Page 14 of Surrendered to Mate
I shake my head, trying to clear it. This guy's charm is dangerous, and I can't let my guard down.
"Alright, enough games," I say, leaning forward. "What were you really doing in the forest?"
Cassius tilts his head, considering. "I was fighting a thlii. I'm pretty sure you saw."
I roll my eyes. "Are you going to give me a single straight answer?"
"I've given you plenty," he says with a wink. "I was fighting a thlii, I really am a mystery — to you at least." He shifts, the only sign that he is uncomfortable despite the burns on his chest that I assume must be from the thlii — even though they don't quite look like it. "You know…if you wanted to tie me up, you could have just asked. I just wish we had a safe word."
"A safe word?" I deadpan.
He gives me a pitiful look that makes me want to chunk something at him. "I told you. I do have needs to tend to."
I lean back, studying him. It's odd that for some reason I want to trust him. But I'm not foolish enough to lean too far into that.
"Fine," I sigh. "You still need to eat something. I can at least give you that."
I grab the dried meat again, holding it out to him. "Come on, just take a bite. You look like you're about to pass out."
Cassius eyes the meat, then looks back at me with a rueful smile. "I appreciate your concern, truly. But as I said, I have a... specific diet."
I huff in frustration, tossing the meat aside. "Fine. Starve if you want. I'm calling it a night."
As I turn to leave, Cassius calls out, "Sweet dreams, Your Majesty. I'll be here if you need me."
I roll my eyes, fighting back a smile as I retreat to my sleeping area. This guy is going to be trouble, I can feel it.
So why does it excite me?
8
CASSIUS
Igroan, shifting against the rough cave wall. My wings ache from being pressed against the stone for so long. Two days of this nonsense, and I'm no closer to freedom. The hunger gnaws at me, a constant, painful reminder of my weakened state.
Faye's footsteps echo through the cave. She emerges from the shadows, a bowl in her hands.
"Brought you some bahru," she says, crouching beside me. "Figured you might be hungry by now."
I eye the steaming stew, my stomach clenching. The aroma is tempting, but it won't do a damn thing for me. What I need is her blood, pumping hot through her veins.
But I don't want to hurt her. I want her taste.
And I want to fucking hunt something else. I want to unleash and drain every animal in this damn forest but I can't get free like I am a fucking human.
"Not interested," I growl, turning my head away.
She sighs, setting the bowl down. "You haven't eaten or drunk anything in two days. How are you still alive?"
I smirk, meeting her gaze. "Maybe I'm not."
"Funny," she deadpans. "Seriously, what are you? I've never seen anything like you before."
"I told you, I'm just a mystery."
"With wings?"
"You caught me. I'm actually a very large chirop."
