Read Online Beguiled (Book 2 Immortal Essence series) by Rashelle Workman - Free Book Online

leaning heavily against a wall, his eyes closed. The ferether went on, “ It’s more . Much more.”
    Ramien moved so everyone could see him . In a voice loud enough for everyone to hear, he said, “The terms of our contract have changed. If you want your parents to leave Helker, you must become my wife, and complete three tasks.” Then he gave me a pointed look. “I can’t guarantee everyone in this group will live. The blood of a kelvieri is like nectar to some of the beasts down here.”
    I thought of the spider-like insects I saw in the Room of Souls, their milky eyes, and the clicking of their fangs. “No, please. I ’ve agree d to become your wife. I agreed. ”
    Ramien held up a hand. “Silence!”
    A nervous hush fell over the group.
    Ramien placed a hand on my shoulder. I tried to push it off, slap him, or grab Zaren’s Ostwallow sword and use it to cut Ramien to pieces, but I was no longer in control of my body. Ramien took me over—again. And i t was really starting to piss me off.
    Like a puppet on strings, he moved me so I stood directly in front of him.
    “ Of course you did ,” Ramien cooed. H is putrid breath blew against my cheeks . I wanted to ga g, but my body wouldn’t respond.
    “ And o nce you decided ,” he went on, “you became mine, and I can do anything or make you do anything I want. I thought I already proved this point. But, perhaps I should let the others see the control I have. ” To demonstrate , he forced my hands to touch his chest, making them slowly glide toward his pants. I heard Zaren fight to get to me, but Ramien held hi m off . When my hands reached his waist, he made me wrap my arms around him so my body pressed against his. He turned my face upward, and smirked. “Anything I want.”
    I wanted to spit I was so angry, so furious he forced me to be near him.
    Ramien lowered his head and kissed my nose. Each of my cheeks. And then my lips. The worst part was h e made my body respond, take his tongue into my mouth. Answer his kiss . Ugh, I wanted to bite his tongue off. A roar reverberated through my mind. I wondered if it came from elsewhere or me.
    Ramien lifted his lips, and gave me a knowing look. “Yes, I think I’ll enjoy your body and soul a great deal.” Th en he moved away, and I was again in control .
    “You’re despicable. A disgusting, vile creature,” I shouted.
    Ramien chuckled. “T rue. Very true. I’m also cruel, and I lack the ability to feel guilt.” He grabbed Michael’s arm and twisted, so it made a sickening pop as the bone t in his arm t ore through his skin .
    I cried out. Michael groaned. H is features twisted in agony. Ramien released him, and Michael’s arm knit ted itself back together.
    Amazed wonder crossed Ramien’s features and in a hushed voice, he said, “ You’re an enigma. One like you has never before been created.” Then he grew angry. “ I had high hopes for you . Alas, you let me down. And I do not enjoy being let down.” He seemed lost in thought momentarily, and wistfulness relaxed some of his anger. As quickly as it came, it was gone, and his face turned hard. “What I do enjoy are games. Especially w hen the pieces are living.” His empty eyes found mine . “You defied me, Venus. Resisting me will never be tolerated. And you must suffer for your rebelliousness. I will not be mocked.”
    My angry resolve grew stronger. “We’ll see,” w as all I could utter through gritted teeth .
    “We certainly will.”
    “D on ’t do this, ” Michael started.
    “ Shut your mouth.” As Ramien spoke, Michael’s lips were sewn together. “You petty , un-ferether feelings are an embarrassment . You are under oath to me, and will do what I command ,” Ramien spat out. “Be gone.”
    Michael gave a brief nod, his eyes claiming mine with an emotion I couldn’t fathom. Then he disappeared.
    “ This game consists of three rounds. The first begins,” Ramien evaporated , but his voice rumbled through the room.