Page 87 of Meet Your Maker: Part One

Tomas rises to his feet. He circles her, gaze sharp, cataloging every detail of her surrender.

“Very good, Trouble,” he murmurs. “Stay in this position until I say otherwise.”

He pauses in front of her, then looks up at me.

“Text the others,” he directs, his tone firm. “Explain what they might feel from her in the next hour.”

My monster snaps its teeth at the audacity of the command. But it’s a reasonable precaution. Our bonds are taut, ready to snap at the first tremor of distress. If we don’t reassure them, they’ll come crashing in, all claws and fury.

I nod once and pull out my phone, fingers hovering before I type.

Gray

Sunday has earned a punishment. All consensual. No need to storm the gates.

Ben

From you? My animal is about two seconds away from making us fly there.

Gray

Not me.

Little Cat

Ooh, a spanking from the Alpha. Lucky…

A smirk tugs at the corner of my mouth. I file away the thought that my darling little Shadow might enjoy a spanking in the future—the only question is, from me or Tomas. The idea simmers, a tantalizing possibility for another day.

For now, I force my focus back to where it belongs: on my bonded, prostrate on the floor, still as a windless lake. Pride bubbles up, sinking then rising, a constant effervescence beneath the surface. Of course, she’s a perfect submissive.

Tomas steps closer, his gaze steady—his voice measured.

“Sunday, confess your misbehavior.”

Her breath shudders slightly before she speaks, the words carefully measured. “I left without a guard. I put myself in danger. I ignored messages from my mates.”

Tomas nods. “And what do you need to do now?”

Her fingers press into the floor, the tips blanching. “Apologize and accept my punishment.”

“Offer your apology,” Tomas says, each word deliberate, a thread stitching the moment together.

“I’m sorry for my reckless behavior. I betrayed your trust, and I’m ready to make it right.”

A heartbeat of silence stretches between them.

“And are you prepared to receive your punishment?” Tomas’ voice is a steady rumble, his authority undeniable.

“I am, Alpha.”

“Now, I want to be clear about this,” his tone softens but loses none of its gravity. “I will not forgive you faster if you’re too stubborn to safe-word. Pushing yourself beyond your limits won’t heal anything between us. It will only upset all your bonds—and hurt me more than any of us.” The words land with a heavy thud of truth. “I’mtrustingyou to tell me if it’s too much.”

Silence stretches between them. Sunday swallows hard, her eyes still lowered. She straightens slightly, her hands pressing into the floor, lowering herself more.

“I promise. I won’t violate your trust again, Alpha.”

“Good. We’ll use the stoplight system. Tell me what your colors mean.”

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