Page 75 of Sienna Rossi: Beyond Shattered Trust

I welcome the wave of ice-cold water as I sink into it, hissing at the sharp contrast to how boiling-hot my body is.

“It won’t be long now,” he says softly, his eyes raking over me before they flick up to meet my gaze. “Just hold on until then, alright?”

“Sure…” I murmur as I pull my knees to my chest and close my eyes as I sink fully into the tub, only my face remaining above water. Jayce nods as he stands, but it’s as if it’s a struggle for him.

I watch him intently as he backs away from me, his hands balled into fists. Another whimper leaves me, and I press my thighs together, wanting the incessant desire to be fulfilled.

I have to be strong until this blows over.

The question is, how long will it take this time?

“Hey, honey, has the injection helped?” I open my eyes and look at Grandma Red, who is sitting on the edge of the tub. “Do you need anything else?”

It’s a few hours later, and the pain is intensifying at a terrifying speed, far stronger than last time.

“It has. Where are the rest?” I ask.

“I’ve put them in the fridge for you, so they’re extra cool for the next shot tomorrow,” she explains comfortingly.

I whimper as I hug myself, agony tearing through me, and I shake my head. “I take…” Wait, I’m not supposed to be taking more than one. That makes me go quiet.

“Sienna?”

I shake my head as I look away.

I’ll get more later myself.

“Your mom is on the way,” she says softly, offering me a small smile.

“No, there’s nothing she can do; tell her not to come. I’m fine,” I say firmly.

“Are you certain?”

I nod as another spasm of pain rushes through me, wanting Jayce here, inside of me.

“I think it’s a Westwood curse.”

“Huh?” I ask quietly.

“Well, I was marked by my father,” she grimaces, the disgust visible on her face. “At the time, I had some misunderstandings with Elijah, and I went through heat and refused to let him help.”

I knew her father had marked her, but I never knew she experienced heat.

“And Liam, who was cursed, well, he marked Raven, and she too went into heat. And now another future Westwood woman is going through the same,” she murmurs, her eyes full of sadness and pity, but there’s a gentle smile on her face. My heart skips a beat; I didn’t know that either… “We’re warriors, and so are you. You’re doing so well, but whatever both of you choose, whether you want to hold out or give in, it’s completely fine. Do what you need to.”

I nod. “Thank you…” Somehow, knowing that gives me some consolation. “It gets easier…” I tell myself, not realising I said it out loud until she pats my arm.

“You will get through this. Now, are you sure you want me to call your mom and tell her not to come?” she asks, frowning slightly.

I nod again. “Yes, I’m sure,” I whisper, as another jarring stab of pain rushes through me.

“Well, if you need anything, give me a shout. I will not be far,” Grandma Red says as she stands up.

“Where’s Jayce?” I ask quietly.

Her green eyes, which are so similar to his in colour, soften, and she shakes her head. “He left; I think he’s struggling to control himself.”

That stings, but it shouldn’t. For someone who prides themselves on control, why isn’t he close then?