“No, really I need to thank you.” He took a few steps forward, the chains clinking against each other with each step. “All my life, I was told I needed to work harder, to train better, to be more. All for a group of people who wanted nothing to do with me, simply because I didn’t grow up there. I hadn’t suffered what they had suffered, even if it was completely out of my control. You know what? I’m going to seize what is in my control. Right now, that’s you.”

I went completely still as he raised the collar in his hands, the heavy chains dangling down to drag on the floor.

“Y–you promised Benedict.”

“Fuck Benedict.” He was directly in front of me now, the precious gems embedded into the metal glinting mockingly in the candlelight. “This is for your own good.”

I pressed my back harder against the wall, trying in vain to put distance between us.

“Force me into anything, and you’ll regret it.” It had worked last time.

Thad hesitated, and that’s how I knew part of him really did care for me. His hands clenched around the collar, the precious gems biting against his skin. “No one gives you anything in life. You have to take it.”

I pulled again against the shadows, but they held firm. “You can’t take whatever this is!” I pleaded, bucking against the restraints as my fear and resignation rose.

He took a step towards me, the collar and chains in his hand. In that moment, I felt fear but also a rush of desire at the thought of being entirely at his mercy. Embarrassment stained my cheeks as I felt a dampness spread between my legs, and his eyes went wide as he scented my arousal. I was dead.

“I don’t have to take it, do I? You want it.” The collar dropped to his side, held carelessly in one hand as he caressed the side of my face with the other. His dark eyes were hooded, and his lips curled into a sad smile. “It’s not real. None of this is. You need to wear the collar so the other demons know not to touch you. Please?”

Now he was claiming it was for protection? I didn’t know which version of him to believe. “And if they ignore you and touch me anyway?”

Thad’s eyes went nearly white, chaotic magick sparking along his body. It stung against my skin but I relished the pain. I welcomed it, even. It reminded me that I was alive.

“If they touch you, I’ll kill them.” His shadows disappeared into nothing, only his hands holding me up against the wall. I closed my eyes, reveling in the feel of his fingers against the soft column of my throat and hips, the way his scent entwined with mine as he leaned forward, his dark hair falling into my face. Hot pleasure sang in my veins, my inner draken purring in satisfaction. I closed my eyes and relaxed against him.