“Answer me,” he growled. His eyes on her. “I need you to understand that your actions will have ramifications. For now, you are a sheep amongst the wolves.”

“What does that mean?” She managed to get out over the lump in her throat.

“Not now, female,” Coal growled. “Do you understand what I have just told you?”

“You can’t say something like that without explaining. I’m not a sheep. You also don’t own me. I am my own person.”

Coal sighed loudly and rubbed his eyes.

Flame laughed.

“This isn’t funny.” Coal said, under his breath.

“I beg to differ, my lord.”

Coal put his dark orbs back on her. “I said that I would explain it, just not now. Do I have your agreement? You are mine. You cannot say anything different.”

“Do you agree to take me to see Pauline?”

“Later.”

“Right now.” She grit her teeth. “I need to be sure that she’s okay. I want to see all the women, for that matter.”

Flame choked out a laugh.

Coal made a noise of frustration. He pinched the bridge of his nose. “You can see the females still on fire territory.”

“What does that mean?” She growled.

Flame stepped forward. “The dragon territories are divided between four kingdoms. Each with their own king. We are the rulers of the four. We won three females. Two of the them are no longer here. I assure you that they are fine.”

“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.