Page 2 of Knot Made to Break: Part One

“Well, well…”

His sinister chuckle made my throat constrict.

“Look who’s awake. Did you miss me, pet?” Rocco taunted.

I shuddered violently, that nickname like a slap across my face. My nails dug deeper into my palms as he sauntered into the room, movements slow and predatory.

“Don’t look so scared,” he purred, voice like poisoned honey. “You know how much I enjoy our… special times together.”

Bile burned up my throat. I knew all too well the depravities this man delighted in—the cruel games, the demented pleasure he took in my pain. My stomach roiled with nausea and trepidation as he stalked closer.

“S-Stay back,” I managed in a quivering whisper. A brittle attempt at defiance, but it was all the courage I could muster.

He laughed then, a harsh bark of dark amusement. “Or what? You’ll beg for mercy like you always do?” He stopped at the side of the bed, reaching for me.

I wanted to run, but chained as I was, there was no point in trying.

Rough fingers gripped my chin, forcing me to meet his cold, dead eyes. “Go ahead, pet.Beg.”

Revulsion and fear churned inside me, a roiling storm of emotion that stole what little breath I had left. I flinched at his touch, hating how weak and powerless I felt in his presence.

You’re a survivor, a voice whispered inside.He can’t break you… not entirely.

Squeezing my eyes shut, I willed myself to stay strong. To cling to that last shred of defiance. When I opened them, my voice was a little steadier. “No… I won’t beg. Not this time.”

His brows shot up, cruel amusement glinting in those soulless depths. “The little bird finally grew talons, did she?” His smile slashed higher, sharp as a dagger’s edge. “We’ll see how long that bravery lasts.”

A shudder ripped through me, even as I held his dark gaze. Because no matter how this played out, I knew one thing—I wouldn’t wake up from this nightmare.

His hand slid down my throat, calloused fingers pressing against my wildly fluttering pulse. “I can feel that defiant heart of yours racing, pet.” He bent at the waist, breathing deeply, dragging my signature into his lungs. “Betraying your fear, just like your scent.”

I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat nearly choking me as his touch seared my skin. “Don’t…” My voice cracked, barely above a whisper. “Don’t call me that…”

He leaned closer, breath hot against my face. “You’ll always be my pet. My pretty little Omega, bred for a single purpose.” His other hand snaked around my waist, yanking me up and onto my knees before him, pulling me flush against his solid frame. “To take my knot. To swell with my seed. To birth strong Alphas that continue the Valentino legacy.”

A whimper slipped past my lips as misery coiled inside me. His words cut deeper than any blade, slicing through the fragile veil of composure I struggled to maintain.

Think of something else. Anything to escape this…

But it was no use. Not when his broad body caged me in, the bitter, burnt scent of him overwhelming. I turned my face away to avoid him the best I could, but I was as helpless as a butterfly with its wings pinned.

“Rocco,” another masculine voice suddenly barked. “That’s enough.”

A low, warning growl followed the order, making us both jump.

Rocco whirled toward the intruder, who stepped into the dim light.

Antonio.

Tall, powerful… and infinitely more dangerous.

Two predators, challenging each other with narrowed eyes.

And I was the prize they postured over.

I’d heard them argue more than once about who would breed me when my first heat emerged. Something I knew was growing increasingly closer.

Rocco released me, turning to face his brother, hands curling into tight fists.

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