Page 45 of Her Feral Beasts

Naturally, my only move is to deflect. “Are you going to let me out or not?”

“I think.” Savage’s nostrils are flaring, and I can even see the thick veins in his neck. “We’re going to keep you chained up here as a pet.”

I cross my arms. “You wouldn’t d—”

I’m abruptly cut off by Scythe grabbing me by the throat and shoving me backwards. My back slams against the cage and I wheeze in shock.

Scythe’s huge, cool palm presses against my windpipe, and his fingers squeeze my carotid arteries. My own hands fly up to claw around his.

Iknowthis is a threat, but the regina in me can’t help but love the fact that he’s actually touching me. Hisskinis on mine. Skin-to-skin, and by Wild Goddess, he is so strong—

My anima cries out to him and the force of stifling it makes my eyes water. I can’t help but remember this beast had the entire academy dining hall at his mercy within minutes. That beasts were bowing to him. That when I met him down in Halfeather’s dungeon, he killed a hyena for perving on meandthat was before he knew I was his regina. The space between my legs throbs with each rapid heartbeat and I close my eyes for a second.

I’m caught up in a hundred emotions and perhaps that and the threat of going to prison for a crime I didn’t commit has made me unhinged because I do something risky.

Something insane.

I open my eyes and let my scent shield down. Rapidly.

Scythe is hit by the full force of my regina scent and arousal. He visibly flinches.

A part of me can’t believe I’m so needy that a threatening touch is a touch nonetheless and is turning me on. Is that pathetic? I think it is. But the primal beast in me yips in approval.

Savage begins growling, deep and low in his chest, and it only serves to make me wetter. Xander scoffs in disgust and turns his nose away.

My eyes flit back to Scythe. The powerful shark is staring at me, his pupils blown out, encasing his sky blues almost completely. His beauty is so mesmerising in that out-of-this-world way. And then his scent hits me like a monsoon.

He doesn’t wear cologne. With frost and salt, his scent isvast. As if the entire Pacific Ocean is at his calling. It fills me up like an ocean tide that then rushes out back to sea and drags me along with it.

And Iwantto be dragged if it means being closer to him. My right thumb moves, caressing the skin on the back of the hand he has around my throat.

He stiffens.

Then slowly, so slowly it’s painful, Scythe leans forwards and his body heat sends my anima nuts. Just when I think I’ll feel his nose against the skin of my neck, he pauses just short andinhales.

The torturous moment extends into eternity and, just for a moment, I’m swooning and revelling in the hold of this powerful beast.

Quite abruptly, he lets me go and steps back.

I just manage to keep my legs strong under me so I don’t slide onto the floor like a worm. I’m left reeling and dizzy, but have enough wits to gather my senses together and slam my scent shield back up.

All three men visibly shake themselves.

But I’m kicking and cussing myself out because I’ve just screwed up. Big time.

I’ve just confirmed two things for them. Even if they can’t see my mating mark, that level of arousal is not possible outside of a mating group. I’ve also confirmed that I can control my scent. I’m a blistering idiot and am royally ruining everything.

Scythe turns his head just slightly to Henry on his shoulder, and silently, the little creature levitates himself happily back to me.

Then I remember.

Marine beasts have psychic abilities, and Henry is a psychic creature by nature. Therefore, Scythe is the only beast in this place who can control the nimpins.

Exactly what I need. Let’s just add this to my basket of woe.

I almost groan in dismay as Henry’s tiny weight settles back on my shoulder, his little feet wiggling happily.

Scythe gives me a look that can only be described as a lethal warning.