Loved by a Beast - Miranda Bridges Page 0,50
I’m also shaken by the rage and hate that’s infused in each word. “If you touch my wife, I will cut off your fucking hands, and I will tear through your throat so that you choke on your own blood. I will rip your heart from your chest and crush it in my palm so that I can toss it onto your worthless body.”
Tears stream down my face as I watch my husband. He is beyond coherent, beyond rational, in his fear for me and his anger toward Morox that he doesn’t even realize he’s speaking in English. It makes me cry all the harder but not for myself. It’s for Jaxar, who’s going insane at the thought of me being violated.
“Such anger,” Morox says, his tone infused with mild surprise. “I thought the human would not survive me taking her to my bed, but it looks as if you will not be able to withstand it, Jaxar.”
Morox tugs on my hair and neck simultaneously, bringing me to my feet. Leaving Jaxar to continue his tirade of threats and vengeance, the Masse propels me forward—that is, until Egathi blocks our path.
“You promised me that if I discovered the location of Jaxar and the others that you would kill her.” Egathi takes a menacing step closer, but her gaze is fastened on Morox behind me. “So I sent Nyota back with the warriors, and because of my plan, you were able to claim the victory today. I want what’s owed to me.”
I’m not surprised by Egathi’s traitorous acts, nor am I shocked by the fact that she wants to have me killed. As much as I don’t want to be raped, I can’t welcome death as long as there’s a chance for survival. The Dravians were contacted, and even though I’ve accepted I might die before they arrive, I have to try to stay alive. This sliver of hope is what will get me through the horror about to come, and it’s what gives me a small dose of courage right now.
“If you kill me, you’ll never find Tika,” I say.
Egathi lunges for me, but Morox’s sharp command stops her. Even though she lowers her claws, she still bares her fangs at me. “You lying whore! Tell me where my niece is!”
I shake my head, a sly smile spreading across my lips. There’s no satisfaction to be had in this situation, but I need her to reconsider having me killed, so I have to be convincing even though I have no idea where my daughter is.
“I’ll die first,” I say.
Egathi’s eyes become little more than slits, and I’m surprised when she doesn’t try to attack me again.
“The human will be gifted to you after I am done with her,” Morox says. “And not a moment before.”
He doesn’t wait for her to agree and shoves me so that I’m stumbling forward. I manage to stay upright, but then I’m being tossed through a tent flap, falling on my hands and knees.
“Get on the bed.” Morox folds his arms, giving me a pointed stare. “You can fight me, but that will only make this more enjoyable.”
I scramble backward just as Jaxar is brought inside by two males. They force him to his knees, and his gaze shoots to me, the crazed look still present. I want to soothe him, to reassure him that I can get through this, just so he can stop provoking Morox to kill him. I may not be able to handle being violated, but I’ll never tell Jaxar or we’re both going to die a lot faster than expected. And as stupid as it is, I’m still hoping the Dravians will rescue us.
“Anchor his wings to the floor right next to the bed and make sure his bindings are secure.” Morox walks over to stand in front of Jaxar before placing his hands on my husband’s shoulders to keep him from rising. “You will not move from this spot or I will slit her throat. Do you understand me?”
Jaxar glances at me before giving Morox his full stare. “Your death is imminent.” Then he goes back to looking at me, his eyes filled with an icy resolve that comforts me just as much as it scares me. He is unhinged and unpredictable, a loose cannon that can cause all our deaths if he explodes.
The sound of a mallet striking wood snags my attention. Watching the first wooden spike pierce the tail end of Jaxar’s wing as it sinks into