4/4
The First Test
I stood frozen in place, Kaius’s command hanging in the air between us.
Take off your clothes.
The words from the contract I’d just signed replayed in my mind: The contractor consents to satisfying the contractee’s sexual need whenever and wherever it is requested…
I’d barely skimmed that part, my mind shying away from its implications even as I read it aloud. Now, faced with the reality of what I’d agreed to, panic clawed at my throat.
This was another test, I realized. Another chance to fail. And I couldn’t afford to fail, not with my future freedom finally within reach.
My trembling fingers found the zipper at the side of my dress. The sound of it opening seemed deafening in the silence of the room. I could feel both men’s eyes on me–Kaius’s penetrating gaze and Frost’s cool assessment.
Would he expect me to perform for both of them?
What if he was the type who enjoyed sharing his partners? What if Frost wasn’t just here to witness my humiliation, but to participate in it?
The dress slipped from my shoulders, pooling at my feet. I stood in nothing but my plain cotton underwear, arms crossed protectively over my chest, eyes fixed firmly on the floor.
“Look at me,” Kaius commanded, his voice cutting through my panicked thoughts.
I kept my gaze down, my body rigid with fear and shame.
“Elowen.” His tone dropped dangerously. “Don’t disobey me.”
Reluctantly, I raised my eyes to meet his. The intensity in those amber eyes made me shiver despite the warmth of the room.
His gaze traveled down my body, lingering on my simple cotton underwear. He gestured dismissively. “Those too.”
I froze, my hands trembling at my sides. “I can’t. Not with him watching.”
1/4
The First Test
Frost and Kaius exalunged a look I couldn’t interpret. After a moment, ed ar moved toward the dion. Will leave you to it, Alpha.”
As the door closed behind him. I felt a wave of relief so intense it nearly huddled my knees. At least I wouldn’t he forced to perform for an audience.
Not vet, an
Kaius sutit me with unnerving intensity. “You were shy. Why?
The aussucity of his question sparked a flare of anger through my feat. Are you seriou asking me that question?”
Yes, I am. His expression remained curious, as if my reaction puzzled him.
Bermuse I don’t normally strip naked in front of strangers, Isnamed, the words escap before I could filter them.
His lius quirked slightly. “I’m hardly a stranger. I’m your mare.
Temporary mate, I corrected bitterly.
Kauus circled me slowly, his gaze appraising. “I think you are very beautiful: you should
proud.
“You don’t need to say that,” I whispered, recognizing the manipulation for what it was Dorian had done the same–offering pretty words to get whhut he wanted, discarding m when I was no longer useful. I wouldn’t be fooled agam.
“There’s nothing men won’t say to get a woman mo bed. I said coldly.
His low chuckle sent unwelcome heat through my bindy. I don’t need to say anything t have you.
He was right, and we both knew it. The duuses of the contract wrapping around my lim like invisible chains.
I stepped out of my underwear, fighting the urge to cover myself with my hands. Stand completely naked before him, I felt muxe wallnerable than I ever had in my life. My skin prickled with goosebumps despite the mumis warmth.
The First Test
“Six months,” I said, my voice stronger than I felt. “Six months is all you have. So get it. over with.”
Kaius’s eyebrow raised. “Are you mad at me?”
“Would you care? I challenged.
He moved closer, his scent enveloping me. “Not exactly. I don’t plan to get it over with. I heard you moan once, and I want to hear that sound from you again.
I clenched my jaw, fighting the shiver his words evoked. His reference to my involuntary reactions in the car made my cheeks burn with shame.
He leaned down, inhaling deeply at my neck. “You smell nice enough.”
Before I could react, he lifted me easily, carrying me toward the massive bed. My heart. hammered against my ribs as he set me down on silk sheets that felt cool against my bare skin.
“Does the contractor have any severe sexual illnesses?” he asked, his tone suddenly clinical.
I stiffened, taken aback by the abrupt change in subject. “You should have asked this much earlier.”
He shrugged, looming over me. “I missed that bit.”
“What if I do have a life–threatening disease?” I challenged, scrambling backward on the bed.
His eyes narrowed. “I doubt you do. But I want to hear it from you.”
I swallowed hard, thinking of the only relevant medical information I had. It wasn’t a disease, but… “No… but…”
“But what?” His voice sharpened.
