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The soothing scent of lemongrass and lavender infiltrated my senses, forcing my heavy eyelids open. Pain immediately assaulted my head, forcing a whimper from my dry, cracked lips. The moment I attempted to sit upright, the world tilted around me, spinning out of control.

Pain swam through my head, suggesting I’d ended up concussed by the debris that had pelted me. My hand slid to my abdomen, cradling it protectively. With the other hand on the back of my skull, I groaned and winced at the size of the goose egg on my head.

As I eyed my surroundings, a frown tugged at my lips due to the unfamiliar décor. A cold, icy chill slowly shot from my head down to my toes along my spine. I swung my legs over the side of the bed and resisted the urge to vomit.

My toes squished into a plush carpet, directing my focus to the olive-green rug with a pentagram symbol over it. Cream trim made the same olive-colored walls stand out in contrast to the nature themed palette they’d used to style the room.

On the far side, a large armoire sat with a small, feminine vanity beside it. The other wall had a bookcase filled with ancient looking tomes, each with a pentagram on the spine.

If I was right, I was inside the House of Witches. That meant someone had brought me here or they’d sent the men to my house. That thought left a sour taste in my mouth.

Raven, the only witch who’d dared befriend me, was currently a resident within the house. I wasn’t sure if she held any sway over the head witch Talia, but I was willing to get on my knees and pray she did.

I’d heard conflicting information on the witch alpha Talia. She could be understanding or a straight villain in her antics. She was rumored to run a tight ship, one that adhered to the laws of houses, meaning she’d not offer me sanctuary.

Pressing my fingers to my temples, I rubbed them, trying to recall what had happened right before I’d lost consciousness. Frowning, I wrinkled my nose as I recalled the subtle scent of aftershave. Woodsy, dark whispers of smoke and masculinity.

Rhys had saved me. But why would he do that? Why wouldn’t he just let the men who’d shown up last night kill me? It would rid him of both me and his child, ending his problem altogether.

He hadn’t left me to my fate, though. That befuddled me more than why the men had come after me in the first place. Rhys’ enemies had attacked me before, or so we’d assumed they were his enemies.

The first attempt against my life was weeks after I’d separated from Rhys. Nyota had handled it rather efficiently. Hours after she’d fought and captured one, I’d listened outside the shed as she’d questioned him extensively.

The knight had refused to respond to Nyota’s questions at first. Eventually, he’d sung like a siren on a bender. He’d admitted, rather loudly, that they intended to kidnap Van Helsing’s silver before he could control her. I was Rhys’ silver, meaning they’d intended to take me, preventing Rhys from gaining more control than he’d already held.

The second attack hadn’t had anything to do with Rhys. He’d been rather hell-bent on ending all Silversmiths, even though I wasn’t claiming to be one. Still, it had nothing to do with Rhys, yet everything to do with my mother’s promise to end certain houses, which this asshole wanted me to fulfill after her untimely death.

He’d been adamant about me starting my fiery reign with the House of Witches. He’d wanted to ensure the House of Witches never had a chance to rise, unaware they already had done so. His reasoning was that of a spurned, jealous lover.

Apparently, Talia had rejected his advances to be bedded by the gentleman. I used that term in the loosest feasible way. Once Talia refuted his intentions, he moved on to her sister. Next, Talia’s younger sister hexed his manly bits. And while I understood his frustration, I failed to see where he thought he could rid the world of them in retaliation for what had been done, or without a vow of promise from us.

It didn’t matter where I turned. Someone desperately wanted to end my existence. Luckily, I had one hell of a protection detail. Until last night, but an entire month had passed without incident or any more assassins attempting to cut my life short.

Rhys was merely just another issue I was forced to deal with on top of everything else. Not to mention, he’d refused to allow me to raise my own house. To do so, I’d need most of the alphas to vote in my favor. And they’d never vote for me unless Rhys himself approved of them to do so.

The doorknob twisted, pulling my attention toward it as panic sliced through my chest. Rising, I swayed on my feet as I rushed toward the window within the chamber. I pulled it open and thrust my head outside, gaping at the daunting distance from the bedroom to the ground.

What in the fuck? Was it magic? If I were in the House of Witches, it would make sense. Looking down, I could only see green, and a sense of defeat brought tears to my eyes.

Searching for the only possible point of escape, I sensed any hope of fleeing diminished as footsteps sounded behind me. I spun around, then prepared to attack. All the fight inside me sputtered out when my eyes landed on Rhys, who stood less than a couple of steps away from me.

The world stopped turning as our eyes met, sealing together like a lock and key. The thudding in my head from my heart racing drowned all other sounds out. My lips parted, closing tightly without the ability to form coherent thoughts or allow any words to escape.

Rhys’ stormy azure gaze drilled into me, as if he were searching through the deepest, darkest secrets of my soul. Warmth sliced through me, strumming me to life with merely his contiguity. I held back the bubble that was about to escape as a whimper retreated, desiring space from him.

“Seeking to elude me, Silversmith?” The biting chill of his tone sent alarm bells off in my mind as ice rushed through my veins. “I’d think long and hard about trying such nonsense, considering your current predicament. Talia’s house is unlike the others. I expect the ground is unreachable outside that windowpane.”

“Why did you bring me here?” Snapping past the fear tightening in my throat, I held his gaze with a warning shining from mine.

“I have my reasons for ensuring you survive to reach your immortality.” He used a single finger to tuck a wayward curl behind my ear. The simple action sent a wealth of need and emotion shooting through my frame.

Resentment at myself for how my body betrayed me followed the same path the arousal took from my head, straight down to my toes.

“I should leave,” I breathed past the dryness of my mouth.

Guffawing darkly, Rhys tipped his head, a cruel smile lifting the corners of his mouth. “I’m afraid that isn’t possible. You’ve not been granted sanctuary within this house. As of right now, I’m undecided about what to do with you.” His knuckles brushed over my cheek, then a single finger hooked beneath my chin, forcing my face to lift until our eyes clashed with fury simmering within both. “Don’t sulk too much. It makes me want those pouty lips wrapped around my cock—”

Slapping his hand away, I trembled with anger. “Fuck you, Van Helsing. Find someone else who’s willing to deal with your mood swings. Your dick isn’t worth the whiplash that comes with it. You don’t get me anymore. Any chance you had of that was lost when you chose to proclaim that I meant less than nothing to you in front of everyone.” I hissed from between clenched teeth, glaring at him contemptuously.

“Strange way of thanking me for saving your life.” The azure in his eyes sparkled with mirth, as if he found amusement in the situation.

“I didn’t need your help. I could’ve managed it myself,” I susurrated. I stepped away from him, then moved around the bed for more distance from him. Once I’d positioned the large bed between us, I turned to face him, fixing him with an indifferent gaze.

“It looked like you were managing just fine before I arrived. Right up until the ceiling caved in on that thick skull of yours.” Stepping up to the window, Rhys reached out, closing it before facing me. Positioned by the windowpane with his shoulder resting against the wall, he smirked arrogantly. As he folded his arms over his wide, muscular chest, it caused the cuffs to rise on his wrists, revealing hints of colorful ink.

Rhys had changed. He wore his signature suit he always had on, but there was something enigmatic about him now. Something I couldn’t put a name to or identify. Licking his full bottom lip, he stared at me until I silently began to fidget.

With an annoyed grunt upon my refusal to quarrel, he thrust his hands into his pockets, studying me through cold, tightening eyes.

“I found something rather intriguing last night,” he started as he pushed from the window, pacing beside the bed that stood between us.

When he didn’t elaborate, my curiosity grew. “And what is that, Van Helsing?” I’d be damned if I used his name. I’d spent the past three months fending for my life while being destitute because he’d frozen all my accounts.

“Your curse activated for a short time before stopping. Normally, it lasts for a prolonged period.” Turning, he aimed a thin, pointed look toward me. “I’d like to know why that is.”

“I’d like to know why you’re such an asshole or blame me for shit I had zero control over, but I’m going to take a gander that you’re not going to elaborate on that. You have your secrets. I have mine.” I had no idea why the curse wasn’t active. It should’ve been. He smiled coldly until I flipped my hair, putting my hand on my belly.

The moment I covered the curve of my abdomen, Rhys’ focus fell to my middle. Leisurely, it climbed back up to settle on my face. A crooked smile played over his mouth. As he started forward, it triggered me to take three steps in the opposite direction.

“Frightened yet?”

“No. I’m just not reckless enough to trust you anywhere near me. You hate me. You’ve made that clear to me and everyone else present the day Roslyn turned up at your house,” I retorted.

The use of her name made his eyes turn obsidian. Then, I watched thin streaks start to spread over his face, sliding down his neck. I struggled to conceal the fright growing inside my mind. My stomach twisted as the rate of my heart increased.

Goosebumps spread over my arms, continuing down the length of my body. Rhys hadn’t ever allowed his demon out in front of me. Ever. He’d always shielded me from it, but it was clear he wouldn’t be doing that anymore.

A sinister smile curved over his mouth seconds before he vanished from sight. Fear sliced through my system, spreading throughout until I thought it would explode from within. I took one step back, then another until I collided with something solid. Powerful arms wrapped around my chest, even as his feverish breath fanned against the shell of my ear.

“What’s the matter, Love? Afraid I’ll play with my dinner?” he queried through a hoarse voice that slid over, then all around me. It promised to leave me a satisfied, depleted mess when he’d finished using me.

“Don’t worry. My mother taught me better than to play with my food, unlike yours.” His teeth pulled on my earlobe as he chuckled mischievously. “Now, be a good girl. I’d hate to restrain you to claim you, as is my right.”

I felt my stomach plummet as a lump formed in my throat. “And what do you think is your right?” My tone trembled as the question escaped past my quivering lips.

“Whatever the fuck I want it to be,” he articulated, even as he skimmed scorching lips over the hollow column of my neck. “You’re mine, Remington. You’re my silver. That means no one can argue my claim over you. Not even you.”

“I am not your silver, not anymore. You renounced any claim you made to me. You and I are nothing, Rhys Van Helsing. Nothing. Do you need me to spell it out for you? I will.” Trembling with anger, I fought the confusion crashing through my system. Spinning around to face him, I battled the need to reach out and touch him.

My traitorous body had missed the memo where he’d broken my heart into a thousand tiny pieces. It fluttered from his nearness and touch, while my fingers curled into my palms, preventing my nails from raking over his face.

“You think it’s that easy, Love?” The hoarseness in his words glided over my flesh like satin, promising to ignite like gasoline over an open flame if I didn’t distance myself from his touch. “You and I are together forever. If I want to use you, I’ll do so in any way I wish.”

“Is that what you think will happen?” I countered, shooting a similar sharp, cutting tone back as his stare thinned and a tic started in his cheek. “Because I promise you this: I won’t be a pawn you wield against your enemies. I don’t care if I’m your silver, or if you think it gives you some archaic claim on my soul. So, how about you get your hands off me and step the fuck back? Now! ” When he didn’t immediately step back, I let the temperature of my core begin expand, knowing it would force him to step away or be burned.

“You’ve been learning tricks since you’ve been away from me, pretty pet.”

“No, Rhys. I’ve been learning how to survive in this world. A world that’s trying its best to ensure my child never takes its first breath. I won’t allow them or you to use or harm them in any way. So, unless you intend to force me to start a war, one neither of us wants, I’m leaving.” I turned, eyeing him coldly.

“Someone thinks she’s all grown up now.” His words tore a cold, unfeeling laugh from my lips.

Instead of taking the bait, I folded my arms over my chest. The look on my face was one of boredom and annoyance. It was unfair for him to look so damn enticing when I was doing my best to ignore the allure of him.

Rhys was the epitome of everything I’d ever wanted in a man. His touch set me afire with a need like no other could or had ever managed to do. His compass, while black, still followed a code of conduct that I understood and respected.

Azure eyes framed in thick, dark lashes narrowed on me, slowly studying my face before lowering in a slow, ravenous exploration of my frame. The sinfully hot tattoos adorning his throat peeked out from beneath the folded collar of his expensive suit, taunting me.

The only thing different about Rhys’ persona was the dark aura surrounding him, plus his hair was disheveled, as if he’d shoved his inked fingers through it repeatedly as he’d waited for me to wake up.

“Don’t make this harder than it needs to be, Love. You don’t want to make me your enemy.” His words forced a clap of laughter to burst free from my lips.

“I’ve no intention of making anything easier for you. And stop calling me ‘Love’ . There’s no love between us anymore.” I waited resolutely for his next taunt or threat to roll off his incredibly talented tongue.

“Have it your way. Remember, I at least tried to make this all easier on you. I gave the witches my word that I’d be gentle with you because of your delicate condition.” Stepping into my body, he reached out, grabbing a copper-colored curl between his fingers, before rubbing the strands together. “How is my child?”

“You mean my child? Did you catch amnesia or some shit? Either way, Bullet’s fine and doesn’t need you anymore than I do now, Van Helsing.”

Dark brows smashed together as irritation settled over his face. “You named our child without consulting me first?”

“No. I named my child without consulting the sperm donor.” He tugged at my hair, and, as I attempted to retreat, his arm circled my back. The world spun as he pressed me against the wall, avoiding any harm.

“My child. My silver. Mine! End of discussion. You hear me, Love. You can be angry all you want. It doesn’t change that you’re carrying my child or that my silver burns within your soul. You breathe because I allow you to do so. So, unless you intend to start another war between our bloodlines, one you and your family aren’t prepared to fight, you’ll be a good girl for me. Stop trying to cut me with that sharp tongue. Do you understand me?” The minute I opened my lips to dispute what he’d claimed, his mouth collided against mine in a brutally harsh kiss, shocking me into complete silence.

Rhys’ tongue pushed against my lips, seeking entrance. The moment he got it, Rhys devoured me like a man starved of sustenance. His tongue dueled against mine, dominating it until a breathy moan escaped my lungs, swallowed by his ravenous lips.

My body melted into the hardened muscles of his body, softening against his brutal assault on my senses. Unwillingly, my tongue slid against his, daring him to continue what he’d started.

The moment he pulled away from the kiss, his eyes sparkled with victory. Anger and confusion sluiced through my mind, which never ended well for me.

My palm moved through the air, then connected against his cheek. The gasp I expelled at the realization of what I’d just done was followed by his angry snarl. I stared in horror as he turned his head, frowning at the sound of cold, cruel laughter replacing all sound within the chamber.

Painstakingly slow, Rhys’ dark head turned back with the promise of violence hanging heavily in the air between us. The hair on my nape rose as goosebumps spread down my spine, then stretched over my flesh. His nostrils flared as violent waves churned in his azure stare.

“Keep your mouth away from me. I’ve no idea where it’s been. Not that I care. I only care that you keep it far away from me. Understood?” One of his hands lifted, cradling my jaw as his thumb trailed over the other side lightly. “Don’t.” The plea escaped on a broken sob before I could stop it from rolling off my tongue. Tears pricked my eyes at the tenderness of his touch.

“You forget. I can feel you, Remington. I know exactly what you want from me right now. What you need from me isn’t soft or sweet. Nah, you want to be fucked quickly and brutally. That’s what you crave, isn’t it? You see, it doesn’t shock me that you desire to be used like a little slut. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree, now, did you? Nah. Can’t say I didn’t see that coming.” The violence festering in his azure precipices threatened to drown me. “Tell me I’m fucking wrong. You’re just like your mother.”

My hand lifted, fully intending to collide against his cheek again, but his free hand blocked it before he captured my wrist harshly. His other hand tightened its hold on my throat. The brutal bite of his thumb, forcing my jaw open, made a whimper escape from my swelling throat. Rhys’ grip on my wrist threatened to break the bone if I fought his hold. The brutal sound of his cold, callous laughter forced tears to trickle free.

“Which alpha are you currently fucking most in your little reverse harem? My bet is on the wolf. If I recall correctly, you couldn’t take your eyes off his prick.”

“Silly boy. I’m fucking all of them at the same time. I have three holes, after all. Plus, I’m a badass who can multitask when the rewards are worth it. Trust me, it’s so fucking worth it with them. After all, I’m such a slut.” A lie, but one that rolled off my tongue easily enough. “Why the fuck would you care who I’m fucking, Van Helsing?”

The blue of Rhys’ eyes was swallowed by darkness. Thick, ink-colored lines spread from his eyes, then stretched down his cheeks as the veins filled with his demonic power. Blood drained from my face as his breathing became rough with each breath of air from his rattling lungs.

My mouth had run away from me. It would be the final nail in my coffin.

Why? Because I didn’t know when to leave well enough alone.

I couldn’t outrun him. I couldn’t fight him off. Not when I had no idea how to wield my magic without killing my intended victim. Until I could harness and sharpen my aim, I was screwed. I didn’t want Rhys to be dead or hurt. Okay, so I wanted to hurt him a little for what he’d put me through. What he was still putting me through.

Well, shit, Remington. You just had to go and bait the beast. Someday, you’ll learn to shut the fuck up. That day wasn’t today, though. A smarter person would’ve recognized how close to the surface Rhys’ demon was. They’d have shut the hell up and not continued poking it. Knowing that if they continued, it would erupt.

This was how I died.