The deal

-RAVEN-

As Eric Ampleton often warned, my pride would inevitably lead to my ruin. Declan wasn't someone to be trifled with. Behind all that charisma and pleasant smiles lurked a ruthless, cold-hearted man.

And here I was, practically serving myself up on a silver platter. My gaze shifted to the towering man in front of me.

If I wasn’t shackled, I could have easily taken him down with something as small as a penknife. Though, his axe seemed designed for someone far beyond average.

“So…” I attempted to break the silence. “Do I get to deliver a solitary speech, or are you just going to lop off my head?”

There was a brief flash of amusement in his eyes, though curiosity was more dominant.

“It’s not too late to reconsider,” his rough voice exuded such overwhelming masculinity that I momentarily questioned my decision.

He had promised a quick, painless end, but was it really worth it?

Without warning, he lifted the axe, and I flinched. Dying hadn’t seemed all that terrifying until this very moment.

I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for oblivion, but instead of nothingness, I heard Declan’s voice.

“That’s enough, Tim. This one’s just as stubborn as a mule.”

My eyes flew open at his words. The amusement on his face stirred up all the simmering anger I had been holding since Eric’s marriage, boiling over into the present. I clenched my fists, glaring at him with fury.

“Poor little Raven,” he taunted, drawing out each word. “Did you really think I’d kill you? Where’s the fun in that?”

“Every second I spend with you adds to the list of reasons I have to slit your throat,” I spat through gritted teeth. “You gave me an ultimatum, and now you can't even honor my decision?”

“You’re going to be my slave, princess. Whether you like it or not. Life would be a lot easier if it gave us what we wanted, wouldn’t it?” He smirked, and I wanted nothing more than to wipe that smug expression off his face.

Since stepping foot in this place, I had been nothing but a source of amusement for him.

“I gave you a chance to end it, to kill me, and you just threw it away,” I growled. “You’d better watch your back.”

“There’s the fire I love,” Declan grinned. “Not that pitiful woman ready to throw her life away because her little Eric was too busy picking rings instead of daggers.”

His words cut deep. In all my twenty-four years, I’d never met anyone more infuriating. The ease with which he got under my skin made me furious.

“I will kill you! I swear it!” I snarled.

“Whatever gets you through the day, little princess. But let me warn you, I’m not exactly easy to kill. You’re going to need more than just words and a brooch,” he said, flashing a sickeningly sweet smile.

I wanted to scream. My life was crumbling around me, and to him, it was all just entertainment.

“Maybe if you stopped plotting ways to murder me, we could reach some kind of truce,” Declan suggested.

A truce? With him? I’d sooner bury my face in dirt.

“Feel free to waste your time,” I muttered.

“In this clan, true Alphas with pure bloodlines can only reproduce with their rightful mates…”

“Well, good riddance then. We don’t need your offspring wreaking havoc among the decent people of IronClaw. One of you is already too much,” I interrupted.

“You wound me, Princess,” Declan said with mock hurt. “But I’m sure you’re aware that I have no plans to reject you, nor will I let you leave or grant you the mercy of death. Your only choice is to carry my child, in return for whatever assistance you need to destroy the man who wronged you.”

His offer was tempting, but I couldn't see myself bearing anyone’s child other than Eric’s. Certainly not Declan’s.

“I won’t be your breeding vessel. Don’t forget, this is my body, my choice, and my heart! I can reject you right here and now if I see fit,” I said firmly.

I wanted to crush his arrogance.

“Perhaps,” he shrugged. “But you’ll need me to accept that rejection. There’s so much you can accomplish here, Raven. Don’t throw it all away out of pride. You’re the most wanted woman in this entire region. One word, and bounty hunters from all corners will come to claim your pretty head.”

Ah yes, the curse of being Raven Ampleton. He had a point. Dying for Eric was pointless, especially when he never valued me.

There was a whole life ahead of me, but I wasn’t about to give Declan the satisfaction of seeing me bend to his will.

“If you’re so determined to keep me alive, it’ll be on my terms,” I declared.

“By all means, do tell,” he encouraged.

“I’m not going to be your broodmare,” I stated flatly, watching his expression falter. “I have no intention of carrying your child. I’ll work for my freedom, but I won’t sell my body for it!”

“To earn your freedom, you’ll be enslaved for seven years. I think the Alpha’s offer is far more appealing,” Tim chimed in.

He could shove that offer down his throat for all I cared. I wasn’t about to trade my body for freedom, nor was I going to spend seven years in this hellhole.

“As I said, it’s my choice. I hope this time, you’ll respect it. I’ll be your slave, nothing more, nothing less,” I asserted.

“Are you certain about that, Raven?” Declan asked, his face now unreadable.

“Absolutely.”

Instead of disappointment, a sinister smile crept across Declan’s face. A chilling realization dawned—I had walked straight into his trap.

“Tim, remove the chains and take her to my slave chambers,” Declan ordered, and my eyes widened

in shock.

“What?” I stammered.

“What?” he echoed. “A slave is subject to everything, including sexual satisfaction. And you didn't exactly state what kind of slave you'd be, -public or exclusive? Your choice princess."

I clenched my fists as he walked out of the cell with a triumphant grin plastered on his face. 

Goddess help me, I will kill this man!