She flushed and looked down, angry at the flicker of Kain that danced before her inner eye at that word. It hadn’t been love—but being with him was the first time she’d ever felt safe, and she knew whoever claimed her in three weeks…

Well, she was unlikely to feel anything but terror for them for a very long time to come.

“Most mates find contentment in their lot,” the Governor said, nudging her chin up with a finger. “Eventually.”

“And if I don’t?” she asked through gritted teeth.

“Best not to worry your pretty head with such dark thoughts, dearest girl.” He removed his hand from her chin, but her relief was short-lived. “Now if you would please undress for me.”

She started, her heart slamming into overdrive as she automatically drew a step back. “W-What? You said—”

“I said you won’t be penetrated. You will, however, need to be prepared for your claiming. Now don’t make a fuss, hmm? It’s in your best interest as well.”

“How is it in my best interest?” she hissed, withdrawing several more steps until the large bed was between them. “You want to make me more pliant—to make it seem like I’m willingly submitting. I won’t. I will never submit to any of your kind.”

The large demon didn’t move, but the air around him seemed to darken and she dug her nails into her palms at the crackle of his power. When he spoke, his voice was soft, but deadly.

“It is in your best interest, Breeder, because there is going to be more than a hundred and fifty demon Lords fighting for the right to seed you. Women have died during their claiming, ripped apart from within as they screamed underneath their new mates. The more pliant you are, the better chance you’ll survive.

“I am not about to let you face your auction with anything but the best preparation, so either you strip for me of your own volition, or I will do it for you. But Selma—before I leave this room, one way or another, you will yield.”

12

Kain

Deceitful, traitorous, cunning little bitch!

Kain roared and punched yet another hole in his living room wall before tossing the letter to the floor. Governor Maell had sent out the invitation to her auction, and the arrival of it had sent his already spiraling mood into another fit of rage.

Ever since the Agents had taken Selma from his side, he’d been alternating between anger at her for lying to him and a nearly insurmountable desire to kick in the Governor’s door and rescue the cursed little Breeder so she would be safe.

He knew what had to happen to prepare a Breeder for auction, and the mere thought of it made bile rise in his throat.