Dire Bound (The Wolves of Ruin, #1)

by Sable Sorensen

Women in pain give men confidence. It stirs up something instinctive, deep inside them, that makes them believe they have the upper hand,

But that’s life. It’s always been my life. Pain and persistence.

She doesn’t realize just what a stubborn bitch I am. I’ll get down the mountain with or without her useless, furry ass.

“You fucked with the wrong woman,” a voice growls—mine, I realize belatedly—as I tear his jaw open and slam his own severed hand into it.

So I do what I always do when faced with a seething man. I lift my chin and meet his furious glare.

What exactly does that say about me? A truly feral, vicious beast took one look at me and thought, That one. I’ll take that one.

There were days I needed it. Someone to take me into their arms and promise me safety. Someone strong enough that I could trust they could keep that promise.

But I’m not a polite woman. I’m hard edges and impulse and self-destruction. I don’t care if this world hates me for it; I wouldn’t have myself any other way.

“If you’re going to be reckless, princess, at least let me keep you alive.”

The sight makes me feel oddly triumphant. From the first day I saw him, I knew he was a psycho, bloodthirsty monster, and here’s my proof. He’s so much worse than I ever imagined. And for once, it doesn’t disgust me. Because this unhinged killer is on my side.

“I am not insane,” I whisper aloud because I need the words to be true.

All this time. My protector,

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.

“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.

“You’re worried?” He scoffs. “Never. You are the danger. Any person who doesn’t see that deserves what’s coming to them.”