Page 292 of Evil Hearts

His large paw dragged down her side, claws grazing her bare skin with surprising gentleness. “Does itfeellike a dream?”

Ari shivered, her skin prickling with goosebumps at the heat of his touch. It wasn’t rough—it was almost tender—and the sensation unnerved her more than anything else. She spun around to face him, her body tense as her eyes raked over the creature she had somehow ended up sharing a bed with.

He was massive, towering even while reclining in the nest. His fur was jet black, sleek and glossy under the faint blue glow of the room, and his sharp, angular features were distinctly lupine. Bright cyan eyes burned with intelligence and mischief beneath a heavy brow, his long snout framed by rows of razor-sharp teeth that curved into a sardonic grin.

The strength in his muscled body was unmistakable—he would easily be capable of overpowering her if he wanted.

“What’s going on?” she demanded, trying to keep the tremor out of her voice. “Why am I here?”

He rolled onto his back, resting one arm behind his head as he watched her. “You’re not in the position to make demands,” he said mockingly, his gaze flicking over her in a way that made her stomach tighten.

She bristled. “And you’re not in the position to mock me. What would you do in my position?”

“I would neverbein your position,” he said smoothly, his grin widening, teeth glinting.

Ari crossed her arms tightly, a scowl darkening her features. “Why not? Everyone has their lowest moments.”

His gaze sharpened, and the grin fell away. “Because I’m the prince, and you’re an intruder on my land.”

Her breath hitched. “A prince?”

He nodded, gesturing lazily to the room around them, its grandeur suddenly oppressive. “Prince Ryxin,” he said, his tone smug. “First Commander of the Yzefrxyl forces and brother to the Alpha King.”

A prince? Her stomach flipped. Panic surged, her instincts taking over as she dropped to her hands and knees, bowing low. Her forehead pressed against the soft furs as she stammered, “I beg your forgiveness. I didn’t know—”

His voice cut through her apology, sharp and biting. “Why are you presenting yourself to me if you don’t want to mate?”

Her head snapped up, and heat flooded her cheeks. “I wasn’t—” she stuttered, flustered. “I was trying to show you respect.”

“You’re in the ultimate position of trust,” he drawled, his cyan eyes gleaming with dark amusement. “A position a female offers when she’s ready for a male to claim her.”

Ari sat up quickly, tucking her legs beneath her and crossing her arms over her chest. “This is all a misunderstanding,” she said, her voice rising with her frustration. “I didn’t want to accidentally offend you any further.’

Ryxin smirked. “Your loss.”

Ari crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at him. “What am I doing here?”

Ryxin’s smirk faded, his expression sobering. “It’s my fault you were left in the frozen wilderness for so long,” he admitted, his deep voice tinged with guilt. “So, I took it upon myself to ensure your survival. Keeping you warm and cared for was my responsibility.”

“By having me sleepwith you?” Her voice rose incredulously, and she gestured between the two of them.

Ryxin tilted his head. “Would you have preferred waking up in a healing dome?” He gestured at the nest. “Or tucked safely in my bed?”

Ari shivered at the thought of the alternatives. The idea of being enclosed in a pod, cut off and alone, made her stomach twist. Her claustrophobia would’ve sent her spiraling. She swallowed hard and whispered, “Your bed.” She sighed and then licked her lips. “But why did you have to be in it?”

Ryxin leaned back, one brow raised. “I’m the prince. If I want to sleep in my bed, I’ll sleep in my bed.” His sharp teeth flashed in a brief grin. “You’re just a…”

“A what?” Ari snapped, her annoyance overtaking her nerves. “Some kind of living comfort stuffed animal toy for you?”

“Do humans have pets?”

She blinked, thrown off by the sudden question. “I mean… sure. It’s rare, but not that uncommon in one form or another.”

“Good,” Ryxin said with satisfaction. “That settles it. I’ll claim you as mine.”

Her jaw dropped. “Excuse me? I didn’t agree to that.”

The wolfman shrugged, his muscles rippling under his sleek black fur. “If you don’t want to be my pet, then you’ll be offered to my brother to do with as he pleases. Between the two of us, he’s the stricter one. Most likely, he’ll throw the five of you into the forest to survive on your own. The Fallen will decide your fate then—if you survive.”

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