He’s still so close, towering over me, a satisfied smirk playing on his swollen lips. “Seemed like a good way to convince you to stop saying it.”
I scowl, trying to ignore the way my body is still humming from that kiss. “You can’t convince me of anything, that’s the point. I choose what happens to me, and I’m choosing for this to end. Now.”
Talon’s smile fades entirely. In a blink, the intensity in his gaze darkens into something molten and dangerous. Before I can react, he reaches up and gently wraps his fingers around my throat. Not squeezing, just holding—his thumb resting against my racing pulse. The implication is crystal clear:He’sin control.
My breath catches. A thrill twists through me, equal parts fear and excitement. I hate that it’s not just fear.
“It’ll be over when I say it is,” Talon growls softly. Each word vibrates through the air, through his thumb pressed at my throat. “Not you, not your brother, not Daddy Dearest.” He leans in, forehead almost touching mine. I can see the fierce resolve in his eyes, even in the dim light. “Me.”
My heart is hammering so hard it hurts. “Talon,” I whisper, but I don’t know whether I’m protesting or pleading. My hands grip his forearm where he holds me, but I’m not pulling him off. Why am I not pulling him off?
A slow grin curls his lips. That charming, boyish grin that usually warms everyone around him now sends shivers through me. “What’s wrong, Mara? You wanted honesty. Here it is.” He eases his hand away from my neck now that I’m effectively pinned by his stare alone. His touch drifts almost tenderly down my collarbone. “Newsflash, baby, you’re not in charge here. We already decided how this ends, and it’s not with you walking away.”
I blink, confused. “We… what are you talking about? We who?”
“We. All of us.” Talon’s voice is low.All of us.The meaning hits like a sucker punch. I gape at him, shaking my head in denial even as he continues. “You think I’m the only one who’d raise hell if you tried to leave?” He huffs a laugh. “Every single one of us agreed, Mara. You’re ours. We like our new plaything.”
The air seems to disappear from the tiny hallway. My back presses harder to the wall as if I can escape his words.All of us? My stomach flips. They talked about me? Decided things about me without even telling me?
Anger flares white-hot through my confusion. “You arrogant—” I start, pushing at his chest, but he doesn’t give an inch. My eyes prick with frustrated tears. “I can’t do this! Don’t you get it? Maybe you and your friends decided something, but I didn’t agree to?—”
He cuts me off with a sharp, short laugh. “You don’t get a choice, baby,” he says, almost gently, like he’s breaking pleasant news. “Not anymore.”
A stunned silence falls between us. I’m breathing hard, my fury and panic storming inside me. I shake my head, choking on disbelief. “That’s not… you can’t just…”
Talon dips his head, and for a second, I flinch, thinking he’ll kiss me again to shut me up. Part of me maybe even wants him to. But he doesn’t. Instead, his lips hover at my ear, and what he whispers next makes my blood turn to fire.
“You’ll be wearing OCK colors at your daddy’s party thisweekend,” he purrs, “Show up, flying our flag, nice and proud, for everyone to see.”
I rear back, eyes widening. “Are you insane?” I hiss. “I can’t… in front of my father’s entire circle? I can’t just waltz into his birthday gala in your gang’s jacket, Talon! I don’t—I don’t exactly get to pick my outfits for these things!” My voice has gone high with panic. The idea is unthinkable. My mother plans every detail of what I wear to events, down to my lipstick shade. And the OCK colors would be a death wish.
Talon just smirks. “Figure it out,” he says breezily, as if I asked how to solve a simple puzzle. “Or I’ll figure it out for you.”
My mouth falls open. He can’t be serious. “Talon, you can’t possibly?—”
He presses a finger to my lips, shushing me. “Mm, I am serious. Dead serious, Mara.” His hazel eyes bore into mine, and I see the conviction there. He’s not bluffing. “If I don’t see you in our colors that night, then next time I get you alone…” His finger trails down my lips, along my chin, tipping it up. “I’ll make sure you’re spread out in front of the whole house, where everyone can watch while I remind you who you belong to.”
A strangled sound escapes me. I should be outraged, furious, disgusted, and I am—all those things riot through me. But god help me, a scorching wave of desire ripples over my skin at his crude threat. My thighs clench involuntarily. He notices—of course he notices—and it makes his grin widen. Downright feral.
“And trust me,” Talon adds, “you’ll love it.”
My cheeks burn hot. I manage to find my voice, though it’s faint. “You’re out of your damn mind,” I breathe. My pulse is thunder in my ears. I don’t know whether I want to slap him or . . . or let him make good on that promise. The fact that I can’t immediately tell which urge is stronger makes tears sting my eyes. I hate him.
I hate myself more at this moment.
Talon studies my face, and for a heartbeat, something tender flickers in his expression. He brushes a loose strand of hair awayfrom my forehead, an unexpectedly gentle caress that leaves me reeling even more. “Maybe.”
Talon steps back, leaving a cold vacuum where his body had been pressed to mine. I sway on my feet. He opens the supply closet door behind me slightly, peering through the crack to check the coast. Satisfied, he slips out into the light of the main hall. Before he goes, he glances over his shoulder at me one last time. That carefree grin is back, but his eyes are serious. “See you after your next class, Princess. Can’t let my girl walk home alone.”
The door closes, and he’s gone, sauntering back to the class like nothing happened. I remain frozen against the wall, my fingers pressed to my swollen lips. My heart is pounding in my throat—a mix of anger, panic, and a dark thrill I wish I didn’t feel.
TWENTY-FIVE
DREDYN
On Thursdays, she usually heads out for an early jog at six. I’ve learned her schedule pretty quickly, and plan on asking her to breakfast once she’s finished. I thought the easiest way would be to text her.
So I asked her to come by after her run, under the guise that Ghost wanted to see her. But she didn’t answer me.
