Thane steps aside, motioning to the stairs. “You have my word.”
Not sure that means much, but I guess it’s better than him telling me he doesn’t give a fuck about what I want. Must be a hangover from the eclipse that has him acting less ruthless.
Kole already has breakfast waiting for us when we get to the dining room, so I quickly head for my seat and begin shoveling food into my mouth, eager to get out of here.
“Well, good morning to you too,” Kole teases, taking a seat next to me.
I offer him a forced smile, well aware that I probably look like a chipmunk with how full my cheeks are. Thane glares at the two of us from his seat at the other end of the table, and I have to choke back the laugh at the obvious divide.
Within five minutes, I’ve had my fill of eggs, bacon, and toast. I suppose I could’ve savored it a bit more, but the fear of losing my freedom grows each minute I’m still here.
“Alright, I’m ready to go,” I say, tossing my napkin as I stand.
“Wait,” Thane and Kole say in unison, both jumping up from their seats.
“You said I could leave!”
“And you can,” Thane reassures, shooting over to stand next to his brother. “But first, we have a proposition for you.”
“No.” I shake my head. “I don’t want to hear what the two of you have to say. I want to leave!”
I turn for the door, but they’re already blocking it.
“Just read it,” Kole pleads, handing me a piece of paper.
“What is this?” I ask, running my eyes down the length of the document.
“A contract,” Thane answers.
“More like a truce,” Kole adds. “A way for Thane and you to live in peace.”
I scoff at the ridiculousness of that idea. “Peace would be letting me go.”
“Damnit, Grey! Just read the contract!” Thane snarls.
I reluctantly do as he says, hoping if I entertain this, I’ll be able to get the hell out of here. As I start reading each bullet point, questions begin to run through my mind.
“What’s the point of all this?” I finally ask once I’m done reading.
Thane looks to Kole, as if telling him to explain.
“Well.” Kole clears his throat. “Since Thane marked you, he’s been at war with himself. Each time he does anything to hurt you, there’s a sort of consequence that comes from the mark.” Thane’s eyes are locked on the floor between us, but his jaw ticks like he’s fighting the urge to interrupt. “The bond you two share calls for him to protect you. We’re hoping this contract will ease some of the tension that it’s caused. But you would get something out of it too, of course.”
“Like what?” I demand, sitting into my hip.
“You would live here again, but you wouldn’t be locked in your room. You’d have free rein of the house. Other than the east wing, of course. You would be able to read and paint and spend time with Sienna if you wish.”
“Just as long as Thane still has access to me,” I point out, waving the contract in my hand.
“Yeah, but that’s why there are restrictions.” Kole grabs the paper from me. “See? It says here that you’d only have to have dinner with him four nights a week. Plus, he can only bite you once a week and only once you’ve consented. It’s enough to keep the bond satisfied while also giving you your freedom.”
“Why?” I direct the question to Thane, forcing him to pull his gaze from the maroon rug. “Why would you make a contract restricting yourself when you’ve made it perfectly clear you enjoy seeing me suffer?”
“Because I don’t enjoy it!” He shoots over, grabbing my face in both hands. “It broke me to see you drowning in that tank of blood!”
“Then why’d you do it?” I snap, pulling my face from his hold. “Why keep hurting me?”
“I’m trying not to! Can’t you see that?” He turns his back to me, carving his hands through his hair.
