Leaving my room, Rune nudged me, wanting my attention.
I ignored her.
She did it again.
I have reached my limit for the day, Rune!
Anger speared down our bond, which didn’t faze me—not until I sensed her disappointment.
What?I snapped, connecting with her.
“Breathe, Lucille,” the pet said.
Rune walked toward the crack in the door, peeking at the hellion. She hunched over herself, breathing hard.
The pet grabbed her face. “Deep breath, sweetheart.”
I wanted to rip out his fucking tongue so I never had to hear that endearment again. But his words didn’t help her, and if she kept breathing like that, she’d most likely pass out.
I wouldn’t let that happen, even if I was pissed off.
Go to her,I ordered Rune.
She barreled between the two, forcing the pet’s hands off our hellion.
Might just find you some fresh, raw meat for that.
Rune’s eager agreement almost made me smile. Almost.
She sat down in front of the hellion, meeting her eyes with ours.
Seven Hells.
I immediately fell into her starry depths, her warm, gentle soul seeking mine. It brushed against my wall, taunting and teasing me with the possibility of light. Of something my shadows had never known, but desired all the same. I wanted to give in. I wanted her to feel me and understand what she did to me daily—this damn resilient, beautiful female. I wanted to show her how I could honor her, protect her.Loveher.
But how could I when there was him? When I harbored so much fear and pain from my past? How?
The hellion’s breathing steadied, and Rune licked her, humming with happiness.
“Give us a minute, please?”
Yes, I’ll give them a minute to mend their wounds, and then she’ll be back in his bed tonight. Fucking wonderful.
I pulled out of Rune, my chest aching, my shadows seething, and needing an outlet.
I luscelered to the arena, thanking whoever I needed to for the lack of occupants. Forgoing gloves, I went straight to the punching bag and released.
Punch.
I imagined his face.
Jab. Cross.
I imagined beating him bloody.
Jab. Jab. Hook.
I couldn’t distinguish between my jealousy and my praesidium at this point. After everything that happened in the Shard Field, the dark beast haunting my soul demanded I run my sword across his neck before the threat stole what was ours. Or worse, forced her from this world.
