Page 116 of Red's Beast

I don't like his touch and I don't want to be with him, but what choice do I have? If I say no, I'll never be able to free the beast from the place the witch sent him. Why do these things keep happening?

It should have become easier after Natalia died, but instead I keep facing more obstacles that drive me to the point of insanity, all because there are things no one can talk about.

I'm so lost in thought that I don't realize his lips are about to touch mine. Gasping, I move my head to the side, away from him. "That is not an invitation to kiss me."

He backs up, but doesn't move away. "It's not that hard of a decision. You either want to save the beast or leave him to rot somewhere else. Make your choice."

"I want to save him," I whisper. My thoughts are a tangled mess, but one thing is clear. I will save him and I will bring him home. Whatever it takes, that beast is mine, and even if it's the last thing I will do, he will be set free entirely. It just may cost me everything, though.

He chuckles. "Then the choice is simple. Say the words that you're mine and I will help you."

"I'm yours on one condition," I say, looking up at him with doe eyes.

"Are you in any position to ask for anything? I'm granting you something already." He pauses for a moment, licking his lips ashe glances down into my eyes. "Fine, as long as it's reasonable, I think I can grant you one thing, since you are mine."

I wet my lips, my mouth suddenly going dry. Will he grant this one request? I have to play my cards right or I will blow everything that is running through my mind.

"All I ask is that you do not mark me as yours until the beast is safe in the woods."

His eyes widen as he considers my request. The way he's looking at me, I expect him to deny it. It is risky, especially for him. The moment the beast is free, he could mark me and Corbin won't be able to stop him. I know what I'm asking and honestly I'm hoping for that outcome, but I can't act like it's what I want.

He has to believe I'll follow through on this deal.

Corbin shoves his fingers under my chin roughly, tilting my head back until I meet his gaze. "I might consider this request if you tell me why I must wait."

"Consider it a security deposit of sorts. In order to save the beast, I must agree to be your mate, correct? Well, who's to say you'll actually help me once I'm marked as yours? So, this is my condition. To ensure you uphold your end of the bargain, the beast must be saved first, then you can mark me."

He leans closer, inhaling my scent as he drags his fingers down my throat. "A clever one, aren't you? Fine. I can agree to those terms, but as soon as he steps foot back into the woods, I'mclaiming you then and there. No waiting, no complaining. I don't care who's watching. We will be mated that very second, with or without the full moon."

"You have a deal."

Corbin finally moves away from me, his gaze dropping to my throat. "Good, now that we are in agreement, we can look for the beast."

He snarls a little as he turns around and stomps off. I slowly sink to the wooden floors, shock flooding my system.What have I done?

This could blow up in my face in a matter of seconds. My only hope is that as soon as the beast sees me again, he claims me before Corbin has a chance.

Sighing, I stroke my face with my hand as the tears finally fall. Why can't this be easier?

Grandmother finally opens the door, peeking her head inside and finds me against the wall, right next to it.. "Well, what now, my child?"

My head falls back against the wall as I turn to look at her. "You heard everything, didn't you?"

"Yes, I did and now I'm asking you what now? You must have a lot of thoughts," she says as she steps in fully through the doorand closes it behind her. "That was a deal of a lifetime to make. I'm not sure you're ready for what could happen in the end, either."

I move my finger over my lips to silence her before she gives anything away. Corbin is still somewhere close by and until we are alone, I can't say anything.

Even the pack link isn't safe. Even though I'm the alpha, if I don't hold up my guard just right, he might overhear my thoughts.

The only way to do this is verbally away from prying ears.

"Are you okay?" she asks.

"No, but I will be. He's agreed to help me find the beast." I reach up, drying my tears, and glance toward the stove. "Will you help me make some potato soup? The kind I liked when I was little. We haven't eaten that in years."

Her smile warms me as she heads straight for the kitchen. "Not a problem. Days like this, you just need some comfort food. Will Corbin be joining us?"

"I don't know," I whisper. "He left toward the spare room."

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