Page 65 of Red's Beast

Not until me. Does that mean I’m the key?

With that thought, my eyes slide closed and I fall asleep for a while. The hours blend together as we remain imprisoned over the next day. Corbin has the audacity to come into my cell and ask me if I will be his obedient little mate.

A smile spreads across my face as I think about all the ways I have come up with to say no since he asked more than once. This particular incident ended with me spitting on his shoe and throwing my water cup at him, which he sadly dodged, and once he got close enough again, I kicked him in the shin.

The other visits became frequent, and he seemed to come every single hour until dusk.

He just doesn’t get it. Corbin was truly shocked by my refusal to become his mate. It’s like his mind can’t comprehend why I wouldn’t want to.

Why don't I beg for this?

After he stops coming for a while and the skies turn dark, I sit along the wall, thinking of when he’ll come again.

His first mistake in asking me was just that. Asking me. The second is asking me to be obedient. The third reason is because he’s a disgusting prick. Why would I want to be with him when he has treated me so horribly?

I’d rather see his head depart his body, just as his father’s had.

A while passes as I think things through again and then I hear his familiar steps coming down the stairs.

Oh, great. Here he comes again.

Turning my head in the opposite direction, I let out a scoff. There is no point in even meeting his gaze. Instead of intimidating him, it only encourages him.

"Still not talking to me? What are you going to do this time? Bite a finger off?" He laughs to himself as he comes close, butnot close enough that I actually can. I wouldn't want to put his fingers in my mouth anyway because I don't know where they've been.

The very thought sends a shiver down my spine, but he mistakes it for excitement instead of disgust. "Oh, do you like that idea?"

I sigh and turn slowly to face him. "You are just gross and no, I don't want that."

He smirks as he checks me from head to toe, then his gaze lands on the cuffs. "This could all be over if you'd just agree. You're going to end up my mate in a few days as it is. Why suffer like this?"

"It's one less day I have to see your ugly mug."

I growl, letting my teeth shift, though it zaps my energy.

This only seems to thrill him. "I love it when you're feisty. Maybe you can sink those pretty little fangs into my throat and mark me as yours already.”

"Oh, shut up, Corbin," my Grandmother chides from her cell next to mine. "You are nothing but a colossal idiot."

He looks appalled as his jaw falls open, but he recovers quickly. "You will learn when to keep that mouth shut, old hag."

"Don't you talk to my Grandmother like that!" I lunge for him, but the chains hold me back, burning into my skin and causing me to let out a hiss of pain. "When I get out of here, you're dead."

Corbin clicks his tongue as he takes a step away from the bars. "After I mark you, you won't be able to resist me. I will call to parts of you that you didn't know existed."

My lips pinch closed as I try to think of how I truly feel about his words, but there are only three that come to mind. “In your dreams.”

"Well, that is enough for today. I will bid you goodnight and I will come back tomorrow. Maybe you’ll have a different answer for me then.”

He heads for the stairs and disappears; the door slamming behind him. I'm unable to meet her gaze as she looks over at me.

"My child, I normally don't say this, but maybe you should accept."

My eyes meet hers. How can she say such a thing? "Are you insane? Why would I even consider such a thing? You told me I had a choice, but this sounds like you’re settling on me being with Corbin.”

She swallows hard, like she doesn't want to tell me something. "He has a point about the mating mark. It will tie you two together.”

"What are you trying to say?"

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