I guess having a sadistic vampire-maker stalking my man wasn't significant enough to mention over morning coffee.
Rhyland sets me on my feet, peeling away the blanket he wrapped me in like he's handling priceless silk. The bathroom glows like a sanctuary—candlelight dancing off steam, the king-sized tub promising salvation. I sink into hot water with a groan of pure relief, and in one fluid motion, Rhyland strips and slides in behind me.
Rhyland's touch turns reverent as he cleanses tonight's horror from my skin. Warm water cascades over my shoulders as his powerful hands work with impossible gentleness. He takes his time, washing away every trace of blood with tender dedication. His fingers weave through my hair, massaging away the dried crimson stains while his lips brush soft kisses along my temple, my shoulder, anywhere he can reach.
Each caress feels like absolution, transforming this simple act of cleaning into something sacred. Through our bond, I feel his need to erase every mark they left, to restore me to myself again—with this quiet devotion that makes my heart ache.
Those powerful arms band around my waist, drawing me back against the solid wall of his chest. His face burrows into my neck, breathing me in like my scent anchors him to sanity. "I'm sorry," he whispers, voice shattered. "I'm so fucking sorry, Angel."
His guilt crashes through our bond like a tidal wave, stealing my breath. I try to turn to face him, but his arms become steel bands around me, holding me still against his chest.
"I failed you," Rhyland's voice breaks, thick with self-loathing. "When I saw what that bastard did to you—seeing you hurt like that..." His immense frame trembles against me. "It fucking destroyed me, Angel. I should have been there. Should have protected what's mine."
The raw anguish in his voice cuts deeper than any blade. My fierce warrior, my protective alpha, drowning in guilt over something he couldn't control.
"Stop that right now," I order, my voice cracking despite my resolve. "This wasn't your fault, Rhyland—none of it. You literally saved me from—" The words catch in my throat as fresh memories surface. "But you did come. You found me. That's what matters."
He trembles against me, all that lethal power reduced to this by misplaced guilt. I lean deeper into his embrace, pushing comfort through our bond like a lifeline.
"Now, want to tell me where you disappeared to? Because one minute you're there, the next you're getting sucked into some magical vortex like a Viking-sized dust bunny."
A broken laugh rumbles through his chest, but then I hear it—that soft catch of breath that shatters my heart. My fierce warrior, my overprotective alpha-hole, is crying.
Oh, hell no. That's my limit.
I twist in his arms, crushing my mouth to his with desperate intensity, pouring everything I can't say into this kiss.
You saved me. I'm here. We're okay.
He breaks away with a watery laugh. "Still throwing sass even at my fuck-up—when I fail to protect you."
My hands capture his face, forcing those ocean-blues to meet mine. "Listen up, you sexy idiot," I whisper, thumbs catching his tears. "You didn't fail. Yousavedme. Got it? And yes, my sass is immortal—probably why we're perfect for each other." I summon my best smirk. "Can't have your ego getting too big without someone to check you."
Rhyland attempts a smile, but shadows still haunt his features. I brush away his tears, and his answering look could light up the darkest corners of any realm. He draws me down, claiming my mouth with a kiss that curls my toes.
Our bodies align like puzzle pieces carved from starlight, and his arms become steel bands of protection. The kiss deepens and transforms into something more—our tongues dancing a familiar rhythm that speaks of reunion, relief, and desperate need. All our fear and longing pour into this moment, and this connection reminds us both that we're alive, together, andhome.
My lethal vampire, who tears immortals apart without breaking a sweat, who commands fear with a glance, becomes something else entirely when he holds me. His touch speaks of reverence, of a tenderness that exists only for me beneath that murderous exterior. The same hands that deal death now cradle me like I'm made of spun glass.
The need to reclaim my body, to replace violation with love, burns through me like wildfire. Only Rhyland's touch can burn away the shadows and replace nightmare with sanctuary. His desire echoes through our bond—the desperate urge to mark me as his, to prove I'm safe in his arms.
"Make love to me," I breathe against his lips, each word a caress, a prayer.
Rhyland freezes beneath me, agony flashing across his features as dark thoughts clearly war in his mind. The bond floods with his fury and fear—he's imagining the worst.
"He didn't," I whisper quickly, cupping his face. "That monster didn't get that far. You got to me first."
Relief crashes through our connection as the tension drains from his powerful frame. Those eyes lock with mine, searching for truth. Finding it, he crushes his mouth to mine in a kiss that speaks volumes—gratitude, love, and lingering rage at how close it came.
When he pulls back, those blue eyes blaze with ethereal fire, burning with an intensity that steals my breath. His big hands cradle my face again, his thumbs brushing away tears I didn't know had fallen.
"You are everything to me," his voice cracks with raw emotion. "My heart, my soul, my reason for existing. I love youso fuckingmuch it consumes me. I will tear apart anyone who dares lay a finger on you. I will paint the realms red with the blood of those who hurt you." His eyes shimmer with unshed tears, vulnerability cracking his warrior's facade. "But tonight I failed you. Please—I need your forgiveness."
My fierce alpha-man, reduced to this by misplaced guilt. My heart threatens to burst from my chest. How can he not see?
"There's nothing to forgive," I whisper against his lips, pouring all my love into the words. "You came for me. You saved me. I love you so much it hurts to breathe sometimes. And right now, I need you to remind me that I'm yours—only yours. Show me what it feels like to be loved by someone who owns my heart."
His eyes darken with possession and promise. "Then let me worship every inch of you, Angel. Let me remind you what it feels like to be touched by someone who would burn worlds to keep you safe."
