Ayden's pov
"Can you handle more?"
I nod, clutching the chains tightly in my clenched fists as the whip expertly sliced across my back.
I can sense Kareen's concern for me, bit I couldn't afford to let him distract me. Nodding my head, I felt Jameson take a few steps away from me, while making sure to be close enough to continue if given the signal.
"Stop it Kareen. You know why I have to do this."
"You do not need to push yourself, Ayden. The ball is not for a few more days, we will make sure that you are prepared.
"It's . . . It's not just about being prepared, he'll be able to see through this if it's an act, I have to become the one person he can never resist and I want to use what I've learned about myself to bring him to his knees."
"Ayden_____________."
"Before I was taken, he would torture me by arousing my body and leaving me to suffer. He let me go through my heat alone while he took woman after woman into his bed because I was too innocent to claim what was mine . . . even now though my virginity isn't a problem, I'm still naive and he could always spot that in me and use it to hurt me. When he comes here, I want to be able to stand equal to him."
I heard a soft sigh, and then . . .
"I understand. I will help you in any way that I can."
In spite of the painful throbbing radiating from my back, a weak smile crossed my lips.
"Is there someone here that can teach me to dance?"
"I . . . I am sure I can find someone to assist you."
"Thanks."
There was no reply and a few minutes later, the whip was striking me across my back again.
"Enough."
The whip froze in midair at the unexpected command and a cool, gentle hand brushed across my back.
"W-What_________?"
"What are you doing boy? Do you think letting your back be ripped to shreds will seduce someone?"
"Why are you_________?"
"Give me the whip, Jameson."
"Yes, Alpha Dominic."
A shiver of unease went down my spine and I shook my head as Alpha Dominic brushed the butt of the whip against my neck.
"Heal yourself."
"You're kidding, right? Do you expect me to drop my guard with you standing behind me, planning to beat me?"
"He's very good, Ayden, sir."
"Well that just makes me feel so much better."
"I heard that you want to bring your mate to his knees, that you want to be able to keep his attention on you alone, is that right?"
"And you can guarantee that?"
"Only if you trust me. You and my son deserve to be happy, but the way your mates are right now, you're never going to get it without forcing their hands . . . I want to help you two do just that."
"A-Alright I'll trust you, for now."
"Fair enough. Now heal the cuts on your back, we have to start from the beginning."
Nodding, I let Alec take control to speed the healing process, jumping slightly when fingertips brushed against my skin.
"You really are the white wolf."
