To Love a Beast

The Sword of Man

Sin was thrown onto the bed for the second time today.

When she made a move to scoot away from her advancing mate, Cedric grabbed her by her ankle and dragged her back. And no matter how hard she flailed in his hold, she couldn't break away.

"You doubt me, our bond. I'll show you I am a worthy male. Your male," Cedric said, more beast than man.

Cedric captured both her wrists in one hand and tugged them above her hand. Trapped, trussed up like an animal for slaughter.

Her breathing turned shallow. Choppy.

No amount of struggling could dislodge the beast staring at her with enough intent to freeze her insides. Feral eyes peered out through the skin.

Goddess, help me.

"Cedric, listen to me," Sin said, her words ending in a yelp when he tore the top of her shirt.

"Stop. Cedric!"

He's not listening. The panic was fluid now, seeping into her bones.

"I'll ensure you'll never have a need to doubt again," the beast said, silencing her protests with a blistering kiss that left her craving more.

A war raged in her mind, pitting lust against terror. A wanton moan sounded from her. Damned the man, but her body wanted him. The fierceness of her carnal wants startled herself. His mouth was a hot temptation her body seemed keen on tasting, even when her mind screamed for her to stop.

Wicked hands traveled down past her hips, leaving a trail of fire on her skin. A tear sounded, leaving her bare, save for her undergarments. The cool air hitting her bare legs was enough to bring her back from the haze of desire.

Sin dragged her mouth away from him, panting.

"Cedric, we need to stop—"

Her words were swallowed by his lips in another fiery kiss, making her toes curl. When they broke apart for air, she spoke again, breathless.

"We can't do this. I'm not ready, yet."

"You lie again," Cedric said, locking eyes with her. "I can smell your arousal. Let me take care of you, as a mate should."

Inhaling deep, his eyes shuttered closed as a groan rumbled from his chest.

"Fuck, you smell so good. Like sin, my Sin."

When his free hand began to trail lower again, she bucked her hips in panic, attempting to throw off the giant of a man. Her actions only seemed to excite him, as his lips trailed her skin with a new fervor.

"Cedric—"

"My mate is in need. Let me help you, little mate," Cedric murmured against her skin.

Let me help you.

She froze. The words so familiar in her mind, yet lacking the heat Cedric imbued on them. Her lungs constricted as a chill crept through her veins.

Let me help you, pretty witch.

The ghost haunting her nightmares seeped into her reality and through the darkness shrouding the room, her eyes saw him.

The tormentor of her dreams peered down at her with a malicious sneer, no matter how many times she told herself Cedric wasn't him.

Cedric. It's just Cedric, Sin chanted in her mind.