It’s not bad; he held back.
He’s simply answering the mark that I left on him.
The second blood.
Cheeky arsehole.
I yank my dagger free and twirl around, as if we’re dancing together in a forest glade. The air is fresh and sharp.
I forget everything in the heady buzz of the fight.
Suddenly, I lose track of where Lanlin is.
In the darkness around me, I spin the daggers in my hand. I turn around but I can’t see any movement.
I am panting, catching my breath. My chest is slicked with sweat.
On the Shadow Devils, where is he?
Nothing.
Unexpectedly, something barrels into me, knocking my daggers out of my hand. I let out a startled cry as I am knocked to the ground.
I wrestle, twisting in Lanlin’s grip.
He looks fucking feral.
I struggle to avoid his snapping fangs and the iron on his gloves.
Taking him by surprise, I headbutt him.
Lanlin hisses, burned by my mask. But he still doesn’t let go.
Lanlin’s pheromones deepen like a thick fog around him. Any Omega would be on their knees, choking on them.
I grit my teeth.
I grapple with Lanlin, but he shoves me onto my back.
Bloody hell.
I heave, trying to push Lanlin off me. He is heavier than I am, however, and he grabs my wrists, pushing me down. He is surprisingly careful now not to touch me with his claws.
Shocked, I stare up at him.
Slowly, Lanlin’s breathing steadies. His fangs shorten again.
He leans to whisper into my ear, “Why are you so surprised, Dove, that a monster like me, Supreme Commander of the Eternals, would beat you? This is your first lesson. In my nest,I am the King. Our Omega is the precious Queen. And you are merely the Blood Lover. It doesn’t matter that you’re an Alpha. You have made a deal to serve me. Accept your position.”
My expression crumples.
He didn’t…?
This wasn’t about seeing me. Respecting me as an equal.
This was about teaching me a lesson.
Putting me in my place.
