Page 34 of Blood Moon

Since she didn’t let go of my arm, getting her to move was easier if I just started walking. She hesitated for a second, then scrambled to keep up with me. I walked slowly, like a man who was headed toward the executioner. Or at least that’s how it felt.

Delilah’s emotions were so jumbled that I wasn’t sure what was about to happen. She was happy to see Vik, but was terrified of him at the same time. I sensed similar feelings about me. I understood why she was scared of me. I would spend forever trying to make that up to her. That mistake has haunted me lately. I didn’t want to ever make her feel that way again.

Every instinct in me said to grab her and run. There was no way he would give her the freedom to choose, unless he was certain she would choose him. And I planned to do whatever it took to be with her. Even if that meant sharing. Whatever she wanted was fine with me.

I put my hand on top of hers, patting gently. I could feel her fear growing the closer we got to Vik. I tried to push calm into her, but I didn’t think it was working. She was shaking and I was afraid that she would break down.

Part of me wanted to carry her the rest of the way, but with the glare Vik had on his face, I didn’t think that would be in our best interest.

Why did this situation have to be so complicated? I wanted Delilah, and I could tell she wanted me too. Why couldn’t life ever be that simple? She just had to want him too. It was ridiculous, but I was all in. What Delilah wanted, Delilah would get. I would make sure of it.

Chapter 34

Delilah

Eli running away from me after drinking my blood had made things weird between us for a bit. Then he explained that he’d done it so that we could arrange a meeting with Viktor. Eli was going to give me a safe space to make my choice. A choice that I couldn’t make, no matter how much they wanted me to.

I didn’t know how to tell him that I couldn’t choose. Of course he expected me to pick him, and Viktor would be the same. This was a nightmare. My heart raced as Eli opened my door. This was the moment of truth. Could I tell these men that I cared for both of them? Was there a way that this would work?

Judging from Viktor’s reaction when he saw me, I would guess not. Tears welled up in my eyes. This was going to get bloody. I turned to Eli and gripped his arm harder. “Please, I can’t do this.”

He grabbed my hand and squeezed. “Yes, you can. You just tell us what you want. It’s easy. You have my word that we will both accept your decision with no drama. okay?” He kissed my knuckles and I heard Viktor gasp. I wasn’t as confident as Eli about this plan.

“Get your hands off her, Strain.” The anger in Viktor’s tone was like a slap in the face.

Eli looked at me, as if asking what I wanted. I shook my head slightly and gripped his hand harder. “Only if she tells me to, Maxwell.”

“Delilah, come over here,” Viktor softened his tone slightly, but it still came across like he was scolding a naughty child.

I shook my head slightly again, and Eli stepped in front of me. “You can’t force her into whatever it is you’re trying to do here. If you’re not going to let her talk, then I’m going to take her away.”

My body started to shake. I didn’t want them to fight. It was why I hadn’t asked the two of them to talk to me together. Eli had insisted that it would be fine. This wasn’t going to end well, I could feel it.

“Myshka, please. Come over here and let me make sure that you’re okay.” There was a sad edge to his voice that made me want to obey. Eli looked over his shoulder at me.

“I won’t let him leave with you unless that’s what you want. Say the word and we’re out of here, love.” I could tell that Eli was barely controlling himself. I gave him a little nod and he released my hand.

I was still shaking all over as I tried to walk the few feet between the two men. The closer I got to Viktor, the more uncontrollable the shaking was. I started to feel lightheaded and my legs got weak. Just as I started to collapse, two sets of arms caught me.

“Are you okay, love?” Eli whispered just as Viktor said, “It’s okay, Myshka. I’ve got you.” They both stared at me for a moment, then seemed to realize how close they were to each other.

I wasn’t sure which one of them growled first, but the other joined in. I braced myself for the fight I knew was coming, but nothing happened. “I’m fine, really. I need a minute. I just need to sit down.” Before I had even finished the sentence, Eli stripped off his jacket and eased me down on it.

“Take a minute and just focus on breathing. I want to talk to him,” Eli began, then continued when I made a face, “I promise, love, no funny business.”

Viktor looked at me, then looked at Eli. “I’m not leaving her alone here.”

Eli nodded. “We’re not going far. Just a few steps away.”

Viktor nodded. “I’m right here if you need me.” Then he turned back to Eli. They took a few steps away from me, although neither looked happy about it.

A few hushed words were exchanged, then things got heated. “Why are you always like this?” Viktor yelled, leaning closer to Eli’s face.

Eli’s response was much quieter, but I still managed to hear his words. “Probably because you always want to be in control. She wants us both. If you don’t believe me, ask her. If she’s not too terrified of you, she’ll admit it. If she is, you’ll know from the racing of her heart.”

Viktor glared at Eli, then lowered his voice. I barely heard his question. “Did she tell you that?”

Eli shook his head. “She didn’t have to.”

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