Chapter 17

• King Ashton seemed to sense my hesitation, and he stepped closer, his towering figure dominating my field of vision. "I understand that this may seem overwhelming. But only when Brayden knows that you're my mate will he become unfocused so he isn't aware of our true plans."
• As I stared up into his eyes, I realized how much I wanted that strength—to be able to stand against the Connors and anyone else who dared to hurt me or those I cared about. And somehow, despite all my fears and doubts, I found myself drawn to King Ashton in a way I couldn't quite explain. "Okay. I'll become your mate."
• The moment I uttered those words, the air around us seemed to crackle with energy. King Ashton's eyes flashed with something primal—a hunger that both thrilled and frightened me as he lifted a hand and untied the scarf around my shoulders. He pulled the cloth down, revealing a bite mark sitting on the crook of my neck. As he traced his finger along the mark, a shiver ran down my spine, awakening a dormant desire within me. "I need to tell you something, Aliyah," King Ashton said, but his voice was more of a growl. "This bite mark was not caused by Brayden. It was me who marked you."