Page 33 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

He chuckled, a low, dark sound that sent shivers racing down her spine.

"Oh, I think we both know the answer to that, sweetheart. The real question is, what areyoudoing here? Didn't anyone warn you it's not safe for a pretty little thing like you to be wandering around alone? Especially during a hunt that makes you nothing but prey in every Alpha’s eyes."

Anger flared through her, temporarily overriding the simmering heat his closeness ignited.

She lifted her chin, meeting his gaze head-on.

"I can take care of myself, thanks, and last time I checked, you’re an enemy I need to run from.” Frustration bubbled through her as she tried to make her distance and skid away. “Now, if you'll excuse me..."

She made to push past him, but his hands shot out, gripping her upper arms and pinning her in place. A passing groupof laughing revelers jostled them, forcing Ronan to press even closer, his muscular thigh slipping between her legs.

Serenity bit back a gasp, her treacherous body flooding with need.

"Not so fast," he growled, his fingers flexing on her skin. "We have unfinished business, you and I. And I intend to collect what's mine."

Serenity swallowed hard, her heart hammering wildly. This was dangerous, insane. She needed to get away from him, to focus on her mission. But even as her mind screamed at her to run, her body melted into his touch, craving more.

God, what was wrong with her?

She couldn't afford this weakness, not now. She had to be strong, to outsmart him.

She just needed a moment to think, to clear her head...

But then Ronan's lips were on hers, hot and demanding, and all rational thought fled. She couldn't fight this…couldn't fight him.

Not when every fiber of her being was crying out for his touch.

Ronan's nostrils flared as he pulled back, his eyes darkening with predatory intent.

"You reek of Castellano," he growled, his grip tightening. "What the fuck are you playing at, little runaway?"

Little Runaway?

She wanted to eye-roll at the apparent “nickname” bestowed upon her like some sort of gift. These Alphas were so full of themselves and this unexpected challenge that they forgot I, the victim here, was being chased around like a hunted animal because of their greediness.

And unfinished business that has nothing to do with me.

She met his gaze defiantly, ignoring the way her body thrummed with need.

"I'm not playing at anything. And my business with Darius is none of your concern, just like where I’m about to run off to, without you."

He barked out a harsh laugh.

"Everything about you is my concern. Or have you forgotten our history? Your father's betrayal?"

Betrayal? What is he even talking about?

Serenity's eyes widened.

"What are you talking about?”

She’d be lying if she wasn’t getting frustrated with all this “lack” of information while she fights for her survival. Maybe this was the universe’s lesson in trying to make her submit to the unexpected truth of life, but she struggled to submit to anyone.

Well, minus Darius clearly because he always gets what he wants.

It makes her wonder if the rest of those in what I can assume is his packmates —or whatever alliance this is— were of similar nature.

Ronan leaned in, his breath hot against her ear.

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