Those big eyes lift when I enter. They widen slightly taking in my bare chest, the water still clinging to my skin, the wolf prowling across my throat.
Good. Let her look. Let her get used to what's hers.
"Good morning,malyshka," I say, moving to the closet.
She doesn't respond. Just watches me pull out clothes with that wary expression, like I'm a dangerous animal that might strike.
She's not wrong.
I dress slowly, aware of her gaze tracking my movements. When I turn back, she's still sitting there, frozen.
"Breakfast," I say.
She nods obediently.
***
The kitchen is flooded with morning light. I guide her to a chair at the island and watch her sit. She folds her hands in her lap again, that same defeated posture.
Something in my chest tightens. I don't want her defeated. I want her surrendered. There's a difference.
I make eggs and toast, pour coffee. When I set the plate in front of her, she just stares at it.
"Eat."
"I'm not hungry."
"Eat anyway." I lean against the counter across from her, arms crossed. "You didn't eat dinner last night. You need strength."
Her eyes flash. It’s the first sign of fire I've seen this morning. "Strength for what?"
"For adjusting to your new life." I take a sip of my own coffee, never breaking eye contact. "For dealing with me. For surviving the next two days without driving yourself crazy thinking about what comes after."
She picks up her fork with trembling fingers. "You mean the wedding."
"I mean the wedding night." I let my gaze drag down her body deliberately. "When I take that virginity you've been saving. When I make you mine in every possible way. When I breed you until you're carrying my child."
The fork clatters to the plate. "Stop."
"Stop what? Telling the truth?" I round the island, coming to stand beside her chair. She stiffens but doesn't move. "You need to understand something, Vera. I'm not going to pretend this is a normal relationship. I'm not going to court you or seduce you gently. I claimed you. You're mine. And in two days, I'm going to fuck you until you can't walk, until my cum is dripping down your thighs, until there's no question whose woman you are."
She's breathing hard now, chest rising and falling rapidly beneath my shirt. I can see her nipples peaked against the fabric. Her body knows what it wants even if her mind is still fighting.
"Eat," I say again, softer this time. "Or I'll feed you myself."
She eats.
***
After breakfast, I take her hand, ignoring her small sound of protest, and lead her through the estate. Might as well show her the cage she's living in.
"Library," I say, opening double doors to reveal floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. "You like to read. I made sure you'd have plenty."
She stares at the thousands of books, and I see something flicker of surprise in her expression. It's quickly buried.
"Music room." Next door down. A piano, guitars, sound equipment. "I don't play, but if you want to learn, I'll arrange lessons."
"How do you know I don't already play?" The first real question she's asked.
