“You will need to prove it.”

“If Flame says that they are fine then they are fine,” Coal said.

She shook her head. “You will need to prove it.”

He was silent for a good long time. He finally huffed out a breath. “Fine.” He said between clenched teeth.

Flame laughed even louder. “You have your hands full, my lord.”

“I’ll clip your wings, you insolent little prick.” Coal grit out between clenched teeth. He didn’t look like he meant it.

“Nah…” Flame slapped him on the back. “You’ll be too busy to find time for that. Pauline is sleeping, you will find her in my chamber.” He glanced at her and then back at Coal before chuckling some more. He walked back in through the door. It was loud inside. A whole lot of voices. All male. Her heart fluttered. What the hell had she gotten herself into?

Coal turned to face her. Shit! He didn’t look happy. “Ready?” His voice was rough and short.

“And if I say no?” Why did she insist on causing shit with him?

He didn’t answer, he hooked an arm around her. “No is not an option. You are mine.” He growled. “Mine!” he added, more forcefully.

A shiver raced up her spine. Her hands felt damp. Her legs felt like jello. The thing was, she wasn’t sure if she was more afraid of what was waiting inside or the man that was beside her.

She sucked in a deep breath and nodded anyway.

Chapter 11

Coal leaned up against the wall at the door. He folded his arms.

Julie knocked again. There was still no answer.

“She’s sleeping... peacefully.” Coal said, his eyes on the opposite wall. The rooms and hallways within this… lair…it wasn’t a lair though, not really. More like a massive castle or mansion. No, a mansion was too small for what this was.

“She could be tied and gagged.” Julie narrowed her eyes at him.

The lair was tastefully decorated, yet quite sparse for such huge rooms. There was no expense spared and the pieces looked to be antiques. Large Persian rugs, pewter candle holders. At least, she assumed it was pewter or possibly white gold since non-humans were allergic to silver. There were ornate crystal chandeliers throughout.

After waiting half a minute, she knocked a third time.

“Can we go yet?” Coal said, his voice low. “I’ll bring you back later. I promise.”

Julie shook her head and prepared to knock again.

“Coming.” She heard a croaky voice, from the other side of the door. It was definitely a woman’s voice.

Julie smirked at Coal who huffed out a breath.

It still took another minute or two for the door to open. Pauline was in a thick, toweling robe. Her hair was mussed and her eyes had that sleepy, just woken up look. She smiled and ran a hand through her hair. “Hi,” she said, before stifling a yawn. “Sorry, come in.” Pauline gave Coal the once over before turning and heading back inside.