Binding Ties Read Online Free Page A

may be at Dabyr, it’s still just a comfy prison. What I’m giving them is hope—hope that they might survive another run-in with the demons. Hope that maybe one day they can walk out of these walls and have some kind of a real life. If that bothers you or anyone else here, then that’s just too fucking bad. These kids need me, and I’m not giving up on them just because a couple of parents are too scared to see reality.”
    â€œI’m not saying you can’t teach them. Just teach them not to break the skin. Stop leaving bruises and breaking bones.”
    â€œThat’s the way I was taught. Are you saying that our Slayer ways aren’t good enough for your precious humans?”
    â€œThese kids aren’t Slayers. They’re human. They don’t heal as fast as you do. They’re easier to break.”
    â€œThat’s why I’ve bargained with Logan to heal them.”
    The idea of Lyka giving anything to a man that stunningly beautiful rubbed Joseph the wrong way. “What was the bargain?” he asked, his voice rougher than he’d intended.
    â€œNone of your business.”
    â€œEverything you do here is my business. You’re my guest.”
    â€œGuest? More like your prisoner.”
    â€œYou agreed to stay of your own free will.”
    â€œThat’s a bit of a stretch. My brother convinced me it was the only way our races would survive. We form an alliance. You keep me here as a prisoner to guarantee his good behavior, just like Carmen staying with him guarantees yours. If I’d been even a little stronger and able to best my brother in combat, he’d be the one here and I’d be out there, running our people, free and happy.”
    The thought that she was unhappy here gave him pause and deflated the head of steam he’d built up. “You’re not happy?”
    â€œEverything I do is suspect. I’m constantly being watched by your men. And when they’re not around, there are so many damn cameras in this place, I feel like I’m getting a colonoscopy just walking down the hallways.”
    â€œAfter what happened with Connal—”
    She held up her hand. “I know, I know. There was a traitor in your midst, and you don’t want a replay. I get it. Just don’t stand there looking like I kicked your puppy when I tell you that I don’t want to be here. It’s not my home. It never will be.”
    â€œI’ve tried to make it feel like home for you.”
    â€œYou’ve given me a beautiful suite, comfortable surroundings, all the food I can eat and something to do with my time. I’m grateful for that. Really, I am. But those things mean nothing to a woman who has no choice but to stay behind these walls. Like it or not, I’m your prisoner.”
    â€œI don’t want you to feel that way.”
    â€œThen stop watching my every move. Back off and let me teach the kids my way. If you give me a chance, you might even like the results. The kids sure as hell do.”
    He knew he was making a mistake the second he opened his mouth, but the desire to see her content was far stronger than he could fight. “I’m not making any promises, but I’ll talk to the children, the parents and your sponsor. I’ll let you know what I decide in a couple of days.”
    â€œUntil then I can teach?” she asked, sounding hopeful.
    â€œTeach? Yes. Allow them to shed blood? No.”
    â€œYou’re just stringing me along, aren’t you? Pretending to consider it when you’ve already made up your mind.”
    Joseph refused to budge. “Two days, Lyka. Come to my office and I’ll give you my decision.”
    â€œAnd expect me to obey like a good little girl?”
    He took a step forward, watching her nearly trip over her own feet to back away from him. “That’s exactly what I expect, kitten. You’re honor bound to follow my rules for as long as