Page 22 of Whiteout

"You know she should've been mine, Kris. I'm the Huntsman. It's my right." I can almost feel the pent-up rage in every word he speaks. "You got to her first, but I'm not going to sit back and watch you take what's rightfully mine."

I step closer, matching his intensity. "You know how it works, Nick. The eldest takes the mask, and the younger supports him. Our roles are clear, and they're not changing. As for Ivy, she's not something to be claimed or traded. She's a person, and she chooses."

"Chooses? Please, don't make me fucking laugh. We both know how you let her choose. It's about power and control with you, and she's under your spell now. But I'm telling you, I won't let it stand. I should be continuing the family lineage, not you. That right is mine."

I grab him by the collar, pulling him close, my words a low growl. "You touchher, and I'll fucking end you. There will be a next generation, but you won't be the one to create it. Our duty is to the family, to keep the Huntsman name alive. It's always been that way, and one impulsive act won't change our legacy. There just has to be another generation to take over. It doesn't matter who creates it, only that there is one. And that will be happening soon."

I release him with a shove, my anger simmering. "Get the hell out of my sight, Nick. Don't make me repeat myself. She's off-limits to you. If I find out you've gone near her, or you've been watching us again, there will be hell to pay."

As he stalks off, I know this isn't over. Nick's not one to back down, and his obsession with Ivy is a dangerous combination. But she chose me, not him. I'll do everything in my power to keep her safe, even if it means protecting her from my own brother.

I hear the basement door close that leads outside, signaling my brother's departure. I sit down in an old wooden chair, my gaze fixed on the mask. Its dark leather surface reflects the flickering light of the basement, almost like it's staring back at me.

I hear the basement steps creak behind me, and my head snaps up. Ivy stands at the bottom of the stairs, her eyes wide, taking in the basement scene. The mask. The whips. The tools of my family's dark trade.

Fuck. I forgot to lock the door. In my rage and haste, I'd left it ajar, and now she's seen it all. There's no hiding the truth anymore.

"Ivy, I can explain."

But before I can begin to explain, she bolts up the stairs.

She's running from me now? She can't be fucking serious.

I chase after her, my boots pounding on the wooden stairs. She's faster than I expected, and it only makes the chase more exciting for me. She might actually challenge me. She's scared, and that adrenaline is fueling her. I slip on the top step, and she gains more ground.

Ivy probably thinks she can get away, but there's no escape for her. Not now, not ever. This is forever.

"Cherry, stop!" I yell. "I know you're scared, but you don't understand. Just calm down and let me explain. You can run all you want, but I'm going to find you. I'll always find you."

She disappears around a corner, and I know she's trying to find a place to hide. I slow down, a smirk forming on my face. This game we're playing? It's my favorite.

"You've got thirty seconds to come out from wherever you're hiding. After that, if you make me look for you, you will be punished. You haveno idea what game you're playing little girl and the monster you're playing with, and it turns me the fuck on."

I lean against a wall, arms folded, waiting. I know how this game goes. Thirty seconds is more than enough time for me to find her if I want to. But I'm curious to see if she'll take the bait. Will she stay hidden, or will she come to me? Either way, I'm going to enjoy every second of this.

My heart's racing, and my blood's pumping with adrenaline. Nothing gets me harder than the hunt.

I glance at my watch. Twenty seconds left. I hear the soft whimpering of her breath. She's close. Trying to remain silent, but her fear betrays her. I close my eyes, relishing the moment.

"Fifteen seconds." I push off the wall, starting to move in the direction I heard her whimper come from.

"Ten seconds, Cherry. Tick tock."

I hear that damn adorable whimper again. This time, I can tell where the noise is coming from. I can't help but smile as I slowly make my way toward the pantry door. My fingers play along with the wooden surface, a soft tap echoing through the silent house. I give her one last chance to come out on her own.

"Time's up." I pause, letting the anticipation build. But just as I'm about to open the door, the knob turns, and there she is. Ivy slowly reveals herself, her beautiful red hair falling over her shoulder, those bright green eyes looking up at me.

"Come on out, Cherry. We need to talk." Her hand trembles as she takes a hesitant step out of the pantry. I take her hand in mine, ignoring her flinch. I can tell she doesn't want me to touch her, but that's just too fucking bad. I'm not giving her a choice. This is for her own good. I lead her to the couch, my hand firm on her lower back.

I sit down first, and she moves to sit at the other end, trying to put distance between us. I'm not having any of that. I pull her down onto my lap, one arm secure around her waist. I pull her back, close to me, feeling her soft body press against mine.

"Now, look at me, Ivy," I say, using her real name to ground her in the reality of who I am. It's important she doesn't forget that this isn't some game. "I know you're scared, and I know you have questions. But we're in this together now, and you need to trust me." My voice drops lower, taking on the tone that I know gets under her skin. "You can try to run and hide, but I'll always find you."

As I speak, my free hand begins to trace patterns on her bare arm. "You feel this too, don't you? This connection between us? It's too strong to deny or run from. It's destiny, Ivy. You and me,together."

My thumb brushes her full lower lip, and I lean in closer, my breath mingling with hers. "I know I scare you. But you also want me. Admit it."

In this moment, I crave her honesty more than her submission. I need to hear the words from her lips—confirmation that this isn't just about power and control, but about desire and passion that consumes us both.

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