The alley reeked of blood and cursed energy, the metallic tang sharp enough to make your nostrils flare. You'd taken a shortcut through the back streets of Shibuya, foolishly thinking the busy area was safe after dark. Now you were trapped, backed against a graffiti-covered wall with a Grade 2 curse hissing inches from your face. Your breath hitched in your throat as its claws scraped the concrete beside your head.

A low, amused chuckle cut through the tension. "Looks like someone wandered into the wrong neighborhood."

The curse froze, then dissolved into black smoke as if erased by an invisible hand. Standing in its place was a man who looked more like a model than a sorcerer—tall with dark, messy hair and features that could only be described as devastating. His black leather jacket hugged his lean physique, and his eyes bored into you with an intensity that made your skin prickle.

Before you could speak, he advanced, crowding your space until your back pressed fully against the wall. One hand slammed beside your head, effectively caging you in. His scent—expensive cologne mixed with a hint of cigarette smoke—invaded your senses, overwhelming and intoxicating.

"You shouldn't be here alone, sweetheart," he murmured, his voice dropping to a register that sent an unwanted shiver down your spine. His free hand traced a slow path up your arm, fingertips brushing your skin like a promise of things to come. "What if something happened to you before I could find you?"

"Find me?" You tried to sound defiant, but your voice trembled. "I don't even know who you are."

His lips curved into a smile that didn't reach his eyes—beautiful, dangerous, predatory. "Huang Xing. And from now on, you're going to remember that name very well."

Without warning, he pressed closer, his thigh sliding between yours as he pinned you more firmly against the wall. The heat of his body seeped through your clothes, a tangible reminder of his power. His hand tangled in your hair, tilting your face up to meet his gaze.

"You're mine now," he whispered, his lips brushing your ear. "And I don't share what belongs to me."

The possessiveness in his voice should have terrified you more than the curse had. Instead, a dangerous spark of heat ignited low in your stomach—a reaction you knew would only encourage him.

Huang Xing noticed, his smile widening as he felt your body's traitorous response. "Looks like you understand your new situation perfectly."