Page 26 of A Debt of Darkness

“I’ll return later. You’ll be wearing one of those sets. Ouragreement about your sister depends on it.”

Anger flashes over my face and he smiles. Calmly. Fucking calmly.

“I’m arranging a trust fund for her. It secures her independence and I’m prepared to let her live here if that would please you. I think you understand my terms.”

“I hate you.”

“No, pet, you don’t.”

I grind my teeth and want to hurt him. I want to do something, anything, to hurt him in the way he’s hurting me. Lashing out isn’t pretty and it’s often counterproductive, but it’s the one weapon he’s leaving me with and it’ll soothe my soul a little. And the consequences are a price I’m prepared to pay.

“The ruby one.”

Henry stares at me and it’s impossible to unpick his emotions. He’s on the verge of an implosion and my casual indifference catches him off guard, wounding him. I’ve stuck the knife in and twisted it by extending my left hand, resigned and bored.

He marches across the room, snatches the box from the table and shoves the rings on my finger. It isn’t romantic. It isn’t kind. It’s a moment that’s the opposite of what I’d wanted it to be, and of what he wanted too. It’s hurtful. Spiteful. Petty and bitter.

It’s apt.

He leaves before I start crying and the door locks. A pang of guilt rises in me as I start shaking, struggling to hold myself together. My head screams I’m doing the right thing, but my heart says I’m not and it wants me to run after him. It’s bizarre, it’s confusing and I don’t like it.

It’s enough to break me and I shatter, bursting into tears.I don’t care about anything anymore, it’s too much, too hard. My emotions are more than I can bear and I wail, lost and consumed and unsure how the hell I’m going to survive.

8

SHE'S PLAYING

HENRY

The video feed flickers and my hand tightens around my glass. This is unbearable and I’m on the verge of losing my goddamn shit. Ivy’s about to shatter, but not in the way I want her to.

It’s been three days. Three days of hell.

She’s ignored me. She’s screamed. She’s cried and wailed. She’s thrown things at me. She’s refused to cooperate and she thinks she’s winning.

She isn’t.

Mia removed the hideous fake nails and Ivy’s happier. She hid it well but the tiniest smile gave her away, and she’s revealed her tell. I know what to look for and I can use it against it.

A doctor examined her and confirmed she’s healthy. It means I can push her. It’s set the parametersfor how far I can go and she’s well enough to take a lot. She’s pushing it and if she won’t flex her mind soon, I’ll make her bend to mine.

Ivy doesn’t realize how lenient I’m being. She’s being indulged and I’m hoping the temper tantrum will peter out. Her room still has water and I’m still feeding her, even though she refuses to ask. Admittedly, her meals are small but they’re sufficient. Much longer and that will change. Hunger is a potent motivator. Boredom is too, and Ivy’s isolated and had little stimulation since she’s been here.

Ryan marches in and takes a seat. His edges are ragged and his weight sinks into the chair. He’s tired, but I don’t give a shit. I’m tired too and my days have been longer.

“It took longer than expected, but the Blackthorn Coven won’t be causing any more problems,” he says. “How’s Ivy?”

I grind my teeth. He waits impassively, ignoring the warning I’m sending him and leaving me little choice but to answer.

“Fighting.”

Ryan’s smile widens. “You enjoy it when your pets fight. Is it different with a mate?”

My eyes flick back to the video and watch my girl pacing around the room, pretending to stretch while she occupies herself. She’s asked for nothing, so I’ve given her nothing. She’s fraying around the edges, and I almost pity her.

“I wouldn’t know.”

My second stares at me like I’ve lost my goddamn mind. “You haven’t fucked her?” He pauses and my silence is all the confirmation he needs. “Why the fuck not, Henry? She’s your mate. I know you didn’t want one, but she’s meant for you. Quite literally.”

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