Page 79 of Stalked
“It's what happened.” I shrug one bare shoulder, letting the silk slip a little further down my arm. “I could have hidden better. Could have made it much harder for you.” I trace my finger along his jawline. “But where's the fun in that?”
Vane's laugh is dangerous. “Fifteen years apart and you're still the most infuriating woman I've ever met.”
“Infuriating?” I tilt my head, letting my hair cascade over one shoulder. “That's not what you called me when I was suspended in those ropes.”
His nostrils flare, and I feel a surge of satisfaction at winding him up. Around us, the other hunters and their prey fade into the background. In this moment, we're the only two people in the room.
“Five minutes,” Xavier announces from somewhere behind us. “Positions in five minutes.”
Vane's eyes never leave mine. “Five minutes isn't nearly enough time for what I want to do to you.”
“Then I guess you'll have to wait,” I whisper, deliberately pulling away from his grasp. “Patience is a virtue, Blackwood.”
“One, I think I’ve proved I have, considering how long I waited for you,” he counters, pulling me back against him.
Xavier begins directing everyone to their positions, and we watch as the first claiming begins. Landon Blackwood steps onto the dais.
“I claim Sadie Reynolds for one full year,” he announces, his voice echoing through the chamber. “She belongs to me completely.”
I feel Vane stiffen beside me. When I glance up at him, his expression has transformed from desire to disbelief. His brows furrow deeply behind his green mask as he stares at his brother.
“You look like you've seen a ghost,” I whisper, squeezing his arm. “What's wrong?”
Vane shakes his head, still watching Landon, who leads a rather reluctant-looking Sadie to the dais—she's even fighting him. “I'm just... surprised,” he admits, voice low enough that only I can hear him.
“Why?” I ask, genuinely curious. “Isn't that the whole point of this Hunt? To claim someone?”
“Not for Landon.” Vane turns to look at me, genuine confusion in his eyes. “You don't understand. My brother is... well, psychotic is the kindest way to put it.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Coming from you, that's saying something.”
“I'm serious.” He glances at Landon. “He's never shown interest in claiming anyone for longer than a night unless it was to break them. He's not the kind of guy to lay claim on a woman for a year.” Vane's voice drops even lower. “He doesn't do relationships or attachments. At all.”
I watch as Landon places his hand possessively on Sadie's lower back, guiding her to stand beside him. There's something in the way he looks at her—intense and focused, like she's a puzzle he's determined to solve.
Vane cups my chin, gently turning my face away from Landon and Sadie. “Hey, wildflower. Eyes on me.” His thumb brushes over my lower lip. “Forget about them.”
I meet his gaze, captivated by the intensity I find there.
I can't help the smile that spreads across my face. “Worried I might change my mind if I watch too many other claimings?”
“Not a chance.” His confidence is as attractive as it is infuriating. “I claimed you years ago; this is a formality.”
“Always so sure of yourself,” I whisper.
“Only about you.” His voice softens.
Julian steps onto the dais next, guiding Elliot beside him. I watch my boss's expression—a mixture of apprehension and desire as Julian formally claims him for the year. The room fills with appreciative murmurs at the unexpected pairing.
Next comes Knox, his blue mask in place as he leads Bianca to the center. His claiming is more playful than the others, punctuated by a kiss that makes Bianca blush furiously.
“Our turn,” Vane whispers, his breath warm against my ear.
He takes my hand, leading me toward the dais. The crowd parts for us, and I feel every eye in the room watching as we take our place in the center. Vane unzips my dress and drops it to the floor beneath me and then releases my hand only to retrieve several lengths of emerald rope from a nearby table.
“Arms out,” he commands.
I comply, extending my arms as he begins to weave the rope around my body. Each pass of the silken cord against my skin feels like a caress, the pressure points creating a delicious sensation as he crafts an intricate harness across my chest and torso.
