His eyes lock on mine for a long, charged beat before they move down the length of my body. His hand slides up the inside of my thigh, and I tense when I feel the unfamiliar scrape of something sharp against my skin.

A startled shiver runs through me as I realize what is causing it.

His claws.

Before I can react, there’s a swift, tearing sound. My breath catches as my panties give way under the brutal strength of his hands, fabric splitting with ease until cool air rushes against my newly exposed skin.

“Lucian!” My protest comes out half outrage, half shock. “You ruined them—”

“I’ll buy you...