"I know your words and I know your deeds," Laurent answered him, letting go and stepping back. "I see the rage in you. That's what makes me despise you. You deceive yourself if you think otherwise," he spat, reflecting the Beast's words back at him.

His glare was icy, daring the Beast to prove him right, to lose his temper and attack.

He'd come here to die. His family and his kingdom were safe. He had nothing left to lose. Nothing to fear, aside from the threat of violation that he could not and would not forget.