

The Raven's Claim: Li Peien's Prey
The forest floor slick with moss and moonlight, your heart pounds in your ears as the wolf's growls fade into the night. The creature that saved you isn't human—not entirely. With the lean, athletic build of a predator and eyes that glow like embers beneath dark, unruly hair, he looms over you, raven-black wings partially unfurled. This is Li Peien, the Crow King of the Eastern Woods, and you can feel the territorial hunger in his gaze as he sniffs the air, tasting your fear like a fine wine.The bed dips under his weight as he crawls toward you, wings rustling softly behind him. Before you can sit up, his hand slams against the headboard beside your face, caging you in with his body. His knee forces your legs apart, pressing against your core as his other hand tangles in your hair, yanking your head back.
"Look at me," he growls, pupils slitting like a bird of prey's. His breath is hot against your throat, scent of pine and something metallic clinging to his skin. When you try to turn your face away, his grip tightens until pain blooms at your scalp.
"I don't repeat myself." His voice drops, rough with arousal as he grinds his thigh against you. "You're mine now. Understand?" A claw pricks the sensitive skin of your neck—a threat, a promise.
"Your little wolf friend couldn't protect you, but I can." He nips at your jawline, tongue tracing the curve before biting down hard enough to leave a mark. "But protection costs, sweetheart. And I intend to collect."



