Page 13 of Surrendered to Mate

I clench my fists, torn between frustration and an unwelcome flicker of attraction. "You're not answering my questions."

"Neither are you," Cassius points out, his smile widening. "It seems we're at an impasse."

I pace in front of him, trying to ignore how his eyes follow my every move. "Fine. You want to play games? Let's play. For every question you answer, I'll answer one of yours."

"Now that," Cassius purrs, "sounds like my kind of game."

Trying to make this more casual, I take a seat across from Cassius, keeping my distance. My eyes are immediately drawn to those strange wings. They're unlike anything I've ever seen - gray and veiny, folded against his back. There's no feathers on them either, which makes them even more unusual.

"So, let's start with the obvious. These wings mean you can't be human," I say, gesturing vaguely. "So just tell me what you are."

Cassius grins, all teeth. "I'm whatever you want me to be, darling."

I roll my eyes, but can't quite suppress the twitch at the corner of my mouth. "Cute. Real cute."

"Ah, was that a smile I saw?" he teases, leaning forward as much as his bonds allow.

"You're seeing things," I retort, crossing my arms. "Now, about those wings-"

"My turn for a question," Cassius interrupts smoothly. "What's a beautiful woman like you doing all alone in these woods?"

I snort. "Nice try. I'm asking the questions here."

"Ah, but you agreed to our little game, remember? One for one."

I narrow my eyes. "You never answered my question."

Fuck me, the grin grows wider. And it looks so damn good on him. "You never said who had to answer one first."

Damn. He's got me there. I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Fine. I live here. Your turn. What are you?"

Cassius's eyes gleam with amusement. "I'm a mystery, wrapped in an enigma, tied up in some very impressive knots."

Despite myself, I bark out a laugh. "You're impossible, that's what you are."

"There's that smile again," he says, his voice dropping low. "It suits you."

I feel heat creep up my neck and turn away, cursing internally. What is wrong with me? He's a prisoner, for fuck's sake.

"My turn," Cassius continues, mercifully changing the subject. "Why won't you let me go?"

I whirl back to face him, narrowing my eyes. "Because you're dangerous. You're not human, you won't eat or drink, and you were carrying some weird magical artifact. I'd be stupid to just let you walk away."

"Fair point," he concedes. "Though I assure you, I mean you no harm."

"Right," I scoff. "And I'm a Queen." I had to fight a smile. "Queen of the caves.

Cassius's expression darkens for a split second before smoothing out. If I hadn't been watching closely, I might have missed it.

"What?" I ask, suddenly wary. "What was that look for?"

He shakes his head, that infuriating smirk back in place. "Nothing at all, Your Majesty. Though I must say, you're far more beautiful than the rumors suggest."

I groan, but can't quite hide my amusement. "You just don't quit, do you?"

"Never," he says with a wink. "It's part of my charm."

"Is that what you call it?" I mutter, fighting back another smile.

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