Promises and Pomegranates (Monsters & Muses, #1)

by Sav R. Miller

Elena’s shrieks reverberate off my skull, the vibrations from her throat rippling through my forearm. I tighten my grip on her mouth, moving so my index finger slightly blocks her nostrils; she screams and screams, the sounds muffled and broken, until she realizes she’s not regaining oxygen. Breaking off on a strangled cry, she halts, face reddening. I cock an eyebrow, craning my head to look into her eyes. They’re feral, flames dancing in the golden rings, and part of me wants to feel bad for forcing her into this. From her world into mine, knowing she really doesn’t deserve it. But she’s in danger, and my plan can’t happen any other way, so in truth, neither of us have a choice here really. “Kallum, do you vow to trust and honor Elena? To laugh and cry, love her faithfully through sickness and in health, and whatever may come, ’til death do you part?” the priest asks woodenly. “I do,” I say, something pinching in my chest as I say it, the lie bitter on the back of my tongue. He repeats the same vow for her, and she shakes her head, tears welling in her eyes, mouth still covered. “When I remove my hand, I want you to say it. Say you do.” Her eyes harden, the tears soaking up. “I’m helping you. Say you do,” I murmur, just low enough for her to hear, “or I start picking off the people you love, one by one. Mateo was just the start, little one. Next is your father if you don’t do what I say.” She whimpers, the sound making my dick stiffen even more, and huffs a single breath...