Page 26 of Ashborne: Defiance

Still loose. Still a noose. Untightened.

If I pulled against them, the noose would close. And neither was long enough to allow the hand to reach the other wrist.

I would be restrained.

The idea brought a whole new wave of fear.

Tied.

Restrained.

Out of control.

‘I’m here,’ Kham breathed in my head. ‘I’m here. Don’t despair. I won’t leave you.’

A shudder rocked through me, shivering down my spine. And for a moment, I saw it.

I could let the loops drop. I could go to her. Join her. Join with her. Take her, but not harm her. Become one. Wallow in the heat, and the joy, and the bond.

My heart rose, and my heart began to race with thrill.

But when our bodies were finally spent? When Koa’s heat passed, and reality returned?

We would be truly bonded. Cemented. Our hearts braided together. Our souls entwined.

Resistance would be impossible.

I would never be alone again. Ever. Tied eternally to a woman of stealth and subterfuge.

Chained.

Controlled.

I sucked in a breath and looked at my shaking hands, those twin nooses still loose.

I could be tied for days.

Or for the rest of my life.

Resist… or burn.

I knew the right answer, and still, I hesitated. Why did I hesitate?

My heart flipped in my chest as I felt her, coming for me. Instinct was to let the straps fall from my hands, rush to meet her. To close the gap. To take the bond, to revel in it.

She was noble. Beautiful. Wealthy. Entitled.

I couldn’t know the path, but I knew precisely the destination that would take us. And still I hesitated.

I would lose myself.

‘Vane?!’

Her voice sang in my head. Called me. Thoughtlessly, I lurched forward, reaching for her. Hands clawed.

The bite of the leather closed on my wrists, and panic reared in my chest—but it was too late.

As I leaped for her, heart flipping in my chest, the restraints closed, reminding me.