Page 19 of Fear

Sofia groaned. "He’s already like that. Every time I turn around, he’s there, touching me, pulling me close, making sure everyone in this club knows I belong to him."

Alaska smirked. "And let’s be real—you love it."

Sofia opened her mouth to argue but quickly snapped it shut. Because, deep down, she did love it. And that scared her more than anything."

As they stepped out of the room and made their way toward the bar area, the sharp sound of raised voices caught their attention.

"I said I'm not leaving!" Siena's voice rang out, firm, defiant.

Alaska and Sofia exchanged a glance before moving closer, slipping into the common area where Siena was standing toe-to-toe with her mate, Blue.

Blue’s jaw was tight, his hands clenched into fists at his sides, trying to keep control of his temper. "This isn’t a discussion, Siena. It’s an order. We’re getting you all out of here before shit goes down."

Siena’s eyes blazed with fury. "Since when do you order me around? I’m not some fragile thing that needs protecting! This is my home too!"

Alaska muttered under her breath, "Oh, hell no," just as Goliath’s heavy footsteps approached from behind them.

Before Sofia could turn, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her against a wall of muscle. Her breath hitched as he dipped his head, his lips brushing against her ear. Then, without hesitation, he tilted her chin up and kissed her.

It wasn’t just a kiss—it was a claim, a reminder, a warning. His tongue swept into her mouth, taking, owning.

Sofia’s knees weakened, her hands gripping his cut as the room around them faded.

"Is what Siena saying true?" Alaska’s voice broke through the haze, sharp with irritation.

Goliath grunted against Sofia’s lips before pulling back, his gaze locking onto Alaska’s. "Yeah. The women are leaving. It’s already decided."

Alaska whirled around; her fury immediate. "I need to find Dash."

Sofia barely had time to catch her breath before Goliath’s golden eyes flicked back to her.

"That includes you," he said, his voice gravel and dominance. "You’re going with them."

Sofia's breath hitched, her body going rigid. "And what if they find me there? What if I'm not safe?"

Goliath's golden eyes darkened, his jaw tightening. "They won't. I'll make damn sure of it."

She swallowed hard. "You can’t promise that, Goliath. You won’t even be there—"

His grip on her waist tightened. "Listen to me, Sofia. I will hunt down every last one of those bastards before I let them get anywhere near you. You are mine. And no one—no one—threatens what’s mine and lives."

His voice was pure fire and steel, his possessiveness so absolute it sent shivers down her spine.

"You think sending me away is going to help?" she challenged, frustration lacing her voice. "I belong with you, that is what you said!"

Goliath growled, his nostrils flaring. "You belong safe. And the safest place for you is away from here."

The tension snapped between them. Sofia shoved against his chest, her pulse hammering. "I don’t need you deciding what’s best for me!"

Goliath’s eyes blazed as he yanked her hard against him, his grip possessive, unyielding. His mouth crashed down onto hers, claiming her in a punishing kiss, his tongue dominating, demanding submission.

Sofia moaned into his mouth, her frustration melting into something just as dangerous—need. She clawed at his shoulders, her body igniting under the sheer force of him.

When he finally pulled back, she was breathless, dazed, completely undone.

His large hand came up, cupping her cheek with surprising gentleness, his thumb stroking her skin. "You are my mate, Sofia. And I will destroy anyone who tries to take you from me."

Her heart pounded at his words, her body still buzzing from his kiss. But deep down, she knew he meant every word.

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