Chapter 17 60 % I had to place my mark on her already to restrict her from going back to see that halfwit . A simpleton who thought he could rival me . After my time with Shikta , I still felt empty and decided to go over to her chamber to feed my eyes and imagination some more when Tervan reached out to me . I wonder if Luxuria would be able to handle the demons she was stirring within me , considering the fact that I was overly soft on her on our first night . And that was because I found out that I was her first . " Alpha , she is back , " Tervan's voice came through the mind link , breaking the silence in my thoughts . A slow smile curled my lips . Perfect . I stormed out of my room , and the guards always stationed at my door followed me . The coldness of the air was nothing compared to the ice in my veins , the ruthless calm . that settled over me whenever I was faced with disobedience . I saw her . She stumbled back into the pack , her breath heavy , her face flushed from the exertion of her run . She hadn't noticed me at first , her eyes darting around as though she expected . someone to stop her . Foolish girl . She straightened when her gaze finally met mine , her body going rigid under my cold stare . Fear radiated off of her . It pleased me . She should be afraid . I took slow , deliberate steps towards her . She didn't dare move . She knew she was caught . " Luxuria , " I drawled , my voice as cold and biting as the wind that whipped around us . " How kind of you to return ... to your rightful place. " ៣ ) O 22 1 T ||| O く 1/3 11:36 Fri , Aug 22 Chapter 17 Her body trembled at the sound of my voice , her sapphire eyes wide with the fear she tried so hard to mask . I could see her searching for words , but none came . Good . Silence suited her . 60 % I stepped closer , my gaze locked on hers , every inch of my presence reminding her of who held the power here . " You dared to defy me . " My voice was low , lethal , and controlled . " You thought you could flee ? Escape me ? " I crinkled my nose . I caught a whiff of his scent on her . It made my blood boil . " I smell him all over you , little mate . " The words left my mouth like venom , slow and deadly . I could see her flinch , her body trembling . Her scent , mingled with that fool's , was a direct insult to me - a stain that I would erase . " You dare return to me reeking of him ? " I continued , my voice barely a whisper , " You'll pay dearly for this . " I saw the tears welling in her eyes , glistening in the dim light . But they didn't move me . She could cry all she wanted , but there was no mercy left in me to offer . Not after this . With a sharp turn of my head , I addressed the guards who had followed me into the courtyard . " Take her . " Two of the guards stepped forward immediately , their hands reaching for her arms . Luxuria's eyes widened with terror , and she instinctively tried to step back , her legs buckling beneath her . " W - what are you doing ? " Her voice was shaky , barely more than a breath , and she looked up at me with desperate eyes . " You will be locked away until I decide what to do with you , " I said coldly , my gaze never leaving hers . " For now , I cannot bear the sight of you . " " No , please- " she started to plead , her voice cracking under her fear . " I didn't mean to- " But her words were meaningless . Nothing could undo her betrayal ; nothing could erase 2/3 . 22 22 T ||| 11:36 Fri , Aug 22 Chapter 17 60 % the scent of him from her skin . She needed repentance . She'll get it after spending some alone time in the dungeon . " Lock her up in The Squalid Keep . " Chapter Comments 2 Reviews > Christine Powell 7 days ago So , let me get this straight ; he gets to have sex with at least 100 women , but she gets locked in the Squalid dungeon if she even has another guy's smell o ... More 8 O < SHARE 67 @ 1 22 1 T ||| In "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" by CrushReel, Zoe Hale takes a daring step by marrying Ashton Cross, a man under suspicion for her sister's mysterious demise. As their relationship evolves, hidden truths unravel, intertwining love and suspense in this captivating romance novel. Exploring the complexities of loyalty and deception, the story delves deep into Zoe's quest for justice while navigating the unexpected twists of her heart. The enigmatic bond between Zoe and Ashton unfolds against a backdrop of secrets and revelations, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each turn of the page. 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