Emerald's breath hitched. "Wolfsbane?" she croaked the word with a ragged gasp. Her voice was rough and scruffy, escaping in a choked whisper, "Rick? You wouldn't dare."
He twirled the whip once more, and before she could look at him, a cruel amusement flickered in his eyes, different from the look of worry on Jake's face.
"Rick," she called out frantically, eager to try one last time to spare herself. "B-but you l-love me." Even she found it hard to believe she said those words. These weren't the actions of someone in love.
"Do I now?" Never had anyone seen such an emotionless expression on Rick's face when it came to Emerald. He leaned in, his face coming closer to hers as he whispered, "Love is overrated. Just because you are my mate doesn't mean I must tie myself to you. You were just an opportunity to secure my Alpha title."
Her brain buzzed. Viola screamed! What did he just say?
"Let him burn, Em!" Viola snarled.
