"Then I'll leave you to yourself."His words came quietly, though the muscle in his cheek jumped."Alone with your cravings and without me.When you're ready to apologize for those barbs, I'll be waiting."He touched her cheek, so briefly she almost missed it."I love you enough to forgive the addiction talking.I know what you've endured."And then the doorway stood empty, her retort dying unspoken on her lips.
Ancelin bolted into the hallway after him, her bare feet slapping against the cold floor."Krevan!"Her voice echoed off the walls."Don't you dare walk away from me!"She followed him to his room, finding it empty, then thundered down the stairs.Her hands trembled, her throat tight with need.
He sat at the kitchen counter, coffee mug between his palms, silver eyes watching her approach with detached interest.
"How could you?"Her voice cracked."Those pills are mine.Mine!You had no right.”The words dissolved into a sob that tore from her chest.She pounded the counter with her fist, the pain barely registering.
"I heard you the first time," he said, voice level."Enhanced hearing, remember?"
Her sobs turned to screams, raw and primal.She grabbed a mug from the counter and hurled it against the wall, where it shattered.Krevan didn't flinch, didn't move, just watched her with those unnerving metallic eyes.
The fight drained from her suddenly, leaving her hollow."Fine," she whispered, turning away.“I’m sorry for breaking the cup.I need help.”
“I’m helping you,” Krevan replied.
Upstairs, she collapsed onto the bed.Tears slid silently down her face as she hugged herself."You don't understand," she whispered to the empty room."The pills make the memories stop.They make me forget how they looked when they died.They let me sleep without seeing their faces."She pressed her palms against her eyes."I'm scared all the time.I wasn't prepared for any of this.Everyone I loved is gone, and now they're hunting me—hunting us."
The door creaked open.Krevan stood on the threshold, watching.
"Ancelin, do you regret your harsh words?"Krevan asked, his silver eyes unreadable.
"I suppose," she muttered, not meeting his gaze.
"When you're certain, we can talk."He turned to leave.
"No—wait!"Ancelin lunged from the bed to catch up with him."How can you compare me calling you names to you stealing my medication?"
Krevan's shoulders dropped."I'll be in the greenhouse if you need me."
"You need to rest.You're exhausted and still pale."
"So, you care about me after all?"Krevan tapped his own chest.
"Yes, I care about you."Ancelin's voice softened."And I know I have a problem.I can hear myself."She stared at the floor, shoulders slumping.
"That's progress."He turned to leave.
"Wait—I need..."Her voice trailed off.
Krevan paused, glancing back."I've been taking those pills for almost a year.Not every night, but after everything that's happened today—please, Krev."
"Don't."His jaw tightened."Using that nickname to manipulate me?I despise manipulation."He turned away, disgust evident in his expression.
Ancelin caught his arm."Then let's have sex," she purred, the invitation hollow.
"Trading your body for pills?"He pivoted toward her, backing her against the door frame.His eyes traveled slowly from her face downward; hands planted on his hips."Is that what this is?"
"No!"She shook her head frantically."That sounds horrible.You're being cruel."
"Am I?"His voice dropped dangerously low."Fine.Undress.I'll take what you're offering—like any female trying to get something from me.I'm accustomed to it."He flexed, silver eyes cold."I'll show you what it means when a Triaxen male uses you without the bond between mates.I've got aggression to burn, and you've just volunteered to provide an outlet."He leaned in, forcing her back against the door jamb, one hand braced above her head."I remember how to be rough.It comes easy for me."
Ancelin struck his cheek as hard as she dared.In the stunned silence, they simply stared at each other.
“I’m sorry.Are you going to hit me?”she squeaked, eyes shut tight as if bracing for another blow.
He shook his head.“No.I’d injure you.”
“I’ve never hit anyone before.I’m so sorry, Krevan.Please forgive me—I must be losing my mind.”She flung her arms around him.He tensed, then relaxed and returned her embrace.
