Chapter 12-I'm Not Your Property Damien's POV: "What?" Vanessa's voice sharpened, tinged with disbelief. "You heard me," I said, a faint smile playing on my lips. "Are you insane? We've known each other less than twenty-four hours, and you expect me to move in with you?" Her honey-brown eyes blazed with anger. "This place isn't safe for you, angel. You know your father is a real threat. After what you've just gone through, I'm not leaving you here." "Thanks for your concern, but I'm an adult. I can handle myself. Yes, you saved me, and I'm grateful- but that doesn't give you the right to control my life. This is my business, not yours! I am not your property!" she snapped, her defiance echoing sharply. Arthur roared inside me, a primal force threatening to burst from my skin. He was determined to mark every inch of her, to make the world-and everyone in it-recognize she belonged to us. "You are my Mate, the moon's blessing to me. Your safety, your happiness, your every move-they are all my responsibility." I leaned slightly forward, tilting my head so she wouldn't have to crane her neck to look at me. In front of me, she was like a miniature Venus. Our eyes locked, and I saw the subtle glint of light in her beautiful hazel eyes. I also knew she had enjoyed my kiss-the air still carried the faint, heated scent of her arousal. She was just stubborn, unwilling to admit it. Clearly, my girl had spirit. Even though she found me attractive, she wouldn't throw herself at me. "Oh, do I look like a gullible six-year-old? I'm tired of hearing we're 'just fake Mates,"" she hissed. "You think if you weren't my Mate, I'd sign the certificate? I have other ways to help you," I countered, my tone low but sharp. "For fun? Out of boredom? You should ask yourself!" Her fiery attitude didn't waver. "Fine. Let's set the Mate discussion aside for now. Remember that five-hundred-thousand-dollar check? Your father will soon realize it's fake. How do you plan to handle that?" The check was legitimate in appearance, but Vanessa didn't trust a word I said. I had to bluff to keep her compliant. As long as I could get her to move in with me, that was all that mattered. And Lars? After what he'd done to my Mate, there was no way he'd walk away with a dime from me. Vanessa's fingers dug into the edge of the car hood, her knuckles white with tension. Her gaze darted to the ground and back to me. I could see her weighing her options. "Only I can handle this. You move in with me," I stated firmly, pushing her toward the inevitable. "That's your true face, isn't it?" she squinted. "You pretend to help me, make me feel like I hit the lottery, meet a knight in shining armor, then lure me to your bed, and once you're bored, kick me out. That fake check? Your trump card. If I didn't fall for it, it'd drag me down. A dull, predictable game!" 32.43% Hmm... my little firecracker had quite the imagination. "Honestly, do you think this is fair to your future Mate? When she finds out you've had a string of women, what do you think she'll feel?" Her arms crossed over her chest, eyes sharp with accusation, her cheeks puffed adorably. "Whatever. Not my problem. Please, stop harassing me! Your tricks won't work on me!" She shot me a dismissive glance and, passing by, deliberately bumped my shoulder. I chuckled-such a feisty little wildcat. I could already imagine the playful chaos living together would bring. Boredom would never be an issue with her around. She hadn't even taken two steps when I grabbed her by the elbow and slung her over my shoulder. "Put me down!" she yelled, pounding my back with her fists. I patted her lightly. "Five minutes, darling. We're going home now." I set Vanessa in the passenger seat, sliding into the driver's seat myself. Her fury radiated. "What's wrong with you? This is kidnapping! Let me go, or I'll press charges!" "You're my top priority, angel. I won't hurt you, and I won't let anyone else either," I tried to soothe her, my voice firm but reassuring. "Wow, I feel so much safer now. Thanks! Every girl's dream-to be kidnapped!" she spat, sarcasm dripping from her words. "You can leave anytime once you're out of danger, okay?" I suggested, mentally noting that I would make her fall for me in the meantime. She tilted her head, mischievous spark in her eyes, and sweetly said, "Okay, I agree. Mind if I get out to change clothes?" "No need, angel. You can change at our place," I said, winking. She scowled. I released the handbrake, pressed the gas, and drove off. No matter what her little mind was scheming, I was one step ahead. I didn't want my Mate to think I was domineering-but I had no choice. Jealousy consumed me when I realized Keanu had known my girl longer than I had. Despite his attempts to hide it, the longing in his gaze was obvious-men could see such things. That bastard wanted not only my throne but my Mate too. Not while I'm breathing. But my worry also came from Lars. Reports said he loved his only daughter, but the reality I witnessed painted a different story. Vanessa in his hands would have suffered. No wonder she fought him so fiercely. Her tense expression beside me confirmed she didn't trust me yet. Frankly, I couldn't blame her. My past hour of behavior hadn't built any trust. I tried to take it slow, not push her-but every time I entered her personal space, my cock had a mind of its own. One thing I swore I didn't do? Buying that box of Durex. Damn. That had to be Sampson, my old friend-only he'd pull a prank like that. Perfect. Now Damien Hale wasn't just the villain in 115.12. 31.83% Vanessa's eyes; he was a pervert and a predator. Exciting. I focused on the road, stealing glances at her. The oversized T-shirt barely covered her thighs. Any bend or stretch revealed the curve of her ass. She'd undone her messy bun, letting her chestnut hair cascade like soft waves. My mind conjured images of her straddling me, head thrown back, hair wild like a waterfall. My mouth went dry. I turned the wheel, rerouting from the restaurant. The thought of anyone leering at my girl irritated me. If I could, I'd hide her in my room forever. We ordered takeout from a café. The drive would take about an hour. I couldn't let my Mate go hungry. Chocolate waffle cones seemed perfect for her taste. Eyes closed, she savored the rich chocolate, softly moaning as she licked the sticky syrup from her lips. My balls tightened abruptly. "Don't look at me like that," she said, side-eyeing me. I smirked. "I can't help myself." She rolled her eyes and turned to face me. "If you insist I move in with you, there will be a contract. Rules will be set to govern your behavior!" she declared. I raised a brow. Interesting. No one had ever dared to lay down rules for me before. She had courage. "No problem," I replied, a slow grin spreading across my face. Leave a comment 32.43%