Jasmine's life had always been a cage, and Alaric, her stepbrother, held the key. His control began subtly, a seemingly protective concern that slowly twisted into a possessive obsession. As the Alpha, his power was absolute. He dictated her friendships, forbade any romantic relationships, and stripped her of all personal freedom.
Her one hope was her twenty-first birthday—a milestone that promised to change everything. She fantasized about finding her true mate, breaking free from Alaric's suffocating grip, and finally living a life of her own. But destiny, it seemed, had a cruel sense of humor.
On the eve of her birthday, her hopes shattered. The person meant to be her one and only was the very man she despised—Alaric, her tormentor, her stepbrother.
The thought of being bound to him was a fate worse than death. How could she be mated to the man who had stolen her youth? A man who would stop at nothing to possess her completely? But in a world where love sours into possession and possession  draws blood, how far can one person truly run before they are forced to face the inevitable?

I bit back a whimper, but it was too late. I knew Cory had heard me.


"Jasmine, you're there?" He called out, and I didn't trust myself enough to speak. But I had to. He already heard me.


"Y-Yes..." I managed, but my decision to speak didn't seem to please Alaric. He pulled back again, teasing me with the withdrawal, before ramming into me once more, even harder than before. This time, I couldn't suppress the whimper that escaped.


I looked pleadingly at Alaric but his eyes still held those dangerous intent that made me weak to my core. "Please..." I mouthed, but he only smiled as he resumed his painfully slow thrusts, knowing I needed him to hit harder.


Chapter 81 - Chapter 81 [r-18]