Page 57 of Malcolm

Eliza

The savage glee that had been on Malcolms face was carved into her memory, causing her to feel breathless.

The way he’d toyed with his opponent had been a bit too fun to watch. She’d been worried for nothing; he hadn’t once taken his opponent seriously. Every move he’d made had been calculated; that handsome face and easy smile hid a predator who knew exactly how to go about killing his enemies.

The memory of the black look on his face as he pulled the head from the other werewolves’ shoulders would have traumatized her a few months ago.

Instead, her mind was caught up in the storm of violent anger. How dare that weak dog attempt to kill her? And his throw had been so wide that he could’ve harmed the women seated behind her.

Eliza fury had been so blinding, her magic reacted first, completely slipping from her control.

Pressing a hand to her forehead, she sighed. She was glad the others had dropped her off back at her cabin, where she could rest alone and change clothes.

Her heart was racing, and her cheeks felt warm even as she tried, and failed at not imagining Malcolm grinning with blood splattering across his fierce expression. Something was wrong with her getting so excited at the image of him being so ruthless, especially when he was kind and patient with her.

She half-turned and fell on her bed. Grabbing his pillow, she brought it to her face and inhaled his woodsy scent with a touch of mint. She sighed; she wanted him.

The danger of her desire would derail her plans. The door opened, and she slowly pushed herself back up to watch Malcolm enter, He didn’t look at her as he shut the door behind himself.

“So, you’re now their Alpha, their leader,” she said by way of greeting.

He reached up and unclasped his cloak and pulled it off. He settled it on the back of the chair near the door. “It looks like it.”

“The body of the other opponent?” she asked, as she straightened fully. “Did his family retrieve it?”

“His father will burn him on the pier tonight,” he said, as he walked towards her. “I shouldn’t have teased him so much; my playing with him is what pushed him to the edge.”

Taking note of his troubled expression she stood and walked over to him. “Don’t blame yourself for what he did," she said, stopping right in front of him. “Plus,You can’t be responsible forme forever. I—one day, I’ll have to face the music and return to the place I ran away from.”

“I wouldn’t send you away,” Malcolm said his expression turning grim. “And those who’d hunt you down wouldn’t be able to rip you from my hands.”

“And what if I don’t want anyone to hurt themselves over me? I know that the time I have is borrowed. I am not stupid enough to think I can live here in hiding forever.”

“You aren’t getting it, Eliza,” Malcolm snapped, averting his eyes. “I don’t think I could stay here without you.”

“You shouldn’t get attached to me,” she said, hardening her heart. “I won’t lie about my feelings towards you. I want you, but we have to be realistic about what would happen if I stayed. I am an experiment gone wrong, and someone will come looking for me sooner or later.”

“Then they’ll find me and my men,” Malcolm said, facing her abruptly. “I won’t let you go for anything. I’ve waited my entire life for you, for this. Once a wolf claims something as its own, it won’t let go. Not even in death.’’

She looked into his eyes, trying to find the lie, but she couldn’t. She wanted to. If she could find a crack in his façade, she could pull herself away from him. Unfortunately, she could tell his was telling the truth.

Malcolm desired her. The her that was broken and had little resemblance to the woman she’d been before. Eliza wanted to curl into his arms, be comforted, and avoid the reality around her and inside her. The silent sound of magic she’d ignored stirred around and moved as she grew stronger.

“If someday I have to leave, don’t stop me,” she said softly.

“What are you trying to say,” he demanded.

“I need you to promise me that if I have to go, you won’t chase after me. That you would go on as if you never met me.”

“No,” he spat.

“Malcolm,” she pleaded, reaching out to him.

He retreated a step, avoiding her touch. “I won’t make such a stupid promise to you, now or ever. If you leave, I will hunt you down to the ends of the earth, and across the seven realms,” he threatened, turning around and slamming out of the cabin.

Her heart hardened as she watched him go.

“You shouldn’t let him leave like that.”

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