Im not the hero in this story—Im the monster who claimed what wasnt his to take.
I was supposed to sell her to the highest bidder, a marriage that would seal alliances and strengthen her familys power.
But seeing her bloodied and defiant changed everything.
Her father and brother thought they could use her as a pawn.
They didnt realize I was playing a different game entirely.
I destroyed them all, leaving her seemingly free—only to chain her to me instead.
She thinks she can escape, build a normal life away from the violence she was born into.
She doesnt understand that what I protect, I possess completely.
And now, shes mine.
The problem?
She fights me with every breath, refusing to be anyones property…especially mine.
Her fierce defiance only makes me want her more.
What she doesnt know is that her freedom required blood payment, and that debt is coming due.
As enemies close in, threatening whats mine, my decision is final.
She will be my wife.
She will wear my mark.
She will surrender to me completely.
Even if I have to break her first.
