Page 44 of Bonded Chaos

I could feel the heat radiating from her body, and I inched closer, eager to have her sear my flesh.

“Let this beyourfirst lesson. I do not belong to you. My body is my own. My mind is my own. My magic is my own. I willneverbond with you. I willneverfuel your power. You’re not a good man, Ryker. You are the villain in our story.”

“Ah, but you accept it isourstory.”

Cadence’s eyes widened in disbelief before she threw her arms up in the air with a frustrated cry.

She stomped toward the door, but before she opened it, she glanced over her shoulder, her lips curving into a sly smirk.

“Be a good boy and use this time to reflect on how you might improve your unpleasant demeanor.”

With a final haughty glance, she slipped through the doorway and shut it behind her.

I threw my head back and laughed. My little mate surprised me, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it. Her defiance was fucking intoxicating.

I let my power flood my veins, and my shadows spilled from me. In an instant, the belt and scarf fell away as my restraints loosened. I dropped my arms, a dark thrill coursing through me at what lay ahead.

Cadence wanted to fight, and that knowledge did not disappoint me. I inhaled deeply, savoring the ecstasy of her impending submission.

The thought of breaking her entirely was fucking thrilling.

Chapter Eighteen

Ryker

I’d barely stepped foot outside my chambers when Riordan approached me.

“Father is expecting you in his study.”

“For what reason?” I snapped.

“Your guess is as good as mine,” he said with a shrug.

Remembering that Riordan was only the messenger, I inhaled a deep breath to soothe my agitation.

“Has he learned of Cadence’s presence here?”

My father would most certainly try to use her to control me.

“I doubt it, but like you, I avoid his company, so I can’t be sure.”

I grunted in answer.

For the first time in years, my heart ached for the loss of my mother. My father had been a different man while she was still alive.

He’d been kind once. Loving. Doting even.

Now, he was harsh and paranoid, seeing an enemy in every face that surrounded him, including his sons.

That was what happened to someone who lost their fated mate. Not only did your power weaken, but your mind also followed. The decline was slow, like an insidious disease. It was the cruelest of fates, and he had been suffering from it for decades.

In the beginning, I’d felt only compassion for his plight. Then, all traces of my father slowly faded, leaving a tyrant in his place.

“Ryker,” Riordan called, and I got the impression it was not the first time he had tried to gain my attention. “I asked what you intend to do if he has learned of her.”

“Like we discussed, I will pretend she is your… courtesan.”

The word tasted sour on my tongue.

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