Page 34 of Fated to the Damned

As the last vrakken disappears into the dark forest, Nikolai's gaze follows him, eyes still burning with rage. Then with blinding speed, he takes off after him before I can even react.

His massive wings propel him between the trees with predatory grace, the moonlight flashing on his skin as he rapidly gains on his prey. I can only stare in awe at the raw power displayed as Nikolai hunts them down.

He's nearly invisible, just a dark blur darting through the woods. But the vrakken’s panicked cries echo back to me as Nikolai closes in for the kill.

"No, please, have mercy!" the vrakken pleads desperately. Then his voice dissolves into shrill screams of pure terror. The sounds chill my blood, but I can't tear my eyes away, trying to make out where he went.

I have to know that he’s not hurt.

The screams are cut short, replaced by eerie silence. The forest seems to hold its breath, no creature daring to make a sound. After agonizing minutes of quiet, Nikolai emerges from the darkness.

He moves slowly, eyes downcast. Fresh blood drips from his hands and chest, adding to his existing wounds. Nikolai won't meet my gaze as he stops before me. I sense a dark turmoil roiling within him.

His massive shoulders heave as he catches his breath, wings settling back into a relaxed position. After a long moment, the savagery melts from his eyes. He turns to me, expression now filled with gentle concern.

"Did they hurt you?" He looks me over carefully for injuries, eyebrows creased with worry. Past the lingering anger, I can see only tenderness in his gaze. His touch is incredibly gentle as he helps me up and checks me over, so at odds with the brutality he just displayed against my attackers.

Nikolai's gaze sweeps over me, checking for any signs of harm. His fingers brush my arms and face so lightly, as if I'm made of glass that could shatter.

I shake my head, still in shock over the attack and Nikolai's swift violence in my defense.

He lets out a breath, shoulders losing some tension. "Thank the First." Nikolai frowns at the lingering tear stains on my cheeks and the developing bruises on my arms where they grabbed me. "Let's get you cleaned up."

He sweeps me effortlessly into his arms before I can protest – even if I’m not the one who needs tending to. Nikolai starts toward the base, and I curl up against him, reveling in how good it feels to be pressed against him.

I don’t even ask where he’s taking me. I don’t care. All I want is him right now. To make me feel safe and wanted and protected.

I’d give him anything right now.

Because even if I don’t want to admit it…

I think I’ve already given him my heart.

19

NIKOLAI

Just like the first time I met Jessa, something inexplicable pulled me out of the temple tonight. I’m only glad I found her when I did.

“Let me get some water,” I tell her as I settle her on my bed. There’s a few scratches on her, but more than anything, I want to wash off the feeling of someone else’s hands on her.

“You’re the one that needs tending to,” she murmurs, even as she wraps her arms around herself.

I don’t know where her tunic went but I go to my chest and pull out one of mine. Coming back, I drape it over her, and before I can stop myself, I reach up to cup her face.

“Let me take care of you,” I murmur.

I didn’t sustain much damage. Torn skin heals easily, and though there may be crusted blood on me, I feel perfectly fine.

But there is dirt on Jessa’s skin and I know a layer of grime coats her from the feeling of the abuse. So I slip out of my room to retrieve a basin of water and a cloth.

When I return, she’s drowning in my tunic and her pants are on the floor. Her legs are tucked beneath her, and her shoulders are curled in.

Crossing the room, I tuck my finger under her chin and lift it. Just like every time, her hazel eyes meeting mine steals my breath. But I don’t look away. I left all my resistances and reasons why I shouldn’t want her out in the forest as I ripped a vrakken to shreds and left him to bleed in misery until he’s found and healed.

Right now, all I want is to make sure Jessa is okay. Nothing else matters.

“I’ve got you, ómorfi,” I tell her as I bring the cloth to her cheek. I wipe away the dirt and sweat slowly, and her lips part as she stares up at me.

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