Chapter 1 Author: Shirley I cannot understand how, for the sake of what he calls a 'plaything', he could hurt his own mate again and again, without any bottom line. My dignity, my body, and even my life-in his eyes, they were all completely worthless. And now my breathing grew ragged and shallow, every syllable catching at the back of my throat. This was the third time he had asked me that question. The first time, he'd demanded to know where that "bitch" had gone. I didn't answer. The second time, he had pinned me against the floor-to-ceiling window, his warm breath ghosting across my neck. "Estelle," he'd murmured, his voice a low rumble, "you shouldn't hide things from me. I hope you know better." And now, he had chosen to use my parents' lives to force my hand. I buried my face in my hands, tears welling in my eyes. "Kaelen… those are my parents. They're my own flesh and blood…" "Oh?" A cruel smile touched his lips, his amber eyes glinting with an icy light. "And? Did you stop to think what she means to me before you got rid of her?" I clenched my fists so tightly that my nails broke the skin of my palms, drawing blood. A wave of searing rage churned in my chest. What she means to him?