his familys name or honor. At least, thatwas the impression hed gotten from Riodans descriptions of hissire.Wrackedby guilt and anxiety, Ithan fumblingly opened his door and steppedinto his quarters. So caught up was he in his thoughts that hisresponse proved slow when the door inexplicably closed on its ownbehind him. He whirled around in belated alarm.Asharp blow to the jaw greeted him followed by the savage wrap offingers around his throat. He could not even draw enough breath tocry out. Nigh choking in an unforgiving grip, he struggled for aglimpse of his assailant. He found himself staring into a pair oficy, grey-green eyes.AsDylen Teris grip tightened around his throat, Ithan franticallyclutched and clawed at the hetharshands and arms. But instead of loosening his hold, Dylen slammed himagainst the wall hard enough to set his teeth chattering.Hemoaned as pain exploded in his head, back and shoulders. Dylenabruptly released him, and he nearly slid to the floor in a heap. Hemanaged to regain his footing but only precariously, his balancecompromised by the knock his head had taken.Ithandrew a ragged breath, his abused windpipe constricted and achingabominably. He stared at Dylen in confusion and fear.What-whatdo you want? he shakily asked. Retribution.Ithanseyes widened. Preferring ignominious escape to a potentially lethalconfrontation with the irate hethar,he darted for the door. But Dylen was faster. He barred the way,grabbing Ithan by the wrist when the latter tried to strike him. Heflipped Ithan over on his stomach. Ithan landed hard, his nose andchin connecting agonizinglywiththe floor.Dylenquickly straddled Ithans back and, grabbing his arms, twisted thembehind Ithan at a brutal angle.Heyasspawn! he snarled. What part of stopdidnt you comprehend?Wait,you dont understand! Ithan yelped, spitting out the bloodthat trickled into his mouth from his bleeding nose.Whatdont I understand? Dylen seethed. That he said dontand you still forced yourself on him?Nay,that isntAaahh! Ithan looked over his shoulder pleadingly.Youll break my arm!Illbreak more than your arm, dog, Dylen told him venomously. Imgoing to snap your spine and cripple you!Nay!Saints above, dont! Ithan screamed. I didnt do it! Iswear I didnt! Didnt do what?Ididnt rape him! Bollocks!Ididnt! I swear to Veres, I didnt! Ithan practicallyblubbered. You have to listen. Let me explain. Please!Dylenglared down at him. He suddenly rose, hauling Ithan to his feet. Hedragged Ithan to the couch and roughly threw him onto it. Dylen satdown on the low table before him.Talk,he growled.Ithanlaunched into his explanation without further ado, stuttering andstumbling through it as fast as he could, acutely conscious of themurderous gleam in Dylens eyes. When he was done, he was sobbinguncontrollably. Dylens icy glare had not changed one whit, and hewas convinced that life as he knew it was about to end.Youhad better be telling the truth, Dylen coldly said.Iam! Ithan yelled desperately. You have to believe me. I swearIm not a rapist. Im not!Dylencontinued to eye him malevolently.Ithanwhimpered as a strange sensation came over him. His vision narroweduntil he thought he was going blind. A weight settled in his chesthefound it hard to breathe, and his heart was virtually galloping. Heclutched at his throat, gasping, choking, terrified beyond belief.*Dylendid not relent.