Chapter 16. A Blow

It was that fire in her that captivated Gavriel the most. She had nothing left… no power, no protection, yet she didn’t cower. Any other woman in her place would have begged for mercy, but Althea stood her ground. Perhaps it was courage… or maybe the stubborn belief that her father would eventually come for her.

Gavriel sat on the edge of the makeshift bed, his gaze fixed on her. Slowly, he leaned closer until only an inch separated them. A faint, amused smile curved his lips as he murmured to her ear, “Yes, you shouldn’t break so easily, little wolf. I need you to get to your father, so behave well… and don’t make me angry.”

Her lips parted slightly, and that was all the invitation he needed. He captured her mouth in a heated kiss. She didn’t resist; instead, her arms instinctively slipped around his neck.

When she finally pulled back, her breath brushed against his ear as she whispered, “You told me to behave, and I’ll