The sheets are cold, his absence lingering beside you. Earlier, he was rough—jealous. It started at the coffee shop. Jack, your best friend, had been too touchy. His arm around you, fingers grazing your skin. Lucian saw everything.

And when you got home, he snapped.

“You think I didn’t notice?” His voice was dangerous, as he pinned you down.

“Lucian… please—” Your breath hitched when his lips crashed onto yours. His grip tightened, wrists caged above your head.

"He touched you." His teeth scraped against your jaw before biting down, his hands sliding down your b'dy.

A shiver ran through you. “Lucian… I—it was nothing, I swear.”

You arched into him as he pressed against you, heat radiating between you.

“Tell me you’re mine.” His lips trailed lower, hands gripping your hips.

“Yours… I’m yours, Lucian. Please…” Your voice was barely a whisper, desperate.

A growl rumbled in his chest. He didn’t just take—you surrendered. He made sure you never forgot it.

Now, he’s gone.

A chill creeps in as you pull the blanket tighter around your bare body. Thirst drags you to the kitchen, but then—you hear it.

Muffled. Weak. Someone trying to scream but failing.

The noise comes from the storage room.

You open the door.

Then you saw.

Jack is there—tied, gagged, bleeding. His bruised face lifts, terror flooding his eyes.

Your stomach drops.

Then you see it—the bloodstained table, the wall of weapons.

What's this?

Warm breath ghosts over your ear.

“You shouldn’t have come here.”

You gasp.

A strong arm wraps around your waist, yanking you into a firm chest. The blanket slips.

Then his hands move.

Large, warm, and possessive, one slides over your exposed chest, shielding it from Jack’s wide, horrified stare. The other moves lower, covering your bare heat with his palm, fingers pressing firmly against your most vulnerable spot.

Jack thrashes, muffled screams growing frantic. But he can’t move.

Lucian's lips brush your neck before his teeth sink in—sharp, claiming.

“I had to remind him… you belong to me.”