Dire Bound (The Wolves of Ruin, #1)

by Sable Sorensen

Being in his presence is like standing with a knife at my throat, and I find myself settling very slowly into my seat so that I don’t risk his attention slicing my skin open.

“Meryn, why do you think we fought through the Ascent with you? You have the same drive to prove everyone else wrong. Maybe you’re a commoner. Maybe you’re stuck. But who cares? Fight harder.”

“You were born to lead, girl. Whether or not you believe that is of no consequence anymore. You must, so you will.”

I look at Stark, and my entire body screams that I’m… missing him. It’s not sentimental. It’s not even solely physical, though unbearable heat floods between my thighs. No. It’s soul-deep, centered at the core of who I am. It’s like we were once carved from the same bone, sharing blood and breath. And then someone ripped him from me, only I can’t remember it happening. All that’s left is the fury and the enduring desire to go to him and restore what was lost.

“Give me the word and I’ll tear out his throat. All the lives I’ve ever taken were just training for this moment, my queen. Make me your instrument of vengeance. Let my hands act out your every savage, depraved thought. Use me. I’m yours.”

Mine. My psycho asshole. My bloodthirsty killer.

“I’d tell you not to put yourself in danger,” he says, “but I know you better than that.” I bite my lip, suddenly self-conscious. “You’re worried?” He scoffs. “Never. You are the danger. Any person who doesn’t see that deserves what’s coming to them.”