Chapter 12

Trembling, I could feel their eyes on me. Watching me, waiting, judging and secretly laughing at me. I clenched my fists, willing myself not to cry. I would not cry in front of these people. I would never be able to live that down, they would never let me.

I was already an outsider, showing them my emotions, that they had gotten to me, would only make that worse. Still in shock and completely embarrassed, I just wanted to just run away and hide, but knew they were waiting for my reaction to Nicholas’ taunt.

I had to show them I wasn’t what they thought I was, that I wasn’t afraid of them. I had to prove to them that they couldn’t get under my skin that easily.

Even through my frustration and humiliation, I could feel Wynter leaning in towards Nicholas, wanting to be closer to him, and began to lean towards him myself without realizing it.

You’re ok Beryl, be brave. Just be brave. I repeated it over and over in my mind, giving myself a mental pep talk. I could use this to my advantage somehow, I just had to figure out how.

If my mother and father were still alive, they would be tell me, like they had always done, to be true to myself, and that I was strong and capable. They had taught me to be brave in situations like these, to show no weakness.

Others would take advantage of my weakness. I had to use all that they had taught me now, to be strong. Taking deep breaths to calm down, I started to regain more control of myself.

An unexpected thought crossed my mind. Will that work? Yes, I think it will. I smiled to myself, knowing that what I was about to say would surprise them all.

“Of course, Nicholas.” I said with a purr and stepped towards him, close enough that my shirt brushed his skin. I could feel the collective shock around me.

“I'd be more than happy to.” I placed my hands on his bare chest, lightly, letting him see my eyes take in his whole body. ”Your chest is so muscular, your skin so soft... you smell incredible.”

I spoke to Nicholas but made sure I was loud enough for everyone around us to hear. I stroked his chest and played with the hair there. I took a deep breath through my nose, closing my eyes to show him I was savoring his scent.

When I opened my eyes and looked at him, I could see the confusion on Nicholas’ face, even behind his haughty look. He’d said that to tease me, and I could see him trying to figure out if I was being serious or not.

Keeping my eyes on his face, I leaned in and slowly licked away the tiny lines and droplets of blood that had formed on his chest. His mouth fell open slightly, and he sucked in his breath. He trembled for a moment, before he caught himself and stopped.

Being sure to keep my movements slow and deliberate, I allowed my tongue to explore a bit. Between licks, I peppered soft kisses across his skin as well. I had to admit he tasted amazing. He was spicy and animalistic, and completely delicious.

Closing my eyes for a moment, I took in the feel of him, his taste, and the overwhelming scent of him. A low moan of appreciation escaped me. I could feel Wynter inside me growing more and more aroused.

I couldn’t deny the fact that I was too. I could feel the wetness spreading between my legs as well, warm and sticky.

Nicholas seemed to be frozen to the spot, holding his breath, watching my tongue travel his body. Where my fingers touched him, goose bumps popped up. I could still feel the eyes of the group on me, but I didn’t care anymore.

I was allowing myself to just live in this moment. As much as I disliked this man before me, I couldn't deny how much I was enjoying this. I couldn’t shake this new feeling inside me. I wanted him, and I wanted him badly.

Even after I had licked away the blood on his chest, my mouth was still on Nicholas’ body, taking in as much of him as I could. As I explored, my tongue and lips accidentally grazed his nipple, which became hard and erect instantly.

As I did, his body shook violently as if he’d been electrocuted. I paused, locking eyes with him.

Easy Beryl, I think you need to be careful now. You don’t want to push him too far, unless you’re ready for the consequences. If you push him too far, he won’t want to stop himself, or won’t be able to. Wynter spoke in my mind.

I’m just trying to give him a taste of his own medicine. I argued with my wolf, but I could feel the lust and wariness of Wynter at the back of my mind. I honestly wasn’t sure if I was doing this to punish him or not anymore, though.

You want him... I can feel it. Give in to it, let him take you. Wynter wanted me to continue, she wanted to consummate this mating, but she could still feel my hesitation. I don’t know what I want anymore.

I told her in my mind. He’s such an awful person, but I don’t seem to care right now. What’s wrong with me? I was fighting with myself, and the passionate part of me was currently winning.

I knew I should stop now, but his reaction to me licking his nipple was intriguing. I enjoyed that he reacted to me in that way. I slowly kissed, licked my way to his other nipple, teased and nibbled it gently.

Nicholas sucked in a quick breath as his cock sprang up between us. “You are seriously tempting me to fuck you right here in front of everyone.” He growled at me, just low enough for me to hear.

Wynter growled within me, low, but strong enough to escape my own lips. Yes, Beryl. Take him. You can feel the connection between you, just let go and let him mate with you. Nicholas returned the growl with one of his own, stronger and louder than my own.

I straightened, moving my mouth away from his body, still unsure of myself and what I wanted to do. As I did so, though, he bent and scooped me in his arms, his icy eyes on mine.

Murmurs and whistles ran throughout the group, but Nicholas’ attention was all on me. I was all that he was aware of at that moment.

His touch and his eyes on mine cemented within me my desire, and I let go in that moment. As though he could feel my release, Nicholas started to move away from the group and towards the house, with me still in his arms.

A growl came from the group behind us as Cheney stalked towards us, jealousy and possessiveness rolling off him. “Nicholas, you can’t keep her all to yourself, I want her too.”