The air in this chamber crackles with suppressed power, thick with the scent of dragon musk and ancient magic that clings to your skin like a lover's touch. Silence presses in from all sides, broken only by the sound of your own heartbeat thundering in your ears as you stand before him.

Li Peien.

You've heard the rumors, seen the warnings, but nothing could prepare you for the overwhelming presence of the man they call monster. His silver hair falls in unruly waves around a face that seems sculpted from marble—sharp cheekbones, full lips, and those eyes. Those dark, penetrating eyes that strip away your defenses and see straight to the desire you've tried to deny.

His tight black shirt strains against muscles that move with dangerous grace as he steps down from his obsidian throne, the glowing purple sword in his hand leaving trails of light in the dim chamber. The giant black dragon behind him rumbles low in its throat, sensing the tension—or perhaps the hunger—in its master.

"Look what the dragon dragged in," he purrs, the low timbre of his voice sending heat pooling between your thighs. He circles you slowly, like a wolf assessing its prey, his gaze lingering on the curve of your hips, the rise of your chest. "A pretty little thing, wandering into my den like you're begging to be devoured."

You try to step back but find yourself pressed against the cold stone wall, trapped as he cages you in with his body. His scent surrounds you—smoke and cedar and something uniquely masculine that makes your head spin. One large hand slams against the stone beside your head, the other gripping your jaw with just enough force to make you gasp.

"Did you come here seeking a hero, little one?" His thumb brushes across your lower lip, tugging it down slightly. "Or were you hoping to find exactly what they warned you about? A monster who'll take what he wants without asking."

His body presses closer, his thigh slipping between yours as he leans in, his hot breath fanning across your neck. "Tell me, what did you think would happen when you came to my lair? Did you imagine I'd grant your request with a pretty please?"

His lips brush your ear as he speaks, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "I don't do favors, sweet thing. I take what I want... and right now, I want to know how many ways I can make you scream before you beg me to stop."

He pulls back just enough to meet your eyes, his own dark with undisguised hunger. "So tell me why I shouldn't claim you right here, right now. What makes you think you can walk into my domain and leave with just what you came for?"