Page 32

Chapter 32

Erik

T here is one benefit to being in a prison of my own mind. Somehow, Keto cannot hear my thoughts.

Unfortunately, neither can Lillian.

It seems the only creature with whom I am allowed communication in this tortuous state is Phorkys, who is currently quivering with anticipation before his lover. He is just as aroused by Her as Lillian appears to be—her flushed cheeks and heady scent a dead giveaway to her desire. I cannot blame her, when even the monster is unable to keep his hectocotylus from flushing with sperm.

He is ready to breed. Eager for it.

Which only increases my fear for Lillian.

“Because I am generous, Lillian, I will give you a chance to save your friend.”

When the Titan speaks, her voice saturates every molecule around and within us. I see my treasure tremble, her breath quickening with every word Keto directs to her. Her pupils are so dilated I can barely discern the ring of navy blue from their depths.

I know what is coming. Because it is the same bargain that Phorkys attempted to offer me. Freedom in exchange for lending our bodies to their mating ritual.

You cannot let Her do this, I plead to him. I have to shout to be heard from my cage within His body. He will just ignore me otherwise. Please, Phorkys! Do not condemn her to the same fate to which you condemned me!

Silence, human. I have no power here. We must beget our brood. It is either your mate, or her friend.

His eyes focus on the limp forms of the fragile humans still strapped to the cavern walls. Compared to Lillian, a sturdy lass with fire in her eyes, these two seem so…delicate.

She seems to be thinking the same thing, as Lillian’s gaze flits to her friend and her mate. My treasure seems to wilt at the sight of them, but then her face steels with resolve. I am in awe as she lifts her head to the Titan before us, determination filling her gaze.

She is breathtaking. In that moment, even Keto’s beauty cannot compare to hers.

My treasure.

For a moment, I swear her eyes flick to me, as if she can see the man trapped beneath the monster.

How can I say that?

She has always seen the man beneath the monster. Always accepted me. Always found me, even in the darkest of moments.

I may have failed her, but she is strong enough to save herself.

“Take my brood and bear my children, and I will let your friend go.”

Lillian’s chest fills with breath as she stares down the Titan.

If you guarantee that Tiffany, Dean, and their baby will be free to live their life back on the surface, that you will never hurt them again…

I will have your children.

“Wonderful.” Keto’s attention refocuses on Phorkys and me, and His body stills. “Phorkys. Retrieve the eggs.”