Page 33 of A Bond in Blood

“Brenna, get off the bed,” Ulrich replied, not answering his right hand.

“I’d rather not,” I muttered.

“Wrong choice,” Ulrich sneered.

Cold wrapped around my ankles, pulling me across the mattress. Smearing my blood on the sheets while I was dragged. My body hit the floor in a crash, as I fought the invisible hold on me. Enraged, I cursed the darkness around me and the unexpected attack.

My body rose suddenly, and the brush of Ulrich’s beard scratched my cheek. My hands moved but then they were slammed to my side.

“We’re in a predicament,” he seethed. “I’m stuck with you in my palace. I’m forced by my duties and responsibilities to uphold every single deal I make, landing you in my lap. A defenseless, wild creature, determined to kill me.”

My head reared back while I swirled the liquid in my mouth but the same cold holding the lower half of my body, gripped my cheeks. Stopping my plan.

“If you spit on me,” Ulrich’s voice dropped, “I will pry your mouth open and spit back.”

He released his hold on me, and I turned my head, spitting at his feet.

“You disgust me.”

“And you disgust me. Are we even?” he replied.

Olen’s chuckle reminded me he was still in the room. Likely still very much naked as well. The sound appeared to have distracted Ulrich, who dropped me to the ground. My knees hit the stone, and I cried out.

Tears sprang from my eyes, and I laid on the cold stone, wincing at the shock against my back. My eyes stared up at the dark ceiling, unsure if either monster stood above me.

“Please,” I said quietly. “Please.”

My heart cracked with my sobs, fracturing the resolve I’d been holding for weeks. My hand landed on my chest and I flattened my palm against my heart beating beneath my skin. My reminder of my life. One I had once valued.

“Please what?” Olen responded.

“Please stop this.”

Ulrich’s laugh echoed around us, and I jumped when his toes bumped into my legs. “You are the one who will not obey. You are the one who is refusing to accept this deal.Iam not making this difficult.”

“Fine,” I replied with tears running down my cheeks.

The heat of his body hovered over mine and his rough hand brushed away my tears. “Fine what,Ursa?”

“I give up.”

“That was fast,” Olen said off to the side.

Ulrich’s finger continued to wipe away my tears. “I agree with Olen. I was expecting a longer fight. I was enjoying our little games.”

I scoffed, turning my face away from his touch.

“What do you want from me?” I whispered.

“It’s simple.” His heat lifted away. “Obey, Brenna. Do as you're told. Allow this court and island to become your home for the next thirteen months.”

“That wasn’t part of your terms.”

“Always so difficult,” Olen groaned.

Ulrich chuckled. “You will sleep beside me, without fighting. You will not try to escape. And—”

“I will never look upon your face,” I finished his terms for him.

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