Page 73 of Red's Beast

"Oh, Kitten. That's not the official mate mark, but it gives you my scent. Just repaying the favor, since he did the same not too long ago. It’s about time I covered that up."

She almost seems to sigh in relief that it wasn't the mate mark, but it’s quickly replaced by anger. "Have you lost your mind?"

I don't care if he has lost his mind because I want to rip him apart. The only thing standing in my way is this blasted barrier. I ram it repeatedly, hoping it will break, but all it does is singe my fur off. My growls grow louder as my rage intensifies.

He's dead. I will rip each limb off slowly and they'll never find all the pieces of him. That much I will make sure of. I will shred him like confetti and sprinkle this pack with his flesh. That is exactly what I’m going to do to him.

Corbin laughs each time I hit the barrier with a thud. He licks Lily's blood off his lips and savors it before he smirks at me. "Here I stand, beast. Can't you come get me? I know you want to. Hmmm, there must be a problem."

Lily smacks him in the face. "Corbin, stop it."

He motions for more men to come get her and two of them come forward, each grabbing an arm in their hands and pulling her back some.

"Why would I when this is so much fun? Look at him, Lily. Maybe I should just end his suffering. I mean, he has beentrapped in the woods all this time. I'm sure it's been boring for him. He may be ready for death by now."

Lillian

As Samson and Kase grip each arm tightly, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease. Both of these men have been close to Nigel’s family since they came and when their fathers retired from being betas, they took their place. Sure, I’ve dealt with them a lot recently, but right now, I’m on edge.

Oddly, I don’t see the other man who should have been one of the betas. His father was strong enough to be one, but his familystepped away. That didn’t stop him from hanging out with these two from time to time, though.

Kase is bloody. Samson doesn’t look much better.

Corbin steps forward and looks at both of them before his bright gaze drops to meet mine. “Did you know that the beast killed Cody? He ripped his head off when he entered the woods.”

I shiver as I realize that is where the other one went.

Corbin only laughs because of my reaction. “You seem surprised. Anyway, he nearly killed Kase as well. Ripped his tail clean off. Honestly, I should have him killed.”

I know little about the beast’s curse, but I don't think Corbin can free him, nor can he kill him. It seems like a trick just so the beast won't hurt anyone else, but what happens when he finds out?

What happens if Corbin truly believes he can kill him and he tries? How many more are going to die?

I'm already in a hopeless situation because Corbin is relentlessly pursuing me to be his mate, and I will go to any lengths to prevent the pack from suffering under his oppressive rule. Anything coming from his mouth sounds like he’s out of his mind. The poor beast. Even though I wish to free him, he is probably the only one who is in a better situation than the rest of us. He has the entire woods to roam.

We are stuck here, under Corbin’s thumb. Sadly, that is somewhat because of his curse, but even if he wasn’t in the woods, I doubt things would change.

"It's a trick. Don't accept."

I am about to say something else when a warm hand swiftly covers my mouth and stops me from talking. Looking back, I notice Samson, who has a tight grip on me and is not letting go. The fact that he is considered one of Corbin's most trusted men only fuels my hatred towards him.

Corbin chuckles under his breath as he casts me a quick glance. “I guess my little kitten wants to speak, but it’s not her turn.”

A growl rumbles in my chest, causing him to laugh louder this time.

“She sounds like she’s purring, too. Does my kitten like being handled roughly? I’ll have to remember that for our first night together.”

Oh, how I hate this man with all my being. My poor wolf is restless, just beneath my skin and begging to be set free.

I sigh as I realize anything I do now is pointless. If I choose to rebel, I don’t have the support and the beast can’t escape the woods to help me. We have to wait until the full moon when he can be free for one more night. If we can make it until then, we can finish this once and for all. It’s just a few more days.

My wolf mumbles something that I can’t quite hear. It’s almost like she’s in a barrel and her voice only echoes. Suddenly, I realize she’s talking to the beast through a bond I never knew about.

How long have you been doing this?

She freezes, giving me the impression she never wanted me to know about this.Oh, a few times. I let him know whatever I feel he needs to know.

You have been going behind my back?

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