Chapter 8

“Over the years, you’ve become indispensable to me, and I kept watching to see if you would fall for someone. But you never did, though I lived in constant fear that you would. I’d never pressure you, though. I knew you had feelings for me, but they were born out of gratitude in the beginning.

“When they matured into love, I thought it was time to make my intentions known. But you kept me at bay, and never once caught on. I’m here, now, to claim you.” He stared at me and his eyes turned red. “Gabe Villagran, you are my mate and I want you for my own.”

I swallowed, unable to believe what I was hearing, though his determination was not to be ignored. “You must be mistaken. I’m no one’s mate. I’m hardly a prize at the county fair.”

Before I could blink, Pierre pinned my body to the bed and his fangs descended. “No one ever disparages my mate, not even you. Say it now, Gabe Villagran. Say you love me and want no other. I must have you.”