Tessa Johansson
The beast's breath is rancid. It makes her stomach lurch. And his ominous, red glowing eyes track her movement. Tessa kneels in the corner, making herself as small as possible. Her body trembles and her teeth chatter in her mouth. The half-man - half-animal crouches. He sniffs her hair, then moves down to her neck. A nose, wet and cold, brushes against her skin.
"Give me the crystal." The tip of his tongue runs across the length of her lower jaw, starting at the lobe of one ear and ending at the other.
A small sob escapes her lips, and her eyes brim with tears.
"Hmm . . ." He smacks his lips. "You're sweet, and you smell good."
The beast's words have a heavy, thick, gruffy sound to them. Wrapping a hand around her arm, he drags her to her feet.
"I might just toy with you - claim you for my personal amusement." He slides a hand over the curve of her hip, then under her skirt, cupping her butt.
Tessa grabs his hand, but can't pry it loose.