“Rayne? What a beautiful name. Not that I’d expect anything different.”
I blinked. “Now you know my name. Can you please leave?” My wolf tried to repeal the words before they could leave my mouth, but I bit my tongue to hold her back.
“Leave? Why would I want to when we’re just getting to know each other?”
“Because we’ve asked you to. This lake is already occupied, so could you and your men leave?”
He leant into me, smirking. “Or what?”
I bit the inside of my cheek. I wasn’t sure if it was nerves or excitement rushing through my veins. Either way it heated my blood. “Or I’ll make you leave.”
His grin widened. “You’re pretty brave for a naked woman with a shit ton of hair.”
I fought back my own smile. “And you’re pretty cocky for a tall piece of shit.” I quirked my eyebrow and licked my lips.
He threw his head back and laughed, the sound causing my wolf to whimper.
“What can you do to me, love? You’re naked and unless you’re hiding a weapon in all that hair, there’s nothing you could do to stop me.”
Rolling my shoulders back, I stood to my full height, the top of my head still only reaching his nose. “I don’t need a weapon. I am one.”
He laughed, shaking his head. “Really? Somehow I don’t think so, love.”
Before I could say anything, my hair lashed out and wrapped around his throat, gently squeezing. His eyes widened with surprise, then narrowed. He inhaled and our gazes burned into each other until his scowl disappeared. He slowly swiped his tongue across his lower lip, then grinned. “I like you.”
Copyright © 2026 by Raven James
All rights reserved.
Question is, does Rayne like him?
Find out 5th February!
One fierce heroine. Four devoted mates. No choosing.
Inspired by the tale of Rapunzel, Tangled Bonds is a 122K+ standalone reverse harem dark romantasy.
Filled with fated mates, shifters, steamy heats, soul-deep love, and healing after trauma.
Perfect for fans of medium-burn spice, emotional growth, and soft doms who would burn the world to protect their woman.
Raven James Author 