“She wouldn’t…” The wolven trailed off. “Fuck.”
“Yeah,” the one above me said, and the gruff way he spoke caused me to still beneath him. “Let me handle this.” His eyes closed, and his features tensed. “Please.”
My heart twisted sharply as a gap of silence fell. Eventually, one word came. “Okay.” I had a feeling it had taken nearly everything he had to say that.
A shudder of relief coursed through him. No other sound came from the wolven until I heard his retreat. I got the strange impression that he had not only left the hall but was putting more distance between himself and this chamber. That he had to. I wasn’t sure how I knew that, but more than just my heightened senses told me as much.
Several moments passed, and I kept my gaze fixed on him. The only thing that moved on him was his chest and his thumb. He appeared lost in thought, and I knew if I acted now, I could possibly overpower him. But I couldn’t look away. I had no excuse other than that.
Thick lashes fanned the slightly shadowed flesh beneath his eyes. My gaze tracked over the stubble on his tense jaw. The bruises I had given him minutes ago had begun to fade, and the skin of his lip had already healed. Gods, he was beautiful.
“Why aren’t you fighting me right now?” he asked, his voice strained, each word seeming to get caught in his throat. His thumb slipped away from my mouth. “Have you asked yourself that? I’m sure you have.” His fingers splayed on my cheek. “And I’m sure you know why.”
I did—
Searing, relentless pressure exploded in my head, making it feel like it might cave in. I squeezed my eyes shut and focused on breathing.
“Poppy,” he said, his voice hoarse. “I don’t want to fight you.”
Don’t trust him.
My eyes snapped open. His eyes glittered like polished citrine. “Let me take away your pain.”
I’d heard that before, and it had been a lie. But…
“I can help you,” he promised.
My heart urged me to trust him. Told me I could as I watched him smile just enough for the hint of a deep dimple to appear on one cheek.
“You’re in pain,” he said, his voice strained with anguish. “I can take it away. My blood is yours. My strength is yours.” He shuddered. “Iam yours.”
Do it.
Take him.
I closed my eyes. My jaw had started to ache from how tightly I was clenching my teeth. I couldn’t—
End himbefore he sees what you’ve become.
I needed to stop him.
Kill him before it’s too late.Because I knew how this would end.
Still, I didn’t struggle against his hold.
“Such a fool. So weak. You’ve always been a disappointment.” His laugh was like cracking ice, freezing my skin. “Please, let me help you.”
My eyes stung as a different kind of ache filled my chest. How was telling me that I was a weak and disappointing fool supposed to help?
“Godsdamn it, Poppy,” he growled. “Look at me!”
I obeyed out of surprise. It was the first time he’d raised his voice at me since I woke. I expected to see a smug grin on his face, but there was no trace of that taunting laugh. His eyes searched mine intently, clearly looking for something.
A ragged breath left him. “I love you, Poppy.”
And I lo—
My heart constricted as pain exploded in my temples. His voice. His words. Despite the aching head, I knew I’d heard him say them before. And regardless of my chaotic thoughts, I knew he meant them.
