"It's unfortunate," he mutters, and I gasp audibly as I'm abruptly pushed onto the bed. He pins my arms down while towering over me, his voice low and intense. "I, unfortunately, can't agree with your assessment." He leans in even closer, his warm breath tickling my neck as he says, "I intend to make my mark on you, so everyone knows you belong to me." The sensation of his lips brushing against my skin sends chills down my spine. "The thought of someone touching what's mine infuriated me – I still have the urge to teach them a lesson." He pauses, his gaze lingering on my neck where his teeth just grazed, then shifts to meet my eyes. "Do you understand why I can't pretend everything is back to normal? I crave more than just a return to the past. You comprehend my desires, and I won't settle for anything less." --- Many years after her parents' passing, Ashton's life seemed to be improving. Her brother had taken over as the pack Alpha, and her mate became the Head Beta. However, tragedy struck when her brother's unexpected demise shattered their world. She was cast out and relentlessly pursued from her own pack. In a desperate attempt to escape, she met Caspian, who rescued her from a group of thugs attempting to recruit her into their own pack. Desperate for safety, she joined his rogue faction. Yet, despite her efforts to remain inconspicuous, trouble continued to follow her. Would she ever learn to trust and open her heart again after being betrayed by her former love?
