Chapter 0005

[Gale’s POV]

I could feel warmth surging through my frozen body as I lay in place. When I tackled that damn Bruno, I didn’t expect the water that he resided in to be so cold. Most of my energy was zapped and it wasn’t returning as quickly as normal.

"You did well." A deep, soothing voice murmurs from beside me. "Most never escape Bruno."

Nodding, I begin to pry my eyes open and find myself staring up into large golden eyes nestled in a youthful chiseled face that is surrounded by long blonde hair.

‘Who are you?’ I ask through mindlink as I feel myself beginning to shift back to human.

"I am Ramone Longley, the crown prince of the kingdom of Langley."

Crown prince, that means that he is Talia’s brother and another man that I shouldn’t even think of associating myself with.

"Thank you." are the only words I can manage once I’m human again. "But I should get going."

I just fought that damn kraken to prove that I’m worthy of guarding the princess. If I remain here and waste time, it could counteract my efforts.

"Use me and leave me, huh?" Ramone sighs, feigning hurt. "And here I thought that we could get to know each other."

"I don’t dare, your highness." I huff, standing on shaky legs. "I do appreciate you lending me your energy, but I truly must go."

Turning, I begin to move but stop as Ramone’s hand wraps around my wrist.

"Come…"

He never gets to finish his sentence as a low growl erupts around us, sending a chill rushing down my back.

Shifting my gaze, I find Chance standing by the exit with a dark look in his eyes. Shit, why is he mad now?

"Are you two done flirting?" He growls, stomping forward and yanking my arm free of Ramone’s grip.

"No, actually." Ramone counters defiantly.

"Yes." I counter. "Could you please ask someone to bring me some clothes?"

With everything that was happening, I almost forgot that I was completely naked. Feeling self-conscious, I wrap my arms around myself as I wait for Chance’s response.

"Take this." He huffs, pulling off his shirt and throwing it at me. "Use it to go back to the barracks to change and then meet me at the gates by dusk."

"Yes, sir."

Not needing anymore of an opportunity to leave, I rush forward, thanking Chance for helping me escape that creepy Ramone.

Later that evening, I made my way to the castle gates just as a crew was going through the village streets lighting the streetlights. A nice breeze brushes against my skin and a perfect pink sky shows that the weather should remain good until my shift ends.

Up ahead, I can already spot Chance standing alone looking annoyed.

"I was about to go find you." He snaps as I close the distance between us. "You’re late."

"Late?" I repeat, narrowing my gaze. "You said dusk."

If you are early, you’re on time, if you’re on time, you’re late, and if you’re late, you’re screwed." Chance recites, reminding me of one of the things that the captain always preached.

"Alright, boss." I sigh, shaking my head. "What do you wish for me to do?"

I am still exhausted from my fight with Bruno earlier and don’t have the energy to argue with Chance. For now, I will allow him to have the upperhand.

"Come here." Chance orders, motioning for me to come closer than I already am.

"Why?" I ask, moving warily. "Isn’t this close enough?"

A gasp escapes me as Chance’s hand shoots out and he pulls me to him. Anger radiates from him along with something else, something more primal.

"What are you doing?" I hiss, attempting to break free. "Are you trying to have rumors erupt about us?"

My mind is whirling and I can’t make sense of Chance’s sudden actions. Is this some sort of joke or something more?

"Quiet." He hisses, leaning his face close to my ear. "I just figured that you enjoy having a man dominate you."

"What?"

What the hell is he even going on about and what has possessed him?

"You’ve let that friend of yours touch you and then Ramone." Chance continues, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me ever closer.

"I don’t see why..."

All other words get caught in my throat as Chance’s teeth clamp down on my collarbone, sending pleasure and pain rushing through me.

"I think you’ve forgotten who your mate is." He whispers, lifting his face up enough for me to see a smirk forming on his lips. "Consider this punishment."

My eyes grow wide as Chance whirls me around and pushes me against the cold brick wall that stands behind us.

"What?"

"Quiet, unless you want to draw attention to us." He growls.

I bite down on anything else that may escape me and try to make sense of the turn of events as one of his large hands begins to travel up my shirt and soon cups my breast.

"This is wrong." I groan while his other hand begins to make its way into my pants. "Stop."

"Shut up!" Chance hisses, biting down on my shoulder.

A moan erupts from me, and that is all the indication that he needs to continue. With too much force, his hand shoves into my pants and begins to rub against my core, which is already soaking wet with desire.

"Your mouth says no, but your body says yes." Chance chuckles while continuing to tease me. "Consider this training your body to want only me."

Only him? Why only him? He rejected me and yet he is still claiming me.

Closing my eyes, I bit down hard on my lip, trying to keep the moans that so desperately wanted to escape at bay. I can't give him the satisfaction of knowing what his touch is doing to me. If I do, then there is no way that I can turn back.

"Don't deny your feelings." Chance warns, his hand firmly gripping my breast. "Otherwise, I will be sure to do so much worse."