The Breaking Point

I couldn't breathe. I couldn't think.

This wasn't happening. It couldn't be happening.

"Xaden, please," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the sound of my own heartbeat slamming against my ribs. "He's just a child. Let him go."

Xaden's lips curled into a slow, wicked smirk. His dark eyes gleamed with amusement, like this was all some sick game to him. Like he enjoyed this.

"Now, why would I do that, sweetheart?" he drawled, his fingers tightening around Asher's tiny wrist. My son whimpered, his terrified gaze locking onto mine. I felt something in my chest crack, but I shoved it down. I had to stay strong. "You know the rules. If you want something from me, you have to give me something in return."

Jared tensed beside me, his muscles coiled like a spring about to snap. His breathing was heavy but controlled, his entire body radiating fury. He wanted to lunge. He wanted to rip Xaden apart.