Page 113 of Stone Temptation

“I’m okay,” I said.

He helped me to my feet.

Seth got to his knees, blood pouring from his mouth, a huge smirk on his face. “Well, well, well. There’s the Asher I know so well.”

“Fuck off,” Asher threw back. “Before I snap your spine.”

“I see the crystal healing is nothing more than a placebo.” The weaver spat blood, standing fully.

“Hands off my mark,” Asher said. “Next time, I won’t hold back.”

“Your mark? Yours? Oh, Asher. You really have no idea, do you?”

“Enlighten me, knobhead.”

“How mature. No, I don’t think I will enlighten a grunt like you.”

Asher put his arm around me, his snarl sending tantalizing tremors into my bones. “I won’t let you hurt him.”

I removed the ring, bending to place it on the floor.

Seth watched every second of my movement. “You will have no rights over him once the mark is ended. Because it will end.” He sauntered across the room to find himself another joint.

“Remember who you are, Asher.” He lit his smoke. “A worker bee.” He spat more blood onto the floor. “Forever the violent thug.”

“Shove it up your ass!” Asher spat.

Seth smiled, offering no response.

“Whatever. Come on, Luke.” Asher directed me toward the broken door.

“See you tomorrow,” Seth said.

Asher turned, dragging me with him. “What did you say?”

“Remember there is a daily ring test.” He blew smoke at us. “The agreement stands. Until then.” He puckered his lips in a kiss for me. “I look forward to it.”

Asher snarled again, then hauled me into the corridor, removing his arm.

Pain still raged inside my head, my cheek protesting.

“Wait…” I paused, taking a moment for the corridor to stop spinning.

“He actually hit you.” Asher rubbed my back with one hand. “He actually pissing attacked you again.”

His soothing strokes helped. “It’s okay.”

“Don’t you ever say that. It’s never okay. He has no right. I’m gonna… I’m gonna…” A long series of steady breaths tempered him. “I’m gonna get you out of here. When you’re ready.”

“I’m ready.” Fresh air first, everything else later.

This tower was too toxic.

He took me home, where Maren was sitting in the living room.

“What happened?” she swam over. “Did someone hit you? Who did I need to tail-whip?”

“Seth,” I answered, Asher fetching some painkillers from my kitchen.

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