Page 45 of His to Claim
Dhakar lets out a sharp breath and releases me. He runs his hands through his hair, then steps back from me.
"Then why?" he asks softly. "What do you want from him? Why do you need him? Is it because he makes your body respond?"
I gasp and stare at him in horror.
"Don't lie to me!" he snarls. "You loved me. You said you would always be mine. You promised me you wouldn't betray me like this."
I bite my lip, shaking my head.
"Answer me!" Dhakar yells. "Tell me the truth."
„I'm sorry," I whisper.
Dhakar stares at me, his face twisted with pain. Then he turns and walks away from me. He goes into the hallway and disappears down another corridor.
I'm standing there in shock. What did I just say? How could I have told him that I love Anil'ha?!
* * *
"Dhakar, please come back,"I call after him.
But he keeps walking, going farther and farther away until I don't hear him anymore.
I sit down on the floor. My legs feel weak and shaky. I close my eyes and take deep breaths, trying to calm myself.
Why couldn't I keep my mouth shut? Now he hates me. I hate Anil'ha for making me do this. Tears run down my cheeks.
Anger rises inside me, burning hot in my veins. I stand up and walk over to Anil'ha. I grab his arm, pulling him away from the wall where he was sitting.
"Why?" I demand. "Why did you do this to him?"
Anil'ha glances at me, his expression sad and confused. Then he shakes his head.
"You'll never see him again," he says softly. "There is nothing we can do about it."
I pull his arms away from me and turn away. I start pacing back and forth, unable to think straight.
„Why?" I scream at Anil'ha. "What am I supposed to do now?"
"It's better this way," he replies. "You won't be hurting anymore."
My fists clench as I glare at him. "I hate you for making me do this to him," I snap. "You'll never have me either... NEVER!"
"Shut up! How dare you speak to me like this? You belong to me... you're my slave, my mate... and tonight... I'll claim you."
His words send chills down my spine. I stop moving and look at him fearfully.
"No," I whisper. "Please, don't make me..."
"Yes," he snaps. "Tonight, when the moon is full, I will mark you to show you are mine. And I will own you completely—body and soul."
He takes two steps forward, forcing me to retreat toward the wall. His fingers wrap around my throat. He squeezes tight, cutting off my air supply.
„Emma," Anil'ha whispers, his voice strained. "Be strong. Be brave. This is what you wanted. Just relax."
I fight hard against him, but it's no use. He's too strong. I can barely breathe. I try to push him away from me, but he still has me pinned against the wall.
"Emma," he murmurs. "I love you. Don't you know that yet?"
