As Lyra extended the whip, Nikki hesitated for a fleeting second. Her fingers twitched before closing around the handle. Even she couldn't shake the memory of Rhea's strikes, a flicker of unease flashed through her eyes, but she smothered it beneath her usual smirk.
Tavian and Jason's breath caught the moment they saw the whip. Their eyes widened, faces paling. Everyone in the pack knew that weapon. The pink whip was Nikki's favorite method of "correction." Even with their fast healing, the pain it left behind burned long after the flesh was mended.
Jason trembled visibly, trying to free himself from Lyra's hold. She forced him back to his knees as he struggled, his chest heaving and tears streaking down his face. Tavian's pulse thundered in his ears; he felt sick, powerless, rage twisting inside him.
"Please, Nikki," Jason sobbed, choking on his words. "We're sorry… please don't..."
