Page 141 of A Bond in Blood

“Stop,” he replied.

I stood, throwing my hands up into the air. “This is not aboutmycontrol. This is about you and your ability to manipulate me.” I turned from him, pacing the room. “I am such a stupid, fucking fool.”

“Brenna.” His voice once again held that low, warning tone.

I twisted to face him. “Your cock obviously wants release, Ulrich.” I pointed to him. “Go and find someone to give it to you.”

Cold wrapped around my feet. I snapped my gaze down, finding his shadows lifting me from the floor, dragging me back to the bed. I slammed against the mattress, the shock rattling me to my core. He crawled over me, lifting my arms over my head with his magic.

“Would you like to know something?” he whispered against my cheek.

“Unhand me,” I cried, fighting against him.

The shadows gripped tighter, and he held my gaze, gripping my face with his hand.

“I have not fucked or bedded a single body since you arrived on this fucking island,” he sneered. “I have not thought aboutburying myself into anyone but you from the moment those defiant eyes glared at me.”

“Let me go!” I yelled.

“Do not question my decisions torespectyour body as me not wanting to destroy and claim you with my bare hands,” he growled.

I glared at him.

“You’re a coward.”

His shadows pulled my legs open, forcing me to scream out in shock.

“Is this what you want?” he whispered, brushing his hand along my jaw. “To be claimed?”

“You’re a coward,” I repeated.

His hand gripped my hip, and his nails dug into my skin. “You like that word.”

I breathed out, holding my angry gaze.

“You are a coward,” I said slowly.

His eyes lit.

He’d finally caught on.

“What an interesting game,” he muttered.

I bit back my smile.

“Oh, what an interesting game,” he repeated while his shadows spread my arms and legs further apart. Holding me completely at his will.

My chest rose in anticipation while he stared at me. His eyes scanning up and down with so much hunger I was sure my body would give out from just his gaze.

“Yes or no,” he whispered.

I glanced down, finding a bead of moisture forming at his tip, then I met his gaze again.

A smile cracked across his lips. He leaned down again, whispering against my ear, “I recall you claiming this cock would be covered in boils.”

I jumped, tugging against his shadow shackles.

“While I can confirm that is not the case,” he reached upward and the sound of the side table drawer opening rattled above me, “I believe a sheath will help calm whatever fears you may have.”