I belong to Rex, and now someone else has marked me.
Twice.
He lets out a long breath, shoulders slumping the tiniest bit. “Blood must’ve been his. Skin’s bruised but didn’t break. Won’t scar like—” He trails off, his eyes going to my neck, as regret and anger wash over his features.
The sense of violation stings at his confirmation the bitemark will be permanent.
When I reach down and pull my jeans back up, he gently bats my hand away. “Easy. I’ve got you.” He buttons them, lies back down, then pulls me close against his chest again. “Did they try to—”
“No. Had the Carrionite in an arm bar.”
He releases an audible breath and when I look up, my heart squeezes. He must’ve thought something worse happened.
“Try to sleep a bit more.” His fingers trail up and down my arm. “When you wake up, I’ll help you get cleaned up and then we’ll pack our shit and head east.”
“East?”
He nods. “We need help. Got a friend who settled down not far off. Hope he’s still there.”
I scoff and roll my eyes, well, my good eye. “Better not be whoever the fuck Mac is.”
“How do you know that name?” His eyes narrow, gaze searching my face as if I’m hiding some secret.
But I give a little snarl as I turn over and give him my back, just like that morning five months ago.
“Devon, answer.”
“Mumbled some shit in your sleep about wanting to fuck him while pawing at me. Guess you thought I was him.”
He lets out a low groan, his forehead coming to rest against my shoulder. “It’s not like that.”
I don’t respond. I want to be mad. I am mad.
At him.
At my father.
At the fuck who bit me, who scarred me.
“Baby boy, look at me.” He gently pulls until I’m flat on my back. “Devon?”
I turn my head, glaring at him. “What?”
“He’s an old military buddy. Known him for almost twenty years.”
I shrug. “Whatever.”
Rex grabs my chin, tilting it up to meet his gaze. “I’m sorry.”
Last night I begged him to open his eyes, would’ve done anything to see the bronze specks in the mossy green, and looking at them now makes my heart beat faster.
I won’t ever deny him eye contact again.
“I love you.”
He smiles, pressing his forehead against mine. “Love you too. So much.”
The feelings in my chest become overwhelming again. “Can I try to sleep now?”
