Page 53 of Rebirth

“How the fuck are you doing that?” she whispers.

I lean closer to her. I can’t help it.

Her scent is the only thing keeping me from turning and eradicating the ill behind us.

“Do what?” I ask, mouth brushing against her neck.

She stiffens but does not pull away. Little hairs rise along her nape as her breath quickens.

I am taking liberties here when I’d decided on distance. When being so close to her makes me behave so unexpectedly. She is a part of the equation I have not yet solved and for that reason, I should be more vigilant.

And yet…

Her skin is so sweet, I am tempted to taste it. Will it taste as good as her lips?

“He’rox,” she breathes.

Wrong word to say. Not my name. Not when I am in this state. I growl against her neck and her breath hitches.

I want to hunt. I want to kill.

And I want to claim. Her.

Right now.

“Y-you’re invisible.”

“I am cloaked.”

She releases a slow breath. “You’re…incredible.”

“Mmm,” I growl. Something about being here like this. Concealed and at her back is making…things occur inside me. “Compliments.”

Soh’fee giggles before stopping herself. She squeezes her eyes tight before schooling her features. “I thought you left me.”

“I would do no such thing.”

“You’ve been walking far behind me the entire time.”

“For your own safety. I am—”

She nods. “Right. Because you’re my enemy.” She turns her head slightly, gaze focused on where I crouch. “Then why don’t I feel threatened when you’re so close? Like now.”

My ba’clan wave and a thrill goes through me.

“This is no experiment, Soh’fee.” She blinks my way, taking my words in. “There are no defined parameters.”

“I could get hurt,” she whispers.

She has answered correctly. I am not to be trusted. I do not trust myself. And when I don’t reply she nods and a small, sad smile graces her beautiful face.

“Sometimes, to achieve anything, you have to sacrifice.”

I fall into myself.

There is no way she knows.

No way she can understand.

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