“I’ll let go if you want me to.”
She makes no move to pull away from me, and the silence wraps around me like salvation.
For once in my life, I feel like more than just a monster.
She’s so close I can count the freckles across her nose. I force myself not squeeze too hard. I’ve killed with less pressure than I’m using to hold her hand right now. The longer I stare, the tighter the bond winds around my soul—and every second it goes unanswered, the more feral I’ll become. I’ve watched Rhavari burn from the inside out when the bond is left unclaimed. It’s the only true way for us to die.
I don’t even know if we’re physically compatible.Can a human survive what I am?
“Why are you looking at me like that?” she questions, pulling me from my spiral.
“I’m sorry,” I cough. “I didn’t realize I was staring.”
A lie.
I was probably looking at her like I wanted to eat her.I do.
My mind flashes to the ancient ways—pressing her into the snow, fangs at her throat, claiming her where the forest can bear witness.
“Earth to Andri.”
I shudder at the nickname, but then convince myself she probably just can’t remember what my name actually is.
“Yes?”
“Are you super hungry or something? You’re drooling.”
My jaw flexes. I wipe the corner of my mouth. No drool.Yet.
“I’m not hungry,” I mumble. “Just distracted.”
She shrugs. “It’s probably because I’m here, throwing you off your routine. I feel fine, so if you need to leave and do anything, you can go.”
She says it so casually, while I’m fighting just to get words out right.
“It’s really beautiful out there,” she says, staring out the window. “You must love living out here. It’s so quiet and peaceful.”
I can’t take my eyes off her.
“It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
Even in a forest designed by gods, she is the most striking thing to ever walk through it.
“Okay, seriously. What is going on? You’re breathing super hard, big guy.”
I hesitate. Do I tell her about the bond, or do I joke it off? Because once I do, I can never take it back. And then it has the power to destroy me.
“You wouldn’t believe me.”
She tilts her head, “Try me.”
My lips part?—
We’re soulmates,
I felt you before I saw you,
I can hear your heartbeat across the room,
