Like me, but not me.
This nightmare was my deepest fear clawing its way into my subconscious. Losing all my freedom.
Killian grunted in his sleep beside me and slung a heavy arm over my waist. I eased back down next to him, trying to find comfort, trying to chase away the fear curling in my chest.
Then he began snoring loudly. His weight draped across me, solid and scorching hot. I pushed at his arm, but he mumbled something incoherent and tightened his hold on me like a vise.
“Killian, I have to pee. I need you to let me up,” I whispered,shoving at his arm again.
Another grumble, then he rolled over, flinging his arm away without fully waking.
I slipped out of bed, my feet meeting the cool floor that felt shocking against my overheated skin.
After I used the restroom, I stood in the hallway, eyeing Killian’s door. The sound of his snores echoed through my ears, which were becoming increasingly sensitive as my wolf and I grew more connected. Every noise felt amplified. The smallest sound could rumble through my skull like a marching band.
I turned toward the living room, ready to collapse on the couch and pray for a little rest, when Talon’s smooth voice slid into my mind.
Can’t sleep, Pet?
Killian’s snoring is too loud. It hurts my ears.
His laugh slipped across our bond like silk.You'll get used to it. Come here. I will help you find sleep.
I went to him, turning the door handle hesitantly and cracking it open. As my eyes adjusted to the dark, I saw him lying on his bed, wearing those grey sweatpants that clung to theVof his hips and molded to his very obvious bulge in a way that made my mouth water.
“I will wear these pants more often if you keep having thoughts likethat.”
“Stay out of my head, Talon. God, I can't get an ounce of privacy with you four! Cade tracks my every move on his surveillance system. Killian refuses to let me even walk on my own. Ryker stares at my ass all day. And you,” I said, pointing at him, “you will not stay out of my head.”
He laughed softly and patted the bed beside him.
“As I said before, it's not my fault you can't control your thoughts. You don't hear me unless I want you to. You'll learn.”
“You keep saying I'll learn. And when exactly will that be? I need sleep. It’s getting harder every night. I hear everything now. See everything. The dark isn’t dark anymore, and the quiet doesn’t exist. The night is too bright and too loud to rest.”
"You'll get used to that too. It takes practice. In the meantime, I'll help you rest."
"How?" I asked, climbing onto the bed, as his yellow eyes glowed, moving up and down my body.
"Pain. And pleasure. I'll take your mind off of the noise. Quiet all those racing thoughts," he said, tapping my temple.
I was suddenly uncomfortable and acutely aware of how very alone Talon and I were. I had never been alone with him like this. Every time we'd been intimate, Ryker or Cade had been present. They helped to offset his darkness and lessen my nerves. I didn't know if I could take what he offered without them.
"Why do you like to hurt me?" I whispered.
"Why do you like the pain?" he countered.
"I don't!"
"Don't lie to me, Pet. You are my mate. I know you better than I know myself. Through our bond, I can hear and feel you. Every emotion, every fleeting thought. I know what you need, even if you refuse to admit it to me, even if you refuse to admit it to yourself," he said as he pulled my shirt over my head.
As he spoke, his hand trailed up my stomach, resting on my breast. His nimble, tattooed fingers toyed with my sensitive nipple and then started squeezing sharply. Pain shot through me, and I gasped. Slick ran down the inside of my thigh.
"There's my pet. I know what makes you wet," he said, squeezing my nipple again.
I arched off the bed, trying to follow his hand as it pulled and twisted my poor nipple.
“Turn over. Get on your knees,” he instructed as he stood and began rifling through a cabinet.
