He’s so gorgeous it almost doesn’t hurt.
Thick lips that carry a peace in every touch. Dark skin, like the sun loved him so much she just couldn’t stop kissing him. And his soft eyes guarding a gentle spirit more resilient than most. I should’ve seen it sooner. But now I do.
As I lie dying in the dirt, I am certain that Elliot Cross loves me.
Chapter33
All Mine
ELLIOT
“Iris!”
My voice cracks through the empty grove like a whip, the sound immediately followed by a desperate howl.
It rips through my chest without warning, and I realize as I fall to my knees beside her that my wolf is weeping.
She’s cold already, her usual fire burning quickly, as she lies limp and covered in the odd black bands that mark Covington’s victims.
“Kitty! What is this?” I shout. “What’s happening?”
“I don’t know,” she says, tears near to spilling over.
“It’s killing her!”
“I think her body is rejecting it, like last time,” Elsie says softly. “But I don’t know why.”
We all turn to look at her. She is still burning a bright white behind the eyes. But her power is slowly coming down.
It’s because she’s mine. Truly mine. My fated mate.
Even as the words cross my mind, I know how foolish they sound. But I can’t help but cling to it. In all my life, there is nothing I’ve ever been more sure of. Iris is mine. Her body knows it, her spirit knows it. That’s why she’s rejecting it. That’s why it never worked. But whatever changes Covington’s made have strengthened the solution. And Iris body is working to rid itself of his claim.
I press my forehead down to hers, sparking what little connection we have.
“Come on, baby, don’t leave me. Please don’t leave me here alone.”
She’s looking at me, but I don’t think she can see me. Her dark almond eyes are faded, a soft pink haze over her irises. And there’s no recognition on her face as I look at her. But I know she’s in there somewhere. I can feel it.
“Iris…”
Her name is all that seeps out as I hold her.
But my pleading quickly turns to anger as her body starts to stiffen.
“Damien!” I shout, clinging to her limp form. “Damien, do something! You have to do something! Please!”
He’s on his knees beside me, and his hand rests gently on my shoulder, consoling me when he should be acting.
“No!” I snap, shaking him off. “There has to be something. Anything! Elsie?”
I turn for her, but she’s already hanging her head, her white eyes filled with tears.
“I don’t—” Her voice breaks as they start to spill over. “I don’t know what to do.”
“What do you mean you don’t know what to do?”
I realize I am yelling at her, but I’m not entirely sure how to stop.
