Page 13 of Cruel Devotion

King

Warmth fanned my neck and a shiver ran down my spine. Wetness trailed lower, and I arched as a tongue slid over my collarbone. Ryder prodded the bite mark left by Darius, and a low whine sounded in his throat. Another made a rumbling sound in response, and even though it wasn’t directed toward me, I was comforted. Staring down at Ryder, I whimpered as he prodded the indents of skin. Darius jerked his hips and groaned as he still pulsed inside me. I’ve never felt anything like this before, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like it.

Gods, that was a bald-faced lie. I didn’t like it. I loved it.

“Deflates?” My voice sounded different, laced with desire and satisfaction.

“I can’t damage her, but you can?” Darius grumbled. They were ignoring me again, and it was getting old. Ryder made a humming sound as he changed tactics, licking at my wounds instead. Grinding my hips at the sensation, my body moved on its own accord.Why am I so sensitive?Lifting off Darius, I tried to get off, but pain shot through me as his knot kept me trapped. Moaning, I was dragged back down. The beast made a pleased rumbling sound. I hated that I loved it. Guilt made me angry.

“So responsive, I like it.” Ryder’s lips ticked my flesh as he murmured against my skin.

“Oh, are you talking to me?” I snapped, glaring at the human face the wolf hid behind. His attention lifted to his brother as helapped at the bite again. It had me compliant in a way that pissed me off even more.And he’s back to ignoring me.

“Of course she is. She’s mine and I’m filling her cunt,” Darius growled possessively.

“I don’t belong to anyone,” I chirped, slamming my fist down on Ryder’s shoulder.

“You’re not the only one who gets to bite her,” Ryder coos, unaffected by his brother’s words.

“No one else will mark her,” Darius warned from behind me.

Here I am between two monsters as they fight over me like a piece of meat. All while ignoring me.

“I don’t appreciate being talked about like I’m not here,” I scoffed. Again, if they heard me, they didn’t show it.It’s like I’m invisible from the chin up.Ryder shook his head and ground against me, humping my thigh.

“Since when do you tell me what to do?” Ryder taunted. He wanted to piss Darius off. But what would he get out of that?

“How long will we be stuck like this?” I demanded as I moved back, away from Ryder. I wasn’t giving up. I’d ask questions until someone answered.

“Careful, brother. Is this where I submit?” Ryder moaned at the idea, but Darius remained silent. Only making him giggle.

Is there a way for me to get out of this alive?

I’m looking at it wrong.

The question is: how long can I stay alive?

“I’m going to mark her, too.” Ryder was still taunting him.

“What does that mean?” What I knew from reading was so at odds with what I faced here.

“You’ll reveal yourself?” I didn’t miss the emotion in Darius’ tone. It was hope. Sneaking a glance up at him, his ears twitched and I fought the urge to reach up and rub them.

Yeah, let’s not pet the monster.

Darius wasn’t violent with Ryder when challenged. Maybe there is hope.

“Never,” Ryder hissed. My gaze darted back to him. His eyes widened as he realized he’d gotten angry. Then he blinked and it was gone. Replaced with a wolfish smile. I was instantly suspicious. His fingers began their descent down my body, over my stomach, and stopped where Darius and I connected. The beast lowered his head and watched as Ryder ran his fingers through the liquid. Ryder’s breathing quickened, but there was a flash of black as Darius grabbed his hand.

“We were pups but I know y—”

“We were young men,” Ryder corrected as he pulled free.

“It won’t happen again.” Darius’ words were firm, but there was a carefulness in his tone. Sadness seeped into the man’s eyes, but just like earlier, it was gone. They weren’t going to tell me anything. Eavesdropping was the only way I’d get information.

“I don’t believe you,” Ryder mumbled, avoiding his gaze.

“Won’t. Can’t. You’re better.”

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