She knew she’d deceived him by not disclosing what she was, but his betrayal had still stunned her. He’d told her he didn’t want a mate, yet knowing she was a Pure Breeder had made him turn his back on her in the blink of an eye, sealing her fate.

“Miss Selma Lehmann,” the Governor said, a wide smile pulling at his lips as he spread his arms in a welcoming gesture. “My dear, we are so very pleased to have you join us. Come, child. You must be weary from your travels.”

Selma raised both eyebrows at him. Did he really think she’d come of her own free will? She raised the hand tethered to Azir’s, rattling the chain.

“Yeah. Hi. I’d shake your hand, but—I’m a bit tied up.”

The demon Lord turned his disturbing gaze to the Agent, who tensed under his attention. “Agent Azir, one day you must tell me how a group of the Agency’s best happened across the first Pure Breeder we’ve seen in over thirty years—but for now, I hope you’ll excuse my lack of hospitality. I am locking down the property until the auction and no unauthorized personnel can be present.”

“Of course, Your Excellency.” The Agent gave a half-bow and unhooked the chain around Selma’s wrist. “I will take my leave.”

It wasn’t that Selma was sad to see the back of the man who’d forced her to the auction, but when she was alone with the Governor, a new level of unease crawled up along her spine.

She stared up at the huge male, digging her nails into her palms to force herself not to cower in his presence. Whatever it’d been about Kain that had made her relax around him, this demon Lord didn’t possess it.

“You have nothing to fear from me, my dear,” he said, fixing her with another unsettling smile. “Your scent betrays your anxiety. Has it been a tough few days?”

Was he really asking her about her state of mind?

“Yeah. I guess getting kidnapped can be kind of stressful.” She set her jaw. “I know it doesn’t matter to any of you, but I want you to know that I don’t want this—any of this. You can all act as if it’s some great honor you’re bestowing upon me, but we both know that all you’ve got planned for me is rape.”

His eyes sparked and he let out an amused chuckle. “Oh, my dear girl! Such lip. My own Valarina is from a time when human women were gentler, but I’ll wager whichever Lord wins your companionship will have fun taming you.”

He reached out a hand, offering it to her palm-up. “Come, precious one. Let me bring you to your room.”