Page 19 of Wolf

But it slips through my grasp, like sand through my fingers. A faint growl escapes my lips as I realize how much power this girl holds over me. It’s a weakness I can’t afford, a vulnerability I must eliminate.

Yet, there’s something about Kali that sets her apart and calls to the darkness within me, even as it sparks a glimmer of something else entirely.

I shake my head, trying to clear the thoughts that threaten to consume me. I need to focus, to regain control. Kali is mine; I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her that way. Although, I don’t think Ileana will agree. In a month or so, she’ll be put up for auction. And then, I’ll have to face reality or rip Ileana’s fucking throat out with my teeth. The latter sounds the most enticing.

I stalk through the dark halls of the compound, unable to quiet my thoughts.

But as I enter my shit hole of a room, I sense of unease settles over me. The thought of another man touching Kali fills me with a rage so intense it nearly chokes me. She’s mine, damn it. I’ve marked her, claimed her.

I pace the room like a caged animal, my fists clenching and unclenching as I try to quell the storm. Kali is mine. Even if it means defying Ileana, even if it means tearing this whole fucking cartel apart with my bare hands.

I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her by my side, to claim her as my own. Because in this twisted, fucked-up world, she’s the only thing that makes sense.

And I’ll be damned if I let her go without a fight.

9

KALI

My body is aching while I stand on one leg. Matias hasn’t stolen a touch since this training session started, and I hate it.

Why the hell do I want that psychopath to touch me?

My leg trembles as I struggle to maintain my balance. Sweat drips from my brow, stinging my eyes. I clench my jaw, trying to ignore the searing pain shooting through my calf.

But the physical discomfort pales in comparison to the turmoil inside me. My mind keeps drifting to Matias, his intense gaze that seems to strip me bare. I crave his touch.

What is wrong with me? How can I yearn for a man who’s holding me captive, who’s subjected me to such cruelty?

I glance at him and find his dark eyes on me. A shiver runs down my spine. Is that a hint of a smirk playing at the corner of his lips? Does he know the effect he has on me?

Quickly, I break his gaze, hating the flush of warmth that creeps up my neck. I can’t let him see how much he gets under my skin. I won’t give him that satisfaction.

Suddenly, there’s a thud beside me. Luna fell, her face contorted in pain. My heart lurches.

Matias sneers, “Can’t even do a simple task, huh?” He moves toward Luna with violent intent in his eyes.

Thiago steps in front of him, his arm outstretched and blocking his path. “That’s enough, Matias,” he commands.

Matias’s jaw clenches, turning around to face his brother. “Enough? Since when do you decide what’s enough, Thiago? You’re suddenly playing the hero now, pretending to be Taren. Do you think that makes you better than me?” There’s no doubt that the man who fucked me last night, who made me come harder than I’ve ever come in my life, is unhinged. His nostrils flare, and his chest heaves frantically as if he’s hardly controlling his rage.

Thiago holds his gaze, unflinching which only makes the tension heighten.

“You think stepping in for Luna makes you better, huh? You’re just another pawn in their game!”

Thiago’s face hardens, but his voice remains steady, “It’s about ensuring we treat the assets correctly. No one wants to pay top dollar for a girl with bruises on her face.”

“Right?” Matias laughs bitterly, “Right according to whom, Thiago? We’ve been doing this for years, and suddenly that bastard Taren turns up, and everything changes.”

Thiago remains unaffected, staring at his brother.

“Enough,” Taren’s voice shatters the tension.

“I need to speak with you both,” he demands, attention on Matias and Thiago.

Matias’s gaze moves to me, eyes flashing before he marches out of the room behind his brother and Taren.

“Something’s going on,” Luna says.

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