And I knew we weren’t in Greenland, which was home to most of vampire kind.
But it was too hot here to be Greenland. Too humid. Toosalty.
So where did he take me?I wondered.
Only for the thought to be immediately replaced with,I like it here.
No. Ihateit here,I snapped back at myself.I don’t want to be here at all!
You love it here,a part of me cooed back. The part of me that had beencompelledto behave. Tolikewhatever Fare had planned.
Inside, my wolf screamed in protest.
Yet on the outside, I remained stoic.
I’d once thought Lorcan’s telekinetic ability was similar to Fare’s penchant for compulsion.
I’d been wrong.
Very,verywrong.
With Lorcan, I could at least attempt to battle his invisible hold. It was a futile fight, his power absolute. But I could at leastfeelmy own resistance.
I realized now how vital that feeling was to my sanity. Knowing I could try to defend myself provided motivation to at least make an effort to escape.
Whereas Fare’s compulsion smothered my fight entirely. He made mewantto obey. To do whatever he asked. To play the part of his perfect pet.
He hummed in appreciation now, his gaze thoughtful as he surveyed my intimate flesh.
“It’s just been so long that I can’t decide where I want to bite you.” He tapped his chin with one long finger, his red eyes glowing with interest. “I mean, everywhere, obviously. But this is a first after going so long without a taste. I need it to be perfect. You know?”
I didn’t know.
Nor did Iwantto know.
Fare was a psychopath. A monster.And very much alive.
My only saving grace right now was his inability to actually read my mind. He could only hear the words I spoke to him, and that was only when he engaged our mate-bond link.
A link I’d thought wasdead.
But it was very much alive. He’d simply engaged it during my dreams, when I was at my weakest. Never during my waking hours.
Otherwise, I might have sensed him.
Assuming I’d believed he was actually talking to me. I would likely have assumed it was just my mind tormenting me with my past.
I shivered as Fare kneeled on the bed, his presence entirely unwelcome. But I couldn’t even say that out loud. I couldn’t scream. I couldn’t tell him to fuck off. I couldn’t voice any of my thoughts or feelings because of his fucking compulsion.
If he told me to enjoy his bite, I would.
And I hated that worst of all.
“I really have missed you, pet,” he murmured. “You never break, and I admire that.” His ruby orbs glittered as he gazed down at me. “I’m oh so glad Seamus left dear Fritz to clean up my remains that day. Otherwise, we likely wouldn’t be here, right now, like this.”
My skin burned as his eyes roamed over my nude state once more, his hunger palpable.
But it was his words that held me captive now.
