Page 48 of Knot Unwanted: Part Two

Caldwell’s expression darkens with something hungry. He steps closer. His scent—expensive cologne and alpha musk—makes my stomach roil. Wrong. All wrong.

“Stand up,” he orders.

I don’t move fast enough. He grabs my arm, hauling me to my feet with a grunt. My legs wobble, but he holds me upright, his grip bruising.

“Let’s see howreceptiveshe really is,” he mutters, dragging me toward the glass where Ren is restrained.

No no no?—

Caldwell spins me hard, slamming my front against the glass. The impact knocks the breath from my lungs. Ren isright there—inches away, his face a mask of fury as he strains against his restraints. I can see the veins bulging in his neck, the way his teeth grind behind the gag.

“Omega,” Caldwell purrs into my ear, his breath hot and cloying with orange rind. One hand fists in my hair, yanking my head back painfully. “Do you recognize this male?”

I swallow, my throat clicking.Yes. The word burns in my chest, but I bite it back.

Caldwell’s free hand slides down my side, possessive and cruel, before cupping between my thighs. I jerk, but he holds me firm, fingers dipping into my slick without hesitation.

“Fuck,” he groans, pulling his hand away, glistening with my arousal. “You’redripping.” He brings his fingers to his mouth, sucking them clean with a hum of appreciation. “Sweet. Like honey.” His eyes flick to Ren. “Bet you remember how she tastes, don’t you, Ironwood?”

Ren snarls, the sound muffled but no less vicious.

Caldwell chuckles, pressing closer, his erection digging into my back. “Shame things had to turn out this way.” His fingers trail back down, circling my clit with mocking precision. I whimper, my body betraying me, hips twitching into his touch. “I was looking forward to doing business with you and your pack over in Burlington. But just like with your father…” He leans in, lips brushing my ear. “Sometimes ties need to becut.”

Ren goes still.Toostill.

Caldwell notices, grinning. “Ah. That got your attention, didn’t it?” He turns me roughly, forcing me to face him, my naked body on full display. His fingers dig into my jaw, pushing me to my knees, toward the obvious bulge in his pants. “Lick.”

The command hits me like a blow to the senses, alpha command slamming through my resistance. My tongue darts out before I can stop it, dragging over the fabric. The taste of expensive wool and salt makes my stomach churn.

“Good girl,” Caldwell croons, petting my hair like I’m some obedient pet.

Through the haze of shame and heat, I catch Ren in my peripheral vision. He’s not looking at me. Not anymore. His gaze is fixed on Caldwell, his expression terrifyingly blank.

There’s…nothing there.

That hurts worse than anything Caldwell could do to me.

Caldwell sighs, satisfied. “She’s broken in enough.” He releases me, adjusting himself with a grimace. “I’ll take her now.”

Veyra waves a hand dismissively. “By all means.”

As Caldwell drags me toward the door, I risk one last glance at Ren.

His eyes meet mine. Empty. A chill runs down my spine.

Veyra lets out a breath as two bulky alphas wearing gas masks and combat gear enter the room. They react, grimacing, eyes finding me at the same moment I become aware of their presence.

“Focus!” Heath snaps. With one finger, she points to the glass. To Ren. “Take care of him. Make sure nothing is left and clean up afterwards.”

No.

The alphas move toward Ren’s cell. A panel in the wall, a code punched in, and the glass barrier rises.

No no no?—

Caldwell yanks me into the hallway. The last thing I see before the door swings shut is Ren’s face, his eyes locked on mine, those ice-blue eyes the coldest I’ve ever seen them.

Hollow.

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