The Gargoyle Protector's Mate (Gargoyles of Protheka Book 1) by Celeste King

Author:Celeste King [King, Celeste]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Protheka Publishing
Published: 2022-10-06T16:00:00+00:00

15

Chase

Sleeping with Levias left me feeling conflicted. On one hand, it was fantastic. It’s hard to feel too resentful of an experience so enjoyable.

Still, I wish he had let me decide for myself. He used it as a bargaining chip, coercing me into something that I, to be honest, wanted anyway. I suppose it’s better, knowing that I wanted it. But it casts a certain pall over the whole thing, having to come to terms with the fact that he didn’t care how I felt. He got what he wanted, and it meant nothing to him whether I was willing or not.

I wish it could be clear that we both chose each other. We could have had a mutually beneficial relationship. I would bear a child for him, not just to save my brother. But he robbed me of the choice, settling for overpowering me. How can we have a relationship of equals, when he’s eager to manipulate me for what brings him satisfaction?

I want a lover who does not turn each encounter into a game, keeping a scorecard that determines who is winning. I hate that Levias has tainted my romantic ideals, making it something dark and dirty.

He never even asked how I feel about him. He doesn’t seem to want to earn my love as much as steal it. And it’s a shame because I would have given it freely.

The next morning, after our sordid encounter, he demands to be fed as soon as he awakes. I do as he asks, though I feel more like a prisoner than a partner. There’s no point in explaining myself to him, as he’s made it clear he doesn’t care. He just wants the performance, at any means.

The table is empty, the children already having finished their meal. He sits down and waits, tapping his foot impatiently, as the eggs cook. I don’t even bother to offer fruit, not wanting to hear his ridiculous speech on how ‘fruit is for the lowly’ again. I like fruit, even if he thinks that makes me less than him.

I sullenly scrape the food onto a plate, carrying it over to serve him. He grabs my wrist as I try to turn away. “Aren’t you going to sit?” he asks.

“Why?” I demand, feeling annoyed. So that we can talk? He’s made it clear that he doesn’t care about my opinions and input anyway.

He narrows his eyes. “Your temperament seems less agreeable than in the past. Is there a problem?”

“No,” I reply curtly. “No problem.” I return to the stove, ready to scrape out and wash the pan.

There’s a long silence while I work. Finally, I can’t resist any longer. I glance over my shoulder, wanting to see his response.

He hasn’t started eating yet. He’s just watching me, quietly observing. When he catches me looking, he speaks up.

“As your mate, I’m here to provide for you,” he begins. “If there’s a problem that requires my assistance, you must describe it for me. You did not approve of my last few plans,” he points out, sounding a little bitter.

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