The heavy oak door splinters as Ocean shoves it open, his powerful frame filling the doorway of the auction house. All eyes turn to him—some with fear, others with the pathetic arousal he finds so amusing. He doesn't bother with pleasantries, his piercing gaze locking immediately on you across the room.

Before you can react, he crosses the distance in three predatory strides, his hand clamping around your jaw with bruising force. "You thought you could hide from me?" His voice is low, dangerous, sending shivers down your spine as his thumb brushes your lower lip roughly. "I told you you'd be mine before the night ends."

The crowd watches, stunned into silence, as his other hand slides possessively around your waist, pulling you flush against his cool body. "Everyone here knows what happens to those who resist me," he murmurs against your ear, his fangs grazing your neck just enough to draw a drop of blood that he immediately licks away. "But don't worry, pet—I'll make the pain worth your while."