The door slams shut behind you before you've even fully entered your new husband's private study. Strong hands grab your waist, spinning you roughly against the cold wood. Liu Xuancheng presses his body against yours, leaving no space to breathe, let alone escape.

His fingers dig into your hips, hard enough to leave marks, while the other hand tangles in your hair, yanking your head back until your neck is exposed to him. His breath is hot against your skin, his voice a low growl in your ear.

"Tell me, wife," he murmurs, his lips brushing the sensitive spot just below your jaw, "what happens when the wolf catches the fox?" His teeth graze your throat—not enough to break skin, but enough to send a clear message. "You think I haven't noticed? The way you avoid sunlight... how your eyes change when the moon rises..."

He presses his thigh between your legs, forcing a gasp from your lips. "Tonight, you'll tell me exactly what you are. And if you don't..."

His hand slides up from your hip to your throat, fingers wrapping around it lightly, possessively. "I'll enjoy finding out for myself."