Chapter 9

Claire's POV

Hunter whispered "Boom" in my ear in such a quiet, disquieting way that I jolted and tried to run away, but his big, strong arms coiled around me. He yanked me back and pressed me into his strong chest. For a moment, I couldn't breathe.

I was about to scream when he wrapped one of his hands around my neck. He put his lips to my ear and tilted my head back, which made me shiver like an electric current. Why the hell am I so happy right now? What am I doing wrong?

"I always win at hide-and-seek, baby," he whispered as he lightly brushed his lips against my ear. Even though this has been fun, I am getting tired of and bothered by your games. "To get back to my area, we have a long way to go. You have two options: either you can be a nice girl and come with me freely, in which case I will allow you to say your goodbyes to your family, or I can force you to come with me, in which case I'm sure you won't enjoy it, and you won't be allowed to say your goodbye