My entire body aches, and I’m almost entirely drained. The spear did more damage than I’d care to admit, and I’m in desperate need of rest. I can barely stand, let alone focus on my work.
I’m doing my best to keep my pain from Cassia. She’s too unpredictable. If she realizes my discomfort, it just might be enough to set her off. She’s already trying to sit me in chairs like an injured pet.
Her excitement continues traveling through our bond. What has Aziel said that’s made her so happy?
Several minutes pass before she finds her way to my office, her smile wide and genuine.
She’s on me within seconds. Her lips find mine, her kiss forceful and eager. Her mouth is soft, and I ignore the pulsating pain in my chest as I cup the back of her head and drag my tongue along hers. I was wondering when she’d force her kiss on me.
She held out longer than I expected.
I want Cassia. I’ve wanted her since I first laid eyes on her, but I’ve been trying hard to ignore those feelings. She made it more than clear she wanted nothing to do with me after learning my true identity, and nothing good ever comes from lusting after a woman who wants you dead.
But now she’s bitten me. I’ll never forget the feeling of her teeth in my neck, the sharp pain and her immediate panic as she did it again and again. She was desperate to save me, to force a bond and shove her power into me.
I was never at risk of dying. I would’ve told her that had she taken a moment to listen to me. Cassia doesn’t listen, though. She acts, and she does so quickly. In this particular situation, I find I don’t mind.
She moans, pressing her chest against mine. I wince, unable to stop myself as she inadvertently applies pressure to my wound.
“Fuck!” She pulls away. “I’m sorry.”
I’m happy to endure the pain if it means having her mouth against mine.
Cassia beams. “Aziel wants to give me more responsibility. He said it’s ‘about time I take a more active role within Wrath’s leadership.’”
Raw excitement funnels through our bond. Cassia’s unable to hold it back. I feel something similar. Cassia will make a strong queen. She loves Wrath, and she’s more than proven she’s willing to fight for it.
I’m pleased Aziel finally recognizes it.
Does he see the bite on my neck as a betrayal? I’ve spent some time worrying about it, but not much. My relationship with Cassia doesn’t involve him. Charlie is the only person I owe an explanation to. I’m not looking forward to that, but I won’t prolong it. I’ll speak with her soon. It’s the least I can do.
“You’re going to make an excellent queen,” I say. I mean it, too. “I’m happy for you.”
I leave our bond open, letting Cassia prod. I want her to see that I’m not upset by this advancement in her position. I have no interest in leading Wrath. This isherendeavor, and while I enjoy my work, I have no intention of overstepping.
“You are Wrath’s rightful leader,” I say. “I respect that.”
She gulps, her throat bobbing. “I’ll kill you, Rexton.”
“I’m aware.” I lean in, brushing my lips against hers. “When do you want me to bite you?”
I’m eager to bite her, to claim her as mine.
Cassia palms my chest, careful not to touch my wound. “Not now. You need a bed.”
She doesn’t mean that in a sexual manner, but my mind still travels there. I enjoyed touching her earlier, enjoyed her soft skin and the feeling of her relaxing against me. I don’t suspect that Cassia lets her guard down around many people.
She was shocked when I brought her into my bedroom earlier. Even with our bond, she still finds it odd that I showedher where I sleep. I think the fact that she thought it was strange is odd.
She teleports us directly into my bedroom. I’m relieved she didn’t make me ask for it. Between my injury, blood loss, and subsequent meetings, I’m exhausted. Teleporting is impossible.
“Strip,” Cassia orders.
Her fingers shake as she tugs at my top, removing my shirt. She’s panicking again, and my heart lurches as I place my hand over hers.
“Breathe, Cassia,” I say. “I’m healing, and I’m going to be okay.”
I’ve never taken a spear through the chest, but I’ve faced worse. I spent months in the pits of Wrath, killing and gaining power, before traveling into Greed. There were several times when I was convinced I was going to die.
