Chapter 113

Ophelia

That one word, it was a warning. A warning wrapped in a neat, pretty bow. One meant to keep me safe. One meant to wrap me in wool because I was their precious mate. It was in Jude’s nature to harm, just as it was in Ryker’s to protect.

Fuck his protection.

The girl I was now…she no longer needed it.

“That’s it, Jude,” I laughed. “Heel, Jude. Down, Jude. Obey, Jude.”

Ryker’s eyes flashed with murder. I couldn’t see the expression on Jude’s face, but from the way his chest heaved against my back, I knew my words hit home.

Jude’s teeth scraped along my ear, nipping so hard I yelped. A surge of—of emotion swelled in my chest, causing the bond to hum softly. I began to panic.

“I’m going to enjoy tearing you apart, little dove. My perfect mate,” he whispered, “So pretty. So breakable.”

As he lapped up my blood, his fingers flexing on my bare stomach, that panic began to grow.

“Goddess,” my laughter was breathless. “You say you’re not his enforcer anymore, but you’re still his trai