16

Samuel’s eyes reflected his fury when he entered Lila’s room and found her lying on her bed without a stitch of clothing on.

“I can smell the vampire lust on your flesh,” he roared. “Who has been in this room? Why are you naked?”  Sitting on the bed next to her, he placed his hand on her stomach and said, “Your magic is barely detectable.”

“I’m tired and I hurt,” she whimpered as she rolled her body so that her back faced him. “Go away.”

Yanking her by her shoulder so that she faced him, he snarled, “I am king. You will show me the respect that I deserve.”

Feeling disillusioned about ever being rescued from those vile creatures, caution abandoned her. Summoning up courage that she didn’t know was in her, she snipped, “You are not my king. I’ll show you respect when you’ve earned it.”

Raising a brow with surprise, his