The Alpha King's Human Mate by HC Dolores

Chapter 44

Chapter 44

“Punishment is not for revenge, but to lessen crime and reform the criminal.”

Elizabeth Fry

Suddenly, everything that my brain had momentarily forgotten about — Griffin hunting me down in California, drugging

me, dragging me back to the castle against my will – smacked me in the face.

Punish me? Is he insane? What does that even mean?

I took another step back from him and Griffin just watched me carefully. His hair was messy, a side effect of the way I’d

tangled my hands in it during the kiss.

God, I can’t believe I kissed him.

Tkissed the man who drugged me and kidnapped me ~ what is wrong with

me? Even worse, part of me hadn’t wanted him to stop!

Heavy shame settled in my gut and I knew my cheeks were red — this time from embarrassment. I couldn’t believe I had

let myself get so carried away. And for what? Because he’d called me his muse and drew pretty pictures of me? This was

not a fairytale and Griffin was no prince charming, regardless of what kind of title he held.

“You can’t punish me,” I snapped at him, crossing my arms, “You drugged me and brought me here against my will.

That’s kidnapping! If anyone deserves to be punished here, it’s you.”

Griffin’s eyes flashed. “I wouldn’t have had to kidnap you if you would’ve just stayed here in the first place,” he said, “You

chose to run. That action has consequences.”

He took another step closer and I jumped back. Okay, he’s not reasonable ~ time for a new approach!

“You’re right, it was wrong of me to run,” I said, throwing my hands up in surrender. Griffin cocked an eyebrow, clearly

unsure where I was going with this. “But I’ve learned my lesson. I will never run from you again, okay? I’m yours. I

understand my mistake. No punishment needed.” (7

Griffin looked amused. “As much as I appreciate the apology, little fox,” he said, taking another step, “You and I both

know you don’t believe it. You’re saying that to placate me. If you were given another opportunity to run right now,

you’d take it. The only way you’re going to actually learn your lesson is with a…helping hand, I should say.” (7) I took

another step back. “You want me to accept the mate bond, right? How am I supposed to do that if you hurt me? That’s

going to be making progress in the wrong direction.”

Griffin took another step and I went to retreat, but my back hit one of the walls in the art studio. I was officially stuck and

he knew it. Griffin loomed over me, his arms caging me in.

His eyes danced with amusement. “Oh, little fox,” he said, and he brought one of his hands up to cup my chin, “Just

because I’m going to punish you doesn’t mean I’m going to hurt you. Not really.”

“You’re not?” I asked. That felt a little bit like relief, but the word “punishment” still had plenty of bad implications. Was he

going to lock me in the dungeon? Refuse to feed me?

said, “I’d never you hurt, Clark. Not like that.” He paused and then that same

be a punishment but I don’t think you’re

ask what he meant by that, Griffin wrapped his

let out a gasp

you doing?” I snapped at him but all

studio in just a few strides and

We’re relocating…to the bed?

stood a few feet away, arms crossed. I could no longer

face, it

was beating a million miles per minute. |

anything else that would actually hurt me =

it need to take

on the bed?

moments and the anticipation felt like it was killing

Maybe he’s planning to

to move. He moved to sit down on the

he said, “It’s time.”

patted his knee and looked at me like I was supposed to understand that gesture. I

what? What do you want me to do?” Was being cryptic and confusing also

~ like he was trying to figure out if I was just being difficult – and

are, little fox. Come

to spank you.”

and I lurched back from him. “What?

kid.”

you’re not,” Griffin said, narrowing his eyes again, “But you have been my disobedient little mate

learn your lesson.” 7

There was

right now. He can’t be serious. “You can’t spank me,” I pleaded

the amused

embarrassment.

up with an explanation, “I’ve never been

practically purred, “Then I’m sure this will teach you your

him. I knew my strength was no match for

reminder that if you’re not reading this book on n𝘰𝚟el5s.com, you might be missing

there to dive into the next chapter—it’s all free! Griffin

other way you can punish me?” I practically had to force the word ‘punishment’ out of my mouth

like dirty

are other ways…but you’re not ready yet,” Griffin

Griffin grabbed my arm and pulled me over his lap in one fell swoop.

to fall over

into his thighs. Oh

really going

myself for not wearing pants. Why had i worn a dress for my

for California’s warm breeze, but now, it was

easy access.

I yelped when I felt one of his

like when I learned you were trying to run from

of a meeting when one of my escorts mind-

one of the guests. He asked me if I wanted him to

me leaving. The escort knowing my name…it all

known from the start.

me?” From the position I was lying

it,” he said, “After waiting for you so long, I

was obvious pain in his

known that leaving would Griffin. Well, that wasn’t completely true. I had known it would hurt him

had told myself that Griffin would just move on from me, forget about me even… that was

had been around enough mates in my life to know they

other. |”

how stubborn you were. You’d been fixating on this idea that we weren’t