Chapter 2

My face burns with embarrassment, but something else too—a thrill that shoots straight to my core, making me wet with anticipation. The way he says “instruction” makes it sound like something delicious and forbidden, something I’ve only dreamed about in the darkest hours of the night.

His chambers are exactly what I’d expect—dominated by a massive bed draped in dark furs, a fireplace large enough to stand in, and windows that overlook the forested mountains. He sets me down gently, his hands lingering on my waist, his eyes never leaving mine.

“You’re trembling,” he observes, his voice softer now. “Are you afraid of me?”

I should be. Every instinct screams that this man could destroy me, that his power is overwhelming, his hunger legendary. But instead of fear, I feel something else stirring deep inside me—that wild thing I’ve kept caged for so long, rattling against its bars.

“No,” I whisper honestly. “I’m not afraid of you.”

His eyebrows raise in surprise. “Then what are you feeling?”

Heat floods my cheeks as I struggle to find the words. “Everything,” I finally admit. “Too much.”

Magnus steps closer, his body heat enveloping me, his alpha scent washing over me until I can barely think straight. “Good,” he murmurs, his hands sliding from my waist to my hips, pulling me flush against him. “Because I’m going to make you feel even more.”

His mouth claims mine then, and it’s nothing like the tentative kisses I’ve imagined. This is a claiming, a conquering. His lips are firm and demanding, his tongue invading my mouth with a confidence that leaves me breathless. I melt against him, my body softening, opening, responding with an instinctual need that surprises us both.

When he finally pulls back, we’re both breathing heavily. His eyes are darker now, burning with a hunger that makes my knees weak.

“Undress for me,” he commands, his voice rough with desire. “Let me see what’s mine.”

My fingers tremble as they fumble with the simple ties of my dress, but I don’t hesitate. Something primal has taken over, the omega in me responding to her alpha’s command. The worn fabric pools at my feet, leaving me standing naked before him, vulnerable and exposed in the firelight.

Magnus’s gaze sweeps over me, hot and possessive, making my skin tingle everywhere he looks. He circles me again, slower this time, his fingers trailing lightly across my shoulders, down my spine, making me shudder with pleasure.

“Perfect,” he murmurs, his voice thick with satisfaction. “Absolutely perfect.”

He stops behind me, his hands resting on my hips, his chest pressed against my back. I can feel the hard evidence of his desire against my buttocks, thick and intimidating, making my inner muscles clench with anticipation.

“Tell me what you want, little omega,” he whispers against my ear, his breath warm and teasing. “Tell me what you’ve dreamed about in those quiet omega quarters.”

My face burns with shame, but I force myself to answer honestly. “I’ve dreamed about being touched,” I admit, my voice barely audible. “About being wanted. About being... claimed.”

His low chuckle vibrates against my back. “Oh, you’ll be claimed,” he promises, his hands sliding around to my stomach, then upward until they’re cupping my breasts. “Thoroughly. Repeatedly. Until the only name you remember is mine.”

His thumbs brush against my nipples, and I arch against him with a gasp, pleasure shooting through me like lightning. They tighten into hard peaks under his touch, aching for more.

“Sensitive,” he notes with satisfaction. “I like that.” He rolls the sensitive buds between his fingers, pinching just enough to make me whimper with need. “Very sensitive.”

One hand drifts downward, over my stomach, through the small patch of dark curls between my legs, until his fingers find the slick folds beneath. I gasp as he explores me, his touch knowing and confident, finding every sensitive spot, making me tremble and writhe against him.

“So wet already,” he murmurs, his voice thick with approval. “And I’ve barely touched you.” His fingers circle my entrance, teasing, making me desperate with need. “Is this all for me, little omega?”

“All for you,” I breathe, pushing back against him, wanting more, wanting everything.

He chuckles again, a dark, predatory sound. “Eager too. I think I’m going to enjoy teaching you.”

Without warning, he lifts me again, this time carrying me to the massive bed and laying me down among the furs. He looms over me, his body blocking the firelight, his eyes burning with intensity as he slowly removes his own clothing.

I’ve never seen a man naked before, and Magnus is magnificent—his body sculpted with muscle, his chest dusted with dark hair that narrows to a trail leading downward to his erection. It stands proud and thick, jutting from a nest of dark curls, the tip already glistening with moisture. My mouth goes dry at the sight, a mixture of fear and anticipation coursing through me.

He notices my gaze and smiles knowingly. “Don’t worry, little omega,” he says, joining me on the bed. “I’ll make sure you can take every inch.”