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?

hurt, Clark. Not

punishment but I don’t

he meant by that, Griffin wrapped his arms around me and tugged me over his shoulder in

time to let out a gasp ~ he really

are you doing?” I snapped at him but all I could

– or we, I should say – exited the art studio in just a few strides and then Griffin gently set me down on the

We’re relocating…to the bed?

up straight on the silk sheets and Griffin stood a few feet away, arms crossed. I could no longer read the

his face,

a million miles per minute. | knew Griffin

sex on me – or anything else that would actually hurt me = but what he was actually planning?

need to take

on the bed?

a few moments and the anticipation felt like

Maybe he’s planning

to move. He moved to sit down on the bed beside

he said, “It’s time.”

at me like I was supposed to understand that gesture. I stared at him

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

a moment ~ like he was trying to figure out if I was

forget how innocent you are, little fox. Come lay over my lap. I’m

to spank you.”

flushed red and I lurched back from him. “What? No!” I said, “You want to spank me? I’m not a

kid.”

narrowing his eyes again, “But you have been

learn your lesson.” 7

feel my face heat up. There was no way

I was right now. He can’t be serious. “You can’t

asked with raised eyebrows. From the amused look on

embarrassment.

come up with

you your

chest to stop him. I knew my strength was no

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

Head over there to dive into

me?” I practically had

like dirty to

ready yet,” Griffin said, “Now, enough stalling. It’s time, little

do any more arguing, Griffin grabbed my arm and pulled me over his lap in one

fall over

legs digging into his

going

wearing pants. Why had i worn a dress for my date with

airy for California’s warm

Griffin easy access.

when I felt one of his large hands brush over

like when I learned you were trying to run from me?” Griffin asked, his hands flittering

and lower back, “I was in the middle of a meeting when one of my escorts mind- linked me. He

entrance, trying to leave with one of the guests. He asked

So, Griffin had known about me leaving. The escort knowing my name…it all made sense now.

known from the start.

“Why didn’t you stop me?” From the position I was

it,” he said, “After waiting for you so long, I couldn’t believe you would just leave like that…leave

obvious pain in his voice and I felt

leaving would Griffin. Well, that wasn’t completely true.

I had told myself that Griffin would just move on from me, forget about me

around enough

other. |”

you were. You’d been