Chapter 13 · The Price of Yes

The pain hit like a iron rod straight out of a forge.

Lena's palm felt like it was melting from the inside out. She couldn't scream. Couldn't breathe. Theron's fingers were still wrapped around her wrist, holding her hand flat while the mark burned deeper.

"Let her go." Kade's voice came from somewhere behind her, low and lethal.

Theron smiled. He didn't let go.

"She said yes," he said. His thumb pressed into the center of her palm, right where the brand was searing through skin. "That means she's under my protection now. Wolf law."

"Bullshit."

"Language, Kade." Theron finally released her wrist. Lena yanked her hand back, clutching it against her chest. The pain didn't stop. It pulsed with her heartbeat, radiating up her arm in waves. "She agreed to my terms. I didn't force her."

Kade stepped around her, putting himself between her and Theron. She could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his hands were clenched at his sides. He wanted to hit him. Maybe worse.

"You said her mother's alive," Kade said. "Prove it."

"I don't owe you proof."

"You owe her."

Theron's gaze slid past Kade to Lena.