Page 67 of Mated to the Wolves

“It sounds like a prison sentence.” My core temperature spikes.

Cadoc fixes me with his intense blue stare. I swallow a yelp. “You’ve been free to run wild for the past four years among humans. That’s done.”

“We’ll see.”

“Do you want to see what happens when I exert control?”

His voice drops an octave. I lick my dry lips.

“Should I let you bully me?”

“I’m informing you of how we’re going to handle this situation until we know more.”

“For how long?”

“As long as it takes.”

“Not acceptable.”

Cadoc’s eyes widen and an intimidating light enters them. He’s losing a bit of his control, and his façade slips. I enjoy seeing beyond his cool calm demeanor in the face of life-altering information. His ability to remain stoic and clear thinking grated at my skin.

“I will keep you safe, even if I have to lock you in your room.”

“I’d like to see you try.” I glare.

He gives a dark chuckle. “Little Brat wants to play?”

I jab a thumb at my chest. “This woman who wants to have control over her own life.”

“You have to be alive to do that.”

“What’s living if you’re strangled by protection and rules?”

“I’m done with this.” He stands and stalks over to me.

He kneels in front of me, clutching the chair on either side of me. My heart leaps in my throat.

“These people are not humans. Wolves who want you dead will rip you limb from

limb and feast on your heart.”

Stomach churning, I hold his steady gaze.

“There are no police to call. We are the first and last line of defense. It’s time to think like the wolf you are. Otherwise, we’re not going to survive the task we’ve been issued because you’ll get us all killed.”

He’s giving me a dire warning.

“I would never?—”

“If we’re too busy chasing you to focus on our enemies or tackle the tasks set for us, what do you think is going to happen?” Cadoc tilts his head.

Protests die in my throat as I consider his words. It’s not just me anymore.

“I think she gets it,” Kirk says.

“Do you?” Cadoc invades my bubble of personal space, placing us nose to nose.

“Yes.”

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