Page 126 of Seen Knot Heard

Then, cursing, I rush out after my bondmate.

Chapter Forty

Chloe

My heart pounds as I step onto the docks just as Louie’s small yacht bumps up alongside it.

The Alpha jumps over the side and strides down the gangplank, his ice-blue eyes locked on me, gleaming in a way that sends shivers racing down my spine.

My grip tightens on the handle of my suitcase, the soft fabric of my onesie feeling too thin, too vulnerable.

“Chloe,” he purrs, closing the distance between us with a predator’s grace. “Right on time.”

Before I can respond, he plucks the suitcase from my trembling fingers, his hand brushing mine in a touch that lingers a moment too long.

I swallow hard, my tongue darting out to wet my dry lips, tasting the artificial strawberry of my lip gloss. Once I step on that boat, it’s all over.

“Come now, darling. No need to be shy.” He leads me toward the boat with a proprietary hand on the small of my back, his touch searing through the thin fabric.

My mind screams at me to run, to flee, but I force my feet to carry me forward.

This is for the pack.

Louie passes my suitcase to a waiting servant, then cups my elbow, all but lifting me over the side of the boat.

It rocks beneath my feet as I step aboard, the glossy wooden boards slick beneath my shoes. The salty tang of the sea air fills my lungs, sharp and bracing, blowing toward me, thankfully masking the smell of Louie’s pheromones.

I hug my elbows, unsure of where to go from here.

“Welcome aboard, darling.” Louie moves closer, crowding me against the railing, his broad frame blocking the wind, and his poisonous pheromones once again surround me, my head spinning at the anise and almonds scent.

I force myself to face him. “Why do you really want me?”

His lips curve up, but no warmth enters his face. “Let’s just say that our bonding is the key to ensuring that my dreams come true.”

I jerk back, my heart pounding. “What does that mean?”

“You’ll knowafterwe’re mated.” He arches a brow, his expression hardening into something cold and calculating. The charming mask slips, revealing the predator beneath. “And don’t think you’ll be slipping my leash again. I haven’t been idle while you were away. Our new home will be much more secure.”

Fear claws at me as I remember the feel of his lips and hands on me, and my breaths quicken as panic sets in.

Beneath my feet, the boat vibrates as it reverses away from the docks.

“It’s a good thing I had the forethought to bring you something appropriate to wear. I can’t have you greeting my pack in this…” His lip curls as he takes in my outfit. “Costume.”

“Your pack?” The words catch in my throat, my hands tightening into fists to keep them from shaking.

“You’ll be exclusive to me until you bear me at least two pups, of course. There can be no question as to who fathered my heirs.”He leans in, his lips brushing the shell of my ear as he whispers, “You know how messy that can be.”

Shuddering, I turn my head away from him.

“And of course I’ll still allow you to write your little stories,” he continues. “It’s good for you to have a hobby. I’ll even give you a little share of the royalties so you can buy yourself trinkets.”

“That’s very generous of you,” I choke out.

“You’ll see that I can be kind, so long as you obey me.” He steps back and extends a hand, the emerald ring on his finger flashing. “Now, come. Let’s move to the stern, so you can have one last glimpse of your pathetic would-be pack. They won’t stand a chance with what I have planned.”

My heart stutters. “What are you talking about?”

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