Page 112 of Red's Beast

He closes the gap between us, taking the clothes from my hands that I had forgotten I was holding. Corbin leans down, his face mere inches from mine. "That is why you need a strong mate to rule by your side and show you how to harness it. You'd make for a strong luna."

"A luna?" I shove him, causing him to stumble backward a few steps. "That is what you'd have me be? Just a luna when I have the same abilities as you?"

Grandmother looks between us, the spoon in her hand. She watches for just a second, waiting for a fight to break out before she bows out or uses the spoon to make us stop. "I'm going to step out for a few minutes to let you two quarrel. Apparently, this is something you need to get out of your system. Lillian, just remember we need him to get your mate."

She walks out, closing the door softly behind her.

I look at the door with a hard stare, wondering if I should just leave, but I know if I do, Corbin will just continue this nonsense.

"Well, at least she is giving us some privacy, because I plan to make you mine."

As our gazes meet again, I notice he's gotten closer while I was looking at the door. I take a step back, hoping he doesn't continue his pursuit.

"I will never be yours. Get that through your head. I already have a fated mate and that is who I’m going to be with."

My hopes are crushed as he throws the clothes onto the floor and takes a step toward me, his hand reaching for his towel. "I made you happy once, and I can do it again. Remember our time when you were at my house just mere weeks ago? How I'd bring you food and take care of you? It can be like that all the time."

"Corbin, you're insane." I match his pace and take a step away from him.

He takes another step, followed by another, until I've backed myself against the wall and he is directly in front of me. His other hand reaches out, gently stroking my cheek and trailing his way down to the base of my throat.

"We can rule together. With you by my side, we'd be unstoppable. Just think about it. I can give you everything he can't. That beast's curse will never be broken and you know it."

My breath hitches in my throat. "You don't know that. I just have to find the bonded person and become his mate."

He whispers in my ear, "Maybe I already do. The way to break it is lost, isn't it? You're not even really sure how to do it, just that it requires you and some person we may never find. What if you actually had to bond with him while he's a beast, and it doesn't work? Have you considered all the ways this could go wrong because you don't know what to do?"

Corbin moves in closer, pressing his body against mine. His words have hit me like no other. He's right, sadly. I don't know what to do to break his curse fully and it could go wrong. The beast might not ever change into his human form and all could be for nothing.

But that doesn’t mean I would regret mating with him, even like that.

Something else hits me after a moment. I don't even know his name for certain, just that he is probably Logan or Lucian. All this time, I've just called him beast or beasty.

I feel Corbin's hand trail up my arms as he moves his hands up and down in a soothing motion. "You haven't thought about it, have you?"

"No." It's all I can say as I feel dazed out and uncertain of everything. I thought I could break his curse and free him, but I don't even know where to start. Natalia made sure of that.

When he tried to tell me, she threw him into the woods with her black tendrils of magic and he's been gone since.

"See, this is why you should be with me. I'm already here and will give you everything you heart desires. There will be happiness and love. Your heart will never hurt again, nor will anyone mistreat you. I'll make sure of it. Grandmother will also be taken care of, which I know is something you want dearly."

Everything he says sounds wonderful. It is all I wanted all my life, and it is now standing in front of me. I feel him adjust and his lips press to my throat, right under my ear.

"Please say yes. Say you'll be mine. Just those four little words and it's all over with." He trails his lips lower to the base of my throat and back up.

All I have to do is say those words. My mouth opens, wanting to say it just so I can have peace once and for all, but then the beast's red, cold eyes flashes before me.

Can I betray him? If I do this, I will give up on him and our future together, even though I do not know what kind of future that would be.

Am I willing to give him up? Am I willing to give up my destiny?

My heart picks up speed in anticipation. Once again, the beast's face floats across my mind.

Corbin's teeth drag down my throat. "Please, say the words."

"I..."

He pauses at my hesitation. "Lily, it's not that hard. Just repeat after me. Say you're mine and those two little words seal the deal. Forget all four. Just those two will do."

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