Twisted Fate

Chapter 17

Astrid

"Bryson," I breathed as his lips landed on my neck, tasting the most sensitive part of my skin, "We talked about this," Disgust and guilt burned in my chest as he continued to attack my neck with kisses.

I gulped. This felt so wrong.

"He is not our mate. Stop this right NOW!" My wolf growled at me. She was mentally cursing me out, threatening to take control and hurt Bryson if I didn't stop him. She was right, and I couldn't agree more with her.

"Bryson, no," I stood up from my chair and took his hands off me, but before I could put distance between us, he wrapped his hands around my waist and pinned me against the wall. His lips were inches away from mine, and he gazed deep into my eyes.

"I know you said we couldn't be together, but I'm willing to sacrifice everything for you. I love you, Astrid," He stated. I searched his eyes, desperate to find lies, but he was telling the truth. I didn't want to hurt him, but the feelings were not mutual anymore.

Before I could set the record straight, he pressed his lips on mine and kissed me passionately. I froze and kept my lips still. My wolf growled, viciously fighting me for control. I was on her side, but I didn't want to lose control and hurt Bryson. He was still my friend, although thoughts of protecting him flew out the window as he grazed his canines against my neck. Panic set in.

"No! Get off of me!" I brought my hands up to his chest and pushed him back. The panic evident in my voice seemed to get his attention.

"What's wrong? I thought you wanted this?" He asked with a hurt look. He still had me pinned against the wall when I felt the air around me shift. An eerie demonic growl came from the corner of the room. I turned my head to see a tall figure sitting in a chair with his legs crossed and a pair of fierce red eyes staring back at me. With his presence, my wolf calmed down and yelped with excitement. Our recuse was here.

My breath caught in my throat. At this moment, I wished Bryson and that demon-wolf sitting dangerously calm traded places, so he could be the one to taste me but now was not the time to think with my vagina.

"She said no," Arlo growled with his deep demon voice. The wood cried for release under his tight hold as he gripped the edges of the chair. I'm surprised it didn't snap right then. The bulging veins in his hands had me salivating. I wished they were exploring my curves.

Seriously, Astrid? What the hell is wrong with you? Think straight!

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Bryson stupidly growled, taking a step away from me. I could finally breathe with his hands off me, but now I had bigger problems to worry about. I feared Bryson would be crimpled and broken soon, or worse, dead.

In the next moment, I saw electrifying-blue flames ignite from Arlo's shoulders. He remained unaffected by them and continued to sit there, glaring at Bryson as the fire danced on his body. Those stories I'd thought were bullshit proved to be real all this time. I blinked a few times, utterly surprised with his power to manipulate the actual flames of hell. But I was more surprised that I wanted to reach out and touch them.

"Leave now before you make me do something I'll regret," Arlo warned, but it didn't stop Bryson from flashing his canines and growling at him. I had to refrain from facepalming at the idiocy. This man had hellfire burning from his body, and Bryson still dared to challenge him.

The hellfire died out, and Arlo smiled at him before he raised his hand, lifting Bryson high in the air with his power. I gasped as I watched Bryson reach for his neck. He frantically tried to pry the invisible force closing off his airway but to no avail. His feet dangled helplessly as he choked for air. His face resembling the color of a grape.