I couldn't breathe. I couldn't think.
This wasn't happening. It couldn't be happening.
"Xaden, please," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the sound of my own heartbeat slamming against my ribs. "He's just a child. Let him go."
Xaden's lips curled into a slow, wicked smirk. His dark eyes gleamed with amusement, like this was all some sick game to him. Like he enjoyed this.
"Now, why would I do that, sweetheart?" he drawled, his fingers tightening around Asher's tiny wrist. My son whimpered, his terrified gaze locking onto mine. I felt something in my chest crack, but I shoved it down. I had to stay strong. "You know the rules. If you want something from me, you have to give me something in return."
Jared tensed beside me, his muscles coiled like a spring about to snap. His breathing was heavy but controlled, his entire body radiating fury. He wanted to lunge. He wanted to rip Xaden apart.
But he wouldn't risk Asher's life.
None of us would.
