Page 17 of Dark Obsession
“And you’re going to give it to me?”
“Abso-fucking-lutely.”
Chapter 8
Peach
He chains me to the bed again, and I really don’t know what to make of Salem, but I feel protected around him.
Taken care of.
Fucking doted on.
But then he also has this scary-monster side that everyone else sees. Could he ever turn that on me? I mean, I am chained to his bed right now, so I can’t leave, but I haven’t really tried to leave, have I?
I always wanted this. A mate. Someone to come home to. Someone who loves me for me. Yeah, I never expected it to come in a Salem-sized warrior-assassin package, but the fates paired us for a reason.
Maybe I’m meant to soften him. I’d never want to control him, but with my magic, I could.
I wonder how he’ll feel about that, knowing just how powerful I really am? Will he hate the fact that I’m not some sweet little red wolf? An innocent little baker for him to protect?
We shift and go for a run when we get home, and I love running with him. His wolf is the biggest I’ve ever seen, with soft, shaggy black fur and those light green eyes. Even with his size, he’s so careful with me. He could easily knock me over, but he doesn’t. He’s a gentle giant. I know that’s not his default temperament, though, and he’s just that way because he sees me as his.
His default personality is a stone-cold predator. I don’t think he has any remorse for anyone he’s killed.
“What are you thinking about?” he asks, pulling me against him. I didn’t even bother with the pillow wall this time. There’s no point.
“If we bonded, you’d be able to tell.”
I roll my eyes. “We aren’t ready for that, just yet.”
“Tell me.”
“Have you had any long-term girlfriends?” I ask him, pushing away the jealousy at the thought of him with another female.
He’s quiet for a moment. “No, but I was once betrothed. It was for a royal alliance. In the end, we didn’t have to go through with it, though.”
“With who?” I press, my voice tight.
He kisses the back of my neck, sending shivers up my spine. My breath seems to lodge in my throat as his magic pushes up against my skin. I’ve never had such a visceral reaction to someone before. I’ve been turned on since we got into bed. He undressed in front of me again, but I’m trying not to act on it or let it show. I know that once we go there, that’s it. We’re going to bond and commit to being together forever.
It’s all or nothing with Salem, and looking at where I am right now, it’s clear which way I’m leaning toward. He’s hard to refuse. Plus, I want my happily-ever-after. I deserve it just as much as the next person.
“It didn’t mean anything,” he assures me, rubbing soothing circles on my back. “It was Queen Pandora.”
“The Witch Queen? You were going to marry her?” I ask, my jaw dropping open. He was going to be a king? How am I meant to compete with a queen? I met Pandora when she came into my bakery, and she’s so pretty and kind.
“I had to,” he states, then clears his throat. “I hadn’t found my mate, and someone had to agree to an alliance with me. I didn’t know if I’d ever find you.”
“What would you have done if you married her and then found me?” I ask, my chest suddenly feeling tight.
I’m suddenly so grateful that things played out how they did, because I wouldn’t have been able to handle that. It puts things in perspective for me. I’m pushing Salem away, but for what? Because I’m scared to trust him? Or is it myself I don’t trust?
“Nothing would have kept me from you,” he finally growls, his arms tightening around me. “I’m serious, Peach. You don’t want to know the lengths I’d go to keep you. I don’t have a fucking conscience. Remember that.”
That’s concerning.
“Did you fuck her?” I snap, my jealousy taking over.
