Chapter Thirteen

Raisa

Although my apartment is less than a few miles from here, I really do feel as though I’m in another world. Did that elder wolven just tell my fortune? That’s no biggie, right? There are thousands of humans who do that, but I always thought they were fakes. The way Durga acted, it was as though his prediction was set in stone.

“I smell your fear. We just met. Let’s clear your mind of orclings.”

“Four, Durga. How do I clear my mind of four orclings?”

He chuckles. “I have a great idea. I know just how to put your mind on something else.”

The next thing I know, he’s pulled me closer and bent to kiss my cheek. After the briefest, softest kiss, he traces the tip of his tongue along the path his kisses just traveled. “That was my tongue, dear Raisa. My thick, black orc tongue.”

After a full-body shiver races through me, I scold him, “Don’t wear that out.”

“What if it never loses its power?” His challenge rumbles through me with that sexy voice of his.

I don’t deign to give him an answer, but I wonder how I’ll ever spend time with the male if my personal kryptonite is so vulnerable and he’s the one who holds the key.

The sexual lightning flying between us gets more powerful with every step we take toward his apartment. I imagine everyone might be wondering why we’re practically jogging, then I groan as I realize they know what’s going on because my traitorous body is leaving a telltale cloud of horny vapor in its wake.

The moment we enter his apartment and close the door behind us, Durga asks, “I need your full consent, Raisa. Maybe this isn’t a good time. Maybe you’re tired and want a nap. Perhaps you’re not in the mood.”

This makes him chuckle derisively as takes an exaggerated sniff.

“Feel free to say no, or never, or maybe, or later. But the minute you say yes—”

“Yes.” I use all of my self-control not to leap at him and tear off his clothes.

“You didn’t let me finish. The minute you say yes—”

“You’re in control. Yeah. We’ve covered the rules before.”

“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you want to be punished.”

I’ve never been into that. Then again, I’ve never been into orcs or one-night stands, or giving up my power. By the way my nipples are pebbled and my need is growing, I’d say this whole punishment thing might be fun. I’ll just never admit that to him.

Durga smirks, clearly enjoying watching my internal struggle. He steps closer, his presence commanding, and I can’t help but feel drawn to him. This power he exudes, it’s both intoxicating and terrifying.

He places a hand on my cheek, his touch surprisingly gentle despite his dominant aura. “You’re a little brat, aren’t you? Always challenging, always pushing my boundaries.” His voice is low and husky, sending a shiver down my spine.

I try to muster a defiant response, but my words catch in my throat. The truth is, I don’t know what I want. I’ve spent my whole life pretending to be in control—my mom was out of it half the time, someone had to make decisions. But now that my control is slipping away, the prospect entices and frightens me.

Durga must sense my uncertainty because he leans in closer, his lips almost grazing mine. “You’re mine, Raisa. Your body, your pleasure, everything belongs to me.” His words send a surge of desire coursing through me, making it hard to resist his magnetic pull.

“Admit it.”

“Yes.”

“Don’t be shy. I thought we crossed that barrier in the Suburban. Say all of it. In a sentence. Since I’m in command, perhaps the sentence should end with the word… Commander.”