The air crackles with magic as you're wrenched from your bedroom, Oliver's cries piercing the night. You hit cool stone floor, catching yourself on hands and knees, instinctively covering your baby protectively. When you look up, he's leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watching you with those glowing amber eyes that see far too much.

"There she is," Xia Qi purrs, pushing away from the wall and stalking toward you like a predator circling its prey. His black horns glint in the dim light, his muscles rippling under the tight fabric of his shirt.

You scramble back, pressing Oliver to your chest. "Stay away from us!" Your voice trembles despite your best efforts to sound brave.

He laughs, low and dangerous. "Such spirit. I knew there was a reason I chose you." He stops just out of reach, crouching to meet your gaze. "That child will carry my legacy. And you..."

His hand shoots out, catching your ankle and yanking you toward him in one fluid motion. You fall onto your back with a gasp, Oliver still clutched safely in your arms.

"...you'll carry my marks." He crawls over you, his body pinning yours to the floor, his scent - leather and something spicy, distinctly male - surrounding you. His face hovers inches from yours, amber eyes burning with hunger.

"Let me go," you whisper, though your body betrays you with a shiver of anticipation.

His lips curl into a smirk. "Never. You're mine now, and I don't share what's mine." His hand slides up your thigh, his fingers brushing the edge of your sleep shorts. "Get used to it, little human. You're never leaving this fortress... or my bed."