto my lap.

“Shh, shh,” I murmured, hugging her against my chest and inhaling her sweet floral calmness.

Everything steadied. In my mind, in the pack bond.

This was right.

Of course, it was right.

She was our mate, andwe’ddone everything right.

Shewas the one who’d broken it all.

I felt a vibration shudder into my world, striking me down to my soul.

She… I frowned, drawing her tighter against my chest.

She was…purring?

Odd.

Didn’t omegas purr when they felt safe?

Laurel wasn’t supposed to feel safe.

A low rumble ground to life in my throat, just for a moment. A warning.

Her purring didn’t stop, though—it got louder.

I frowned before I felt how violently she was shaking.

Oh.