Page 1 of Corrupted Torment

PROLOGUE

RAFFERTY

Age Twenty-Six

“Do you understand me, Little Seductress?”

My Wildcat’s body trembles at my whispered words, her lust-filled eyes staring up at me as we stand shrouded in the darkness. It’s exhilarating watching as her pupils dilate with each thought that creeps through her. Desire vibrating, almost palpable in the air.

We both know the consequences of this, but I need her decision to be clear. Her body already screaming the outcome, but I need her mind to catch up. At her nod, I let a feral grin touch my lips. We both knew that she would say yes, but I had to give her this choice. She could decide to stay, to say no, and I wouldn't blame her. But my Wildcat is used toeasynot being an option, and she makes it clear that easy is the last thing she wants.

My Little Seductress runs.

There’s no method in her direction as she rushes from me, frenzied and chaotic. My eyes trace her delicate frame as she crashes through the undergrowth, and I can’t help the chuckle that pulls from my lips. I love seeing her like this.

Her tangled mess of auburn waves snag in low-hanging branches as she passes, but she doesn’t seem to care as she dashes past. Her bare feet slap on the dry compacted mud and the sound echoes through the quiet night, twisting with her joyous laughter. She’s so unlike her usual self. Tonight, her journey is unplanned, wild, and free-spirited. There is no chance I won’t catch her, and she knows it.

The only difference is, Wildcat wants to be caught this time.

The taste of her blood on my lips has my cock twitching as I follow my own slow path. Stalking her silently, watching her pale form in the distance but never getting too close. Surrounded by densely packed trees, moonlight only sneaks through in dappled spotlights that I easily avoid.

Her luminous skin and white dress are a beacon in the night for me to trail, her usual tricks not in place to cloak herself. Directing her stormy blue eyes into the distance, her pace slows to a jog, the moonlight casting shadows over her features as she turns her head. Wildcat doesn’t even notice me as she sweeps her gaze across my still-form hidden in the pitch black of the night.

I hear her let out a huff of breath as she speeds up once more. It seems my Little Seductress is frustrated. It amuses me she thought I would let this be over so quickly. How could she possibly forget I enjoy the hunt? Right now, she isn’t playing fair, giving in too easily. Such a needy little thing.

She’s not even thought about it as she runs from me. Hasn’t taken in the consequences of her actions. Just like me, she knows we need this release. This game we have played for years has new rules now.

Today we are going to learn them.

As time goes on, I watch as the panic sets in, settling into her. Her shoulders rising as the tension builds. My Little Seductress probably doesn’t even realise when she pulls her thick lip between her teeth. I’ve already warned her about that; I’ll have to remind her that those lips are mine later.

She whips her head around, looking in every direction before stopping her run. Stress overriding her senses and I’m intrigued to know what thoughts are circling through her mind. She searches for cover but quickly spots her problem. The only place to hide is in the trees above, and her energy is waning.

I know exactly how to resolve that. Fear does wonderful things for adrenaline levels; I’m sure Wildcat won’t mind when she realises what I’m doing. In fact, I’m sure she’ll be exhilarated. I slink closer to her, my feet placed strategically as always to make no sound. The night is deathly silent, making the pounding of her heartbeat loud to my sensitive ears as her anxiety creeps.

I stand directly behind my Wildcat. My cock thickens, knowing what is to come as I reach my hands out. Deftly, I wrap one hand around her mouth, catching her scream. The other; I lock around her slender waist, dragging her back into my chest.

Where she belongs.

I can’t resist breathing in her earthy scent with hues of vanilla. It’s intoxicating. My Little Seductress struggles, kicking her legs out into the air, and a dark laugh escapes me. This life isn’t an easy one, certainly not one for the weak. Many have perished on the islands on which we live, but here she is, still standing strong. Always fighting like she should be, even against me.

Difference is, I won’t ever let my obsession perish, she is mine and I will always protect her.

“I told you if you ran, I would always find you.”

CHAPTER1

NIXI

Age Twelve

Nightmare turns into reality as my eyes fight to open. I regret it instantly as the scorching sun blares above me. I blink my eyes shut, trying to clear the orbs dotting my vision. My body is so drained of energy, even that slight movement is hard to accomplish.

After several minutes, I’m able to reopen my eyelids. I lift my arm and notice my pale skin has turned red from the burning sun. I look around and take in my unknown surroundings. It could be straight from someone’s dreams about an idyllic paradise. I’m on a beach, with waves of cool, clean water tauntingly rippling towards me. Where I was from, a beach like this would’ve been full of people. Men and women sunbathing, families with children playing in the sea or building sandcastles.

I’m alone on this beach.

Other than the lapping of the waves, the silence brings a chill to my overheated skin. Something feels wrong. On the horizon, nothing but the ocean lies ahead of me. No land or even a sign of a ship is in sight. Above, no planes appear in the sky. Behind me lies a dense landscape of trees that edge right onto the sand. No man-made footpaths or buildings. It’s as if this place is untouched, but I know that can’t be the truth. Otherwise, how did I end up here?

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