“Looks like it’s just us,” Stone smirks as Kent walks off.
I pull in a deep breath, ready to scream my head off, but before I can make a sound, Stone’s hand flies out. He grips my throat, squeezing so hard I can barely breathe.
“No,” I wheeze, trying to pry his hand off of me, but he’s so strong.
“You are a fuckingliar,” He snarls the last word, flashing his pointed canines. “I didn’t fucking touch you and you know it.”
My eyes dart all around us, trying to find Kent, but I don’t see him. It’s like he’s vanished. “I’m sorry,” I whisper, and Stonesqueezes my throat tighter. The pressure in my face doubles, and my lungs burn with the need for air.
“I didn’t touch you and you know it, you fucking bitch.” The venom in the alpha’s voice is shocking. “But if I’m going to get blamed for your bruises, then I might as well make it worth it.”
He crashes his mouth to mine so hard his front teeth break the delicate skin along my bottom lip. Copper blood mixes with his overpowering clover scent, and my stomach heaves. Relief slams into me when he releases my neck, grabbing my waist instead.
I suck down painful breaths of air through my nose, trying to listen to all the sounds around me. I pray Kent will return soon. But I can’t hear anything other than Stone’s moaning as he grabs my breast through my shirt. I should be trying to run away, but years of fighting that instinct keeps me rooted in place.
“So good,” Stone groans, then forces his tongue between my lips. “You taste like sugar.” He forces me to walk backward, pressing my back against a rough tree. He pushes his weight forward, making me feel every inch of his horrible erection. “Does your pussy taste as sweet as your lips?”
Fear and disgust swirl within me, and I close my eyes tight. He grabs a handful of my hair, jerking my head back. His other hand grazes the waistband of my leggings.
“Stop,” I grit out, pushing against his chest with everything I have, but he doesn’t move an inch.
“You know,” Stone growls into my mouth. “You kicked me in the dick.” He leans back, keeping his hips pressed against mine. Grinding into me. “The least you can do is kiss it and make it better.” He jerks my hair, forcing my head to one side. “And if I feel any teeth on my shaft, then I will knock every single one of them out of your head.” He grits his teeth, staring directly into my eyes. “Do you fucking understand me?”
“Yes, sir.” I nod the best I can as my hands fall down his chest to his belt. My fingers graze the hilt of his dagger. The smooth leather feels warm in my hand. “I understand,” I say as I tighten my grip. My hand trembles, praying he doesn’t notice. Thankfully, Stone crashes his mouth to mine yet again, clearly too excited. I hold my breath, then lift the blade. Thankfully, it easily pulls free from the sheath, and I tense.
“Fuck, I’m going to enjoy you.” Stone growls, squeezing my breasts especially hard. His cock grinds against my belly, and my back digs into the tree. I can feel every scratch and bruise on my battered body. “I’m going to make sure this pussy remembers me forever.”
He nips at my throat as his hand falls between my legs. He palms me through my leggings, and I slowly raise the dagger. I’ll only have one chance. One slice of the blade. I have to make it count.
“Are you wet?” Stone pushes one hand into my waistband.
My heart pounds.
Rough fingers brush the top of my slit.
And I bring the knife down with all my might.
It slides into Stone’s neck with no resistance. The movement is so fluid I’m scared I didn’t actually hit him. But then Stone leans back, releasing me.
He looks so calm for a man with a blade sticking out awkwardly from the side of his throat. I swallow thickly, terrified I haven’t actually hurt him. But then his eyes go wide and the muscles in his jaw pop out.
“Wha…” Stone’s voice is strained as his fingers fumble over the hilt of the dagger. He grips it, his face burning bright red, before flashing white. Sweat blooms across the alpha’s forehead and his eyes go wide.
I lean away from the alpha the best I can, pressing my back firmly against the rough tree bark. I want to run away, but Stone’s hips keep me pinned in place.
“What the fuck?” Kent yells somewhere in the distance. His heavy feet stomp through the forest, racing straight to us. But the beta is too late.
Stone grunts as he pulls the dagger out of his neck. Blood spurts in long jets. It sprays across my face, coating the forest floor and hitting nearby trees.
“Don’t remove it!” Kent comes to a stop right behind Stone. His hands ghost over the alpha’s gushing wound, but he doesn't actually touch him. “Shit.”
Stone’s body shifts against mine, making my spine grind against the tree. I suck in a pained breath, praying for the asshole to hurry up and die already.
It’s taking forever.
Then, all at once, Stone goes stiff and he pitches to one side. His body hits me, taking me with him as he falls. I’m crushed beneath his weight, and once again I can’t breathe.
“Fuck!” Kent spins, looking all around us. The trees are quiet. No birds. No wildlife. Not even a breeze. “I can’t…what…” Kent looks down at Stone’s dead body, then at me. I simply return his stare, not sure if the beta is going to kill me or save me. It’s hard to tell if the look in his eyes is from shock or rage.
