Page 137 of Monstrous Serpent

“For the love of god, don’t you dare finish that sentence.”

The corner of my mouth curls up. And when he squeezes my hand, my heart beats faster. So fast, I think it might give out.

“Hunter?”

I swallow hard, my palms going sweaty.

He’s mine. He will always be mine. No matter what.

Leaning over, I kiss the tip of his nose, then rest my forehead against his. “I love you.”

He gasps, but stays silent for a beat. “Just me?”

“No.”

“Then fix it.” A tiny smile forms on his lips when I pull back. “And I love you too, even if I want to . . . strangle you with the IV line right now. You’re lucky I can’t move, dumb fuck dipshit.”

I huff a laugh.

My little Titan is mouthy, strong, and stubborn. That’s why he’ll be back out on the ice. This injury won’t stop him. He won’t let it.

When Cody drifts off, I pull over a chair and sit beside him, unable to stop holding his hand.

He loves me.

I spent my whole life thinking I didn't deserve to hear those words. Still not sure I do. But Cody said them, and something inside me gives way. I brush that stubborn curly strand from his eyes again, but as usual, it falls right back into place.

Fucking thing needs to be cut off.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out with my free hand. Hope Reyes found Atlas. But when I look at the alert on my screen, it’s my brother’s name that pops up.

I place the phone face down on the bed. Now is not the time. But he texts again. So, I unlock the screen and read his messages.

Garrett: We need to talk

Garrett: Meet me here

There’s another text with a pin drop.

Me: Can’t

I yank my hand away from Cody’s when the next text comes through, every muscle in my body going rigid. It’s a photo of Atlas. He’s tied to a tree, mouth gagged. My gaze scans his face, taking in the discoloration, the puffiness. His one eye is purple and swollen.

Fuck.

I did that. To the other man I love.

The room starts to spin, walls closing in, the only thing I hear is the rapid thumping of my heart.

Another text comes through.

Garrett: Come now or he dies

Chapter 34

Atlas

My wrists burn as I yank against the zip ties again. The pain flares as the plastic cuts deeper, the dried bark of the tree grinding against the raw skin on my forearms.