DAPHNE
"No," I gasped, backing away from the door. "No—no—no."
Something inside me snapped.
I tore the jewelled pins from my hair, wincing as strands ripped free with them. My hands shook violently as I yanked at the necklace, biting into my throat. I kicked the jewels away, sending them skidding into the shadows.
I clawed at the embroidered bodice, fingers fumbling, desperate to rid myself of everything they had touched me with. I considered ripping the dress off entirely.
I paced the room like a trapped animal, breath coming in sharp, broken gasps. My mind raced, searching for escape where none existed.
The door opened. I spun around just as Alpha Carlos Cloak strode into the room.
He took one look at me, and fury darkened his face.
"Explain yourself," he barked.
I didn't care how I looked. I didn't care about decorum or obedience or the countless rules I had lived by my entire life.
"Is it true?" I shouted. "Are you giving me to him?"
His jaw clenched.
"You can't," I sobbed. "Please, Father, I will do anything. I'll stay locked away forever. I'll serve the pack in any way you ask. Please."
"Stop embarrassing yourself," he snarled.
"I am terrified, Father," I cried, tears spilling freely now. "He will destroy me."
Suddenly, pain exploded across my face as he slapped me. White light burst behind my eyes, stars dancing wildly as I staggered back, barely staying upright. My cheek burned, my ears rang, and for a moment, I couldn't breathe.
"Silence," he said coldly. "You will not shame me with hysterics." He turned sharply toward the doorway. "Get back in here."
The servants rushed in, looking terrified.
"Hold her," he ordered.
Father leaned down until his face was inches from mine. His eyes were merciless.
"If you do not behave," he said quietly, "I will kill every servant who has ever catered to you."
My scream died in my throat. I went still. The servants froze, terror flashing across their faces. I swallowed hard, my body locking into rigid compliance.
"Dress her," He commanded.
They worked quickly, silently. They smoothed the silk back over my skin, fastened the jewels again with shaking fingers, and pinned my hair into elegance. I stared straight ahead, unblinking, my tears drying cold against my cheeks.
Inside, something screamed. It clawed and howled and begged to be let out, but I shoved it down and buried it deep, where all my other emotions had learned to survive.
By the time they finished, I looked every inch the perfect princess.
Alpha Carlos Cloak stood in the doorway, his expression transformed. The rage was gone. In its place was a proud smile. I hated him more than I hated the so-called Demon Alpha King. At least the demon was honest about what he was.
"Beautiful," he said, extending his arm. "Come, Daphne."
Father led me out into the waiting carriage. It was my first time outside in six months. The night air rushed over my skin. I closed my eyes and breathed it in. Freedom brushed my face and passed me by. Bitterness followed quickly behind it.
Inside the Demon Alpha's castle, Father leaned close, his breath warm against my ear.
"Remember what is at stake," he whispered. "One mistake, and everything burns."
The doors to the throne room opened.
I had expected a decaying and evil-looking monster. Instead, the man who sat on the throne was younger than Father. If I hadn't known better, I would have thought he was only a few years older than me.
His body was ripped and powerful. Dark hair fell loosely at his nape. His tanned skin was marked with intricate tattoos that pulsed faintly, as if they were alive. His harsh and ancient muted grey eyes met mine, and the world paused. The word MATE roared inside my head.
I staggered, as my breath tore out from my lungs. My wolf surged forward in panic and awe. Shock flickered across his face at the exact same moment.
Father was saying something about truce and peace and offerings, but neither of us heard a word.
In a blink, his hand closed around my wrist, ripping me from Father's grasp, pulled me against his chest, and let out a thunderous.
The room erupted as his men threw back their heads and answered him. Then, he bent his head, inhaling deeply at my neck, my hair, my skin.
"Mate," he declared.
My breath hitched, and heat pooled low in my stomach. My skin hummed where he touched me. I hated the pull and the bond snapping tight around my soul. I hated him. I hated them all.
His gaze locked onto mine, something dark and possessive burning in his eyes. Then, impossibly, he smiled.
"I've been looking for you," he said softly. "I have a gift."
One of his men stepped forward and placed a book into his hands.
My breath hitched in recognition. It was a journal that was identical to the one Father had burned.
Father stepped forward, furious. "This wasn't the plan—"
"Silence," He snapped.
The single word carried so much power that Father recoiled.
"How?" I whispered, my voice shaking. "How did you—"
"I've felt you," he said. "All this time, my mate." He pressed the book into my trembling hands. "This journal is bound to you. It's enchanted. It will never be taken from you again."
My hands trembled as I opened the journal. All my thoughts, both past and present, were already written inside.
I gasped, tears blurring my vision. Gratitude flooded me so fiercely it hurt.
"All the games end now," The Demon Alpha King said coldly. "She is mine."
Before I could speak, he cupped my face and kissed me.
It was the most overwhelming, delicious sensation I had ever known. The kiss lit every nerve in my body. I clung to him instinctively, breathless, shaking.
"Mine," he growled, trailing my neck. Swiftly, his teeth grazed my neck and bit into it.
A moan escaped my lips as the mark burned and then melted into the most exquisite sensation I had ever known. My body arched instinctively as the bond sealed with a rush of pleasure that stole my breath.
We kissed again.
And then his body went limp and crashed to the floor, taking me with him.
All hell broke loose.