Page 9 of Mine to Claim

Money may not make you happy, but it sure as hell will make you comfortable.

I groaned as a sharp pain sliced through my temple. Holding it, I swallowed the lump in my throat and braced myself to face the evidence of Parker’s twitchy fist. My breath came out shaky as a shutter ran down my spine. One eye was black and blue and swollen, blood still stained Dani’s ruined dress, blood matted the hair on the right side of my face, and the look in my eyes was hopeless. As if Parker hurting me was the end of my life.

I gave him so much power over me.

A black bag caught my attention. Opening it, I found toiletries. Moving to the tub, I turned on the water before pulling my dress up. I cried out as the material rubbed against the back of my head.He hit me hard enough to cause damage and I’m stuck between wanting to cry and scream. I’m sad, but fuck, I’m so angry.Steam rose and the mirrors fogged, hiding the shame mirrored in my eyes. I grabbed the organic shampoo and scrub before stepping into the tub, sighing as the hot water rose to my ankle, then my knees, until finally it kissed my ribs. Leaning back against the cool stone, I played with the water as it flowed out of the faucet. Steam surrounded me and my eyes slid to the blackness outside. When heat warmed my chest, I shut off the faucet. Looking down, I watched as the water tinged a light red. Wiping the dried blood from my collar bone, tears spilled and droplets created small ripples. I should be sobbing, snot dripping, heart breaking, but I wasn’t.Maybe I’m still in shock and it hasn’t really set in.

Or maybe I never loved him.

Maybe deep down, I knew he didn’t love me.

Grabbing the loofah, I lathered it and slowly scrubbed myself down. Lowering myself into the water until I was fully submerged, I closed my eyes as I gently washed my scalp. Breaking through the surface, I gulped lungfuls of air as I dropped back against the edge. I took my time enjoying a luxury I’ve never really had. A hot bath, a beautiful view of the stars, and a place where I didn’t really have to worry about anything.

For now, I’ll just relax and enjoy this break.

I made a promise to myself not to worry about him. I left him and I would eat good food, spend time with my bestie, and be a tourist in werewolf pack lands. When I was done, I towel dried my hair, and stepped into the room. Moonlight spilled in and I found clothes in the room—maroon silk shorts and a spaghetti strap top. My mouth watered as I thought about chocolate ice cream.There’s just something about it that’s comforting. But I don’t know where the kitchen is, and there’s something about being in a new/foreign place that makes you feel like you can’t do anything.

I’m not a prisoner.

I can leave this room and look around.

Twisting the handle, I opened the door before I could change my mind. Dani’s door was closed and I considered for a second if I should knock or just go on my own. I decided on the latter. Running my hand along the wall as I tiptoed down the hall. When I saw black bars on a rail, I peered over and noted that the living space was empty. I was trying to remember if I took a right or a left, when I spotted the stairs. When I got downstairs, I meandered through one hall after the other until I found a large oak door. Pushing it, it opened a crack and my eyes locked on movement.Something large is in this room.It was dark, but a low grunt stopped me from opening it further.

Leaning forward, I can’t see much with only one good eye, but I realized someone was inside. My jaw dropped as the dark figure became a man.He’s… hot.Brown hair fell over eyes so brown they looked red. A strong nose, thick lips, and a sharp jaw made him look beautiful in a brutal way. Veins stood out along his neck, feeding into the broadest shoulders I’d ever seen. A white long sleeve t-shirt hugged every muscle and—I covered my mouth to muffle the noise as his hips slammed against a petite woman. Blonde hair spilled over the counter, her fingers clawing—grasping at anything she could. My eyes jumped back to his as frustration marred his features. He bit his lip and my thighs clenched.

This is a private moment.

I shouldn’t be here.

I came down for a snack.

I’m intruding, but still I look.She turned to look back at him, but he growled, and she whipped back around. Face down. He cussed.I know it isn’t too late. I can turn around and march back the way I came. I’m obviously not going to get what I wanted, but I can’t seem to move. I don’t know what it is.My eyes were glued to the beautiful man bending a woman over in the kitchen.

He looked up and my heart stopped.

I was wrong.

His eyes aren’t brown at all.

They’re red.

The world and his hips froze as his gaze connected with mine. Brows furrowed, but then he did something I never would have expected. He dragged his tongue against his bottom lip and groaned. His hips withdrew and slammed against hers. With each movement, she banged against the counter.

My breathing came out faster, my chest rising and falling. When another growl fell from his lips, it reached across the room and caressed my body. I could almost feel him touching me.It’s like I can read his mind. There’s no way I’m doing this.My body was wet. Tightening at the thoughts that ran rampant. Everything tightened and I clenched my thighs.

I need the friction.

I’ve never been this turned on before.

Never coveted someone’s man.

Never entertained the thought of touching myself while watching people fuck.

I need him to do to me what he’s doing to her.

I want to take her place.

What the hell is wrong with me?

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