93 The Two Visitors

I sighed, feeling a small glimmer of hope. The removal of the chains, even if replaced by a new restraint, felt like progress. It was a sign that Michael's attitude toward me might be shifting, that perhaps there was hope of getting out of this "cage."

I tried to recall what had happened last night that might have influenced Michael's change of heart, but my memories were clouded by a few fragmented, blush-worthy moments. Had it been because I’d taken the initiative for once? My ears burned at the thought. If that was the key to my freedom, then maybe it wasn't an impossible price to pay.

I shook my head, trying to dispel the wild thoughts swirling in my mind. Michael had been different last night, unusually intense. We’d had sex frequently in recent days, but last night had been different. He had looked at me with a wild, almost possessive gleam in his eyes when he said, "You're finally going to be mine."

I had already agreed to be his mate. I had promised him. So why was he emphasiz