Not knowing makes every touch excruciating, but that can’t stop me from making Zandrite believe she’s mine, that I haven’t yet tired of her body. Or he’ll take her away.
He lets me come and go from the room, but I only step out when I have to. I don’t like to leave her under Fable’s watch. He could hurt her again. And she’s had enough pain.
I throw her over my shoulder and carry her through the passages each night, still easy despite her growing taller every day. We’re forced to attend the Scrape in the same giant room the thrones are in, but in the evenings it’s transformed into an arena. And Ever is forced to pretend she wants me. Every action is to convince Zandrite to stay away from her a little longer. He won’t take her until he thinks my desire for her is sated. And I need him to separate Eli and mebeforehe cracks and wants a turn with her, which requires his trust.
I sit in the throne next to him and run my fingers up and down her thighs while I lick the dripping, raw meat clean, keeping my cravings in check. It’s enough to keep me nourished without eating the flesh. Wewatch the Half Link men wrestle and tear each other apart, each vying to win their choice of woman, their Trophy. Only one comes out alive. The other is scraped off the dirt the next morning, aptly leading to the name of the nightly fight: the Scrape.
But the bloody end to each night isn’t the worst part, nor is it how I hate myself through every minute of it. It’s how Ever pushes me away when we get back to our room. How she retreats to the wall to glare at me. I’d never put her through this if it weren’t an act to keep her safe from Zandrite.
I know she feels the connection too, though. Not only because she’s going through the same as I am, but because her heart beats so fast when I pull her close, and her breath catches when my hand slides down her side. She tries so hard not to feel it. But she can’t fight what this is.
The Scrape in the arena tonight will be no different, except that the pull is stronger every day now. I’m in true pain. If I don’t act on it tonight, that pain will become irreparable damage.
Then fatal—for both of us.
It’s late afternoon, judging by the cooling temperature. The screeching sound should be splitting our eardrums soon, as it does everyday before we leave for the arena. Covering my ears through the howl barely makes a difference. Whatever makes that sound must be miserable.
Ever sits against the wall in our room, looking up at me with that same need that I feel. To be close, to connect, to fill her so completely.
Could you take it down a godsdamn notch?Eli pushes into my head.I’ve got a list of a hundred ways to brutally kill you, and I’m adding to it by the minute.
I groan.You don’t hold back.
She’s mine. I shouldn’t have to.
She’s mine too. Haven’t you seen?
Eli’s normal forceful tone drops to a quiet threat.You don’t have her heart.
Neither do you.
That’s intentional!His heaving breaths cross into my mind with his shout.
Why should I stop her from loving me just because she can’tlove you?I ask.
He doesn’t answer.
Because I have a damn good point.
I kneel down in front of Ever and push the dirt-crusted hair from her face. “Are you doing okay?”
She scowls at me, those creepy-beautiful indigo eyes practically ripping out my soul. “Of course not. My body has a mind of its own, and I haven’t eaten in three days because there’s nothing but raw meat available.” She sniffs back a sob. “And I think I really am getting taller. Everything hurts, and I can barely walk without tripping over my feet.”
She can hardly hold it in anymore—same as me—every breath stunted, every muscle tight, demanding release. I don’t see how she hasn’t figured it out yet.
Eli finally answers, quiet, solemn words in my head.I’ve seen the way she reacts to your touch. It’s because she’s suffering inside.
And you know she can’t resist much longer. It will kill her.
I know,he admits.
I lift her chin. “Taller looks good on you.”
Tears slip from her eyes as she hardens her glare.
So you agree she needs me?I ask, drying her cheeks.
Back away from her. You’re making her feel worse. I feel it through her, and her emotions are already all over the place from this. And I didn’t want to let her go to you to begin with.
