Page 4 of Primal

My phone rings, breaking me out of my thoughts. I don’t need to look to know it’s Storee calling. Other than the catering company owner I work for, who wouldn’t be calling me this early anyway, she’s the only person who has this number.

I also know why she’s calling.

“You did The Hunt last night, didn’t you?” she says the instant I answer.

I sigh, knowing there is no point in lying. “Yes, I did.”

There’s silence on the other end of the line, and I can almost feel her eyes boring into me through the phone. “I thought so.” Disapproval tinges her voice. “I know I have no place to talk since I did it, too, but it’s dangerous. I got hurt the last time I?—”

“I’m being careful,” I say, “and besides, not everyone can find true love like you did. I need something to keep me busy while you’re off playing house with Locke.”

Storee is quiet for a moment. “Well, did you at least get a good basket? Was it worth it?”

I let out a small laugh. “Always.” Another silence stretches out before I add, “I miss you.”

“I know. I miss you, too. I’ve been so busy with the opening of the gallery and with Locke—but… come to The Vault tonight. Meet me there.”

“What? Really? The Vault!”

“Yes, really,” Storee insists. “Locke said I could come with him tonight, and I’ll make sure your name is on the list so there are no issues getting inside.”

“Are you sure? The last time we snuck into The Vault, I thought Locke banned us?”

“I’m sure. He’s softening… sort of,” she says with a chuckle.

The Vault is one of the most exclusive sex clubs on the West Coast, and getting in is nearly impossible without connections.But I suppose being best friends with the girlfriend of one of the owners puts me in theconnectedcategory now.

I smile to myself, excitement bubbling up inside me at the prospect of a night out at The Vault. “Okay, I’ll be there. Thanks for thinking of me.”

After hanging up, I pour myself a glass of the expensive wine from the basket and settle onto the couch. It’s five o’clock somewhere, after all, and I earned the drink after last night. Despite the lingering ache between my thighs, a sense of contentment washes over me. The thrill of The Hunt still lurks inside me, that delicious combination of fear and power. Not to mention doing something that would give my father a fucking stroke.

I know the dangers, of course. Storee’s warning echoes in my mind. But something primal awoke within me last night, a fierce need to surrender control while also seizing it for myself. It’s intoxicating in a way I can’t quite explain.

As I sip the rich wine, I replay the previous night’s events. The way the hunter stalked me through the dense forest, his hungry gaze raking over my body. The pounding of my heart when he finally struck, tackling me to the mossy ground. The thrill of struggling against his weight, knowing escape was futile. And then, the blazing pleasure-pain as he claimed me, taking what he wanted with a forcefulness that should have repulsed me but instead ignited a fire low in my belly.

I squeeze my thighs together, the ache intensifying as memories flood my mind. Part of me can’t wait for tonight’s hunt which I know deep down I can’t resist. Another part wonders if this newfound hunger will ever be sated.

One thing is certain—after sampling the forbidden fruit of submission and dominance, I can never go back to my old, boring life. The woman I was is gone. In her place is someonebrutally awakened, something beyond the norm. Beyond the expected. I can’t be black and white. I can’t go back.

I can’t be her.

Rules. Structure. Orderly compliance. Living the life of a robot.

Hollow.

There is a reason I left. And yes, I miss certain people, but I needed to get away. I needed to breathe. To be me. To find out whomereally is.

Chapter 3

Braken

The music’s thumping bass fills the room, vibrating against the walls and floor. The occasional moans and cries of pleasure are audible over the steady beat, adding to the tantalizing atmosphere.

And then I see her.

Fiora Delaney. Or at least that is the name she is using now.

There is no mistaking who this woman really is and how I know her.

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