Page 36 of Eat Me

"And what happens to the'unsuccessful candidates'?" I ask, even though I already know the answer. I need to hear him actually say it.

Jasper's grin widens, a cruel glint in his eyes. "I think you already know the answer to that, little bird. You've seen firsthand what happens to those who don't measure up.” He pauses as his cold eyes regard me curiously, "What do you think happened to them, little bird?”

Once again fighting back the familiar waves of nausea that threaten to overwhelm me, "You killed them all," I whisper.

"Give the girl a prize," Jasper says mockingly. "Though'killed'is such an ugly word. I prefer to think of it as... culling the weak."

Shaking my head in absolute disgust and anger, "You're all monsters," I whisper, unable to keep the disgust from my voice.

In an instant, Jasper’s across the room, his hand gripping my throat as he slams me against the wall. His grip on my neck isn’t suffocating, but enough to make me stay in place and not move.

“Careful now.” He mutters as he squeezes my throat to let me know who was in charge. “I may like you, but I also don’t like being called such names. I have been very patient with you and your temper tantrums.”

“Temper tantrum…you aren’t the first to call it that.” I hiss out, trying to get out of his grip. Jasper releases a hum, as his fingers curling tighter around my neck as he leans further into my personal space. His breath fanning across my face.

“Because that’s what they are. You’ll be cured of those as time goes on…” He leans in his lips barely brushing my own. “Now be a good little bird in a cage. Sit pretty and do as we say.”

I hold my breath as Jasper's lips hover just above mine, my heart pounding in my chest. His grip on my throat tightens slightly, a reminder of the power he has over me. I fought against the urge to struggle, knowing it’ll only make things worse.

"I'm not a bird in a cage," I manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper. "And I won't just sit pretty and do as you say.

Jasper's face takes on a hard and dangerous expression, as a low chuckle rumbles in his chest. "Oh, but you are, little bird. You just haven't fully accepted your cage yet." His free hand came up to stroke my cheek, the gesture gentle in contrast to the bruising grip he has on my throat. "But you will. In time, you'll come to see that this cage is exactly where you belong."

“Why do you want to keep me in a cage?” I ask softly, eyes zoning in on Jasper. I’m curious and Jasper’s been the wild card. The one that seems to be the most unhinged out of everyone in the group.

“Because you will be my wife, my brother's wife…ours.” He mutters almost fondly as his eyes seem to warm up as he looksme over, his hand giving another squeeze as he brings me closer to him, so his mouth fully connects to mine.

I freeze as Jasper's lips press against mine, my mind’s reeling from his words and actions. The kiss is surprisingly gentle at first, a stark contrast to the bruising grip he still has on my throat. But then he deepens it, his tongue demanding entrance as his other hand slides from my cheek to tangle in my hair.

I’m trying to turn my head away, to break the kiss, but Jasper tightens his grip, holding me in place. A small whimper escapes me, muffled against his lips. I hate how my body’s responding, a traitorous warmth is spreading through me, despite my mind's protests.

After what feels like an eternity, Jasper finally pulls back, his eyes full of desire as he looks at me. "See? Your body knows where it belongs, even if your mind is still fighting it."

Keeping my eyes tightly closed, I shake my head trying to clear the unwanted fog from my mind. My lips are tingling from Jasper's forceful kiss, and I hate the way my body responds to his touch. "No," is all I’m able to gasp out, my voice hoarse. "This isn't... I don't want this."

Jasper chuckles darkly, his hand finally releasing my throat to trail down my body. "Your lips may say no, but your body is saying yes," he murmurs. Using his fingers to ghost over my chest. "I can feel your heart racing, and see the flush on your cheeks, little bird."

Flinching at his words, hating that there’s some truth to them. My body had betrayed me and continues to betray me. Responding to his touch despite my mind's protests is a gross betrayal. I feel ashamed and angry at myself for it. I turn my head away from him, unwilling to meet his intense gaze.

"It's just a physical reaction," I say, hating how breathless I sound. "It doesn't mean anything."

Jasper’s dark chuckles fill my cell as he finally releases his hold on my neck. He’s keeping me pinned between his body and the wall. "Oh, but it does mean something, little bird. Your mind might still be fighting, but your body knows the truth. It knows where you belong."

Glaring at him, hoping the anger and disgust warring inside me shows through, "I don't belong to you or anyone else," I state. Finally finding my voice and being able to sound firm, I lock eyes with the man before me, "And I never will."

Jasper's eyes quickly flash dangerously, followed by a low growl rumbling in his chest. "You will belong to us," he snarled, his hand coming up to grip my jaw tightly. "One way or another, you will be ours little bird."

I try to jerk away from his grasp, but he’s holding me firmly in place. "No," I spat, glaring defiantly into his wild eyes. "I'd rather die than be yours."

A dark chuckle escapes Jasper's lips, his eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and frustration. "Oh, little bird," he purrs, his thumb brushing across my lower lip. "Don't you understand yet? You’re in our world now. There's no escape. No going back. Your only choices are to adapt and thrive with us, or..." He trails off, his eyes darkening ominously. I can tell where he’s going with his words. Jasper purred, his thumb brushing across my lower lip again. I take a quick and sharp breath in, fighting the urge to make another biting remark. I know better than to do that again. Jasper’s definitely the wild card and not afraid to show violence. I don’t know anyone here that well, but with the interactions, I’ve had…none of them are to be underestimated. Not at all. They’re each intimidating in their own way.

"No," I whisper, my voice shaking slightly despite my efforts to stay strong. "I won't let you break me. I won't become what you want me to be."

Jasper's lips brushing against my neck sends a nauseating chill down my entire body. "Oh, we don’t want to break you. I told you before I want someone willing.” His hand trails down my side, coming to rest on my hip as he pushes me against the wall more, his other hand still firmly around my neck.

“You may be fighting now…but it’s only a matter of time little bird before you give in. It’ll just take a little time.” He lets me go, letting my body stagger forward and I’m able to catch myself before faceplanting onto the floor.

“Now, be a good girl.” Jasper teases, his dark eyes sparking with emotion. “Gather your energy…for the next test you’ll need all the willpower and fire you have shown us until now.” He gives me one last look before giving me a shark-like smirk,“Good night, Victoria.”

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