Page 91 of Their Pretty Little Monster

“Don’t say that,” I respond instantly, except he’s serious. I see it in his jade eyes. “I almost killed you, so how can you be so calm about it?”

The edges of his mouth curl upward like even that action is a struggle for him.

“Because you didn’t kill me, Sage. You acted to save yourself, and that’s what matters.”

“I’ve been a mess of guilt, fear, and anger at myself.” My words tremble.

He pats the bed next to him. “Want to crawl under the blanket with me, and I’ll spoon you?” He gives me the sweetest grin, and I burst out laughing.

I’m starting to see two very different sides to Nyko, and I’m drawn to both. The dominant, reckless monster who has that wild look in his gaze where you know he’s about to do something crazy. Then the Nyko who can be sweet as honey, makes me swoon, and gives me gifts like necklaces. Is he even aware of his dual personality?

He’s coughing again, wincing in pain, and a sickening sensation comes over me, that guilt I can’t escape.

“I’ll be right back,” I tell him, starting to stand up, but he’s not releasing me.

“No, you’re not going to get the doc. Stay by my side, tell me what you and Wolfe spoke about, what you did together while I lay in bed, passed out.” He raises an eyebrow again at his dark humor.

Settling back in the chair, I share with him everything Wolfe revealed about the chaos surrounding us with my father, my fury at being lied to, and even his apology.

“I’m trying, but I’m still dealing with my anger at the hidden truths, at myself for hurting you.” My voice cracks. “It’s like I feel cheated somehow at how fast I was torn from my life. And now, I doubt I’ll ever be able to live there again. Not with me changing into a monster.”

His thumb tenderly strokes the inside of my arm. My knees are bouncing at coming to terms with everything.

“Yesterday, after our meal, if you hadn’t been kidnapped, I’d intended to take you to the Chamber of Rituals.”

My shoulders draw back at his admission. “After everything?” I’m shuddering.

“I’m fucking blinded and fuming that Killian and Wolfe have both confirmed you as their true mates. I know you’re mine, and I want to prove it, too. I’ll do anything to show you that we belong together.”

The room warms up, or perhaps it’s just me and my whiplash of emotions swirling inside me, from frustration to internal blame to gushing over Nyko.

“Let’s agree that you don’t take me to that room ever,” I murmur, heart racing at the thought. “But I have a confession for you. You know my shadow ability isn’t just rare but apparently intricately tied to my true mates. And I draw power from them only. I mean, let’s not test that theory any further, but that means?—”

He’s howling, laughing, then coughing viciously. “Best news I’ve ever heard!” He chokes the words out.

When he finally calms down, I let out a relieved breath.

“All right, no more excitement for you. But you know, the reason I drew on your energy and not Wolfe’s or Killian’s is because of this,” I explain, my hand reaching up to my neck, fingers running across the blood-gold chain. “I think your blood in the necklace connected us deeper.”

He cracks a weak grin, eyes twinkling despite the glassiness from exhaustion. “Knowing I helped you makes me feel incredible, my princess.”

I smile back, just wishing it hadn’t cost him so much.

“So, true mate”—he tugs my hand to his mouth and kisses the back of the palm—“what else can I entertain you with before I seduce you into bed with me?”

I laugh, adoring him the more time we spend together.

“How about finally showing me what your monster form looks like once you’re feeling better? A girl’s curious.”

He smirks, that devious glint in his gaze worrying me. Suddenly, I regret asking him.

“Once I’m healed, you won’t hold me back.”

“That slightly scares me,” I tease, though part of that isn’t a lie.

Thunder rumbles outside, louder, closer, and he tightens his hold on my hand. He draws my palm to the side of his face. We stay like that as he leans into my touch, eyes slowly drifting closed, his breath ragged and worrisome.

The room’s soft light casts shadows around him. The storm outside rages as he slips open his eyes once more.

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