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I wonder if they already killed me and I’ve gone to heaven.
There, on the floor, is an unconscious Cato.
I shout his name as I’m tossed inside, barely listening to the door slamming closed. I scramble to his side, trying to turn him over, but he’s too big. Instead, I press my fingers against his neck and wait. He has a heartbeat, thank god. I lean into his side and cry. “Cato, oh god, I thought you were dead. I didn’t know you were here.”
There’s a groan, and he twitches below me. “Tally…” His voice is garbled, broken, and weak.
I sob harder. “Cato.”
“Tally.” His voice is stronger. “No cry.” He slowly turns and wraps his arms around me. “Sleep, everything fine.”
“Cato, please, wake up,” I beg. “We are in trouble.”
A moment later, I am rolled onto my back, his fully awake body poised over mine. His sharp claws slash across the floor as he searches the area. I can’t help but cry harder as I reach up and cup his snarling face and turn it so he meets my gaze. He blinks his bright red eyes, but I’ve never been so happy to see someone before.
“Cato, you’re really here,” I whisper. “How?”
He grunts and relaxes a little, but he shoots a glare at the door.
“Cato,” I beg.
His tongue darts out, wetting his lips and fangs, and a pulse goes through me. That has his head swinging around as he sniffs the air and growls, except nothing but comfort fills me at the sound. “Tally safe.”
“Yes, yes, I’m safe,” I promise, leaning up and kissing every inch of his face. When I pull back, his eyes are black again.
“Tally, my Tally.” He pulls me closer, holding me tightly. “I was so scared I would never see you again.” My Cato is back, and I cry harder as he rubs my back. “Shh, everything is fine. I’m here now, you’re safe.”
“How?” I ask, pulling back and blinking my teary eyes to bring him into view.
“Aria led us over the wall. We were on our way to you when we were ambushed, but I can’t be too mad since it got me what I wanted—to be by your side.” He grins, softly brushing my hair back. “Are you okay? I don’t smell any fresh injuries.”
“Just a headache,” I reply and then groan when he starts to massage my temples. “I can’t believe you came for me.”
“Of course I did.” He frowns. “I will always come for you, Tally.”
“You shouldn’t have put yourself in danger like that.” My hands skate over the bandage on his chest. “I was so worried you were dead.”
His claw tips my chin up until I meet his eyes. “Not even death could stop me from getting to your side.”
For a moment, nothing but love and relief pour through me before I smack him over and over. “You were safe. You were alive. You risked it all!” I scold. “You big red fool!”
He watches me, his eyebrow rising. “Not exactly the thanks I thought I’d get,” he deadpans.
“You risked your life for me!” I yell.
“Of course.” He frowns, confused. “Did you hit your head?”
“Cato,” I snap, exasperated. “You shouldn’t have done that.”
“Why not?” he retorts angrily.
“Because… Because your people need you!”
“And?” he replies.
“Your people need you, Cato, but no one needs me!” I finish, panting as I stare into his angry eyes.
“I need you,” he roars. “Don’t you see? I can’t live without you, you brilliant fool.” He grabs me, pulls me close, and slams his lips onto mine.
