Page 116 of A Debt of Darkness

“You’re safe, lea. I have you. Always.”

He plants gentle kisses over me as my breathing slows and my vision recovers in time to see Ryan edging toward us. Henry growls and Ryan raises his hands, lowering himself slightly as he inches closer.

“What happened?” he asks.

“We’re mates,” Henry says, pulling me against him so tight I wonder if he’ll ever let go, “and Ivy just felt our bond. It snapped into place now she’s accepted everything I am. I’ve given her my collar and she’s given me her heart.”

32

THIS ONE'S MINE

IVY

Henry pulls me against him, purring as he strokes me. He’s refused to put me down since I almost collapsed on him and I’ve been content to let him carry me. He held me through the entire reception, introducing me to his coven while cradling me in his arms.

It felt strange but right.

The evening passed quickly but it was a relief to retreat to Henry’s suite. My head was spinning as Henry carried me to his rooms and it only stopped when Henry put me down on the sofa.

Matt closes the door behind us and Ryan smiles, sitting on the sofa opposite. Henry pulls me against him, getting his revenge on his second by telling me about the riot Ryan incited when he introduced Matt to the coven. Ryan shrugs as Matt hands Henry a glass of water before sitting down beside his partner.

“She’s thirsty, Henry.”

“She’s mine,” he says, snarling slightly. “Don’t interfere.”

Ryan rolls his eyes and pulls Matt back toward him, wrapping his arms around him as he sits back down. Ryan leans forward and meets Henry’s gaze as he kisses Matt’s neck and I watch as he starts to bite. Henry’s fingers dig into me a little harder and I realize Ryan’s teeth have pierced Matt’s skin and he’s feeding off his partner.

“You should learn our customs now you’re collared, Ivy.” Matt smiles as he looks down at me. “She’s ready, Henry.”

Henry tenses and I stare at Matt and Ryan, watching Ryan’s eyes change from their pale blue to crimson red. His skin turns a deeper shade of pale and Ryan holds Matt steady until he’s done, making sure I see his fangs as he moves away—and the oozing wounds left behind after.

“That’s enough,” Henry growls, turning my head away despite my protests. “Not tonight.”

“He has other plans,” Ryan says, his tone thick with amusement. “We should leave, babe. He's not ready for us to join them. Not yet.”

I sit bolt upright and growl, surprised by the vicious snarl rolling off my chest and up my throat. My chest tightens as a burst of heat spreads through it and my eyes narrow as I seethe at Ryan. My heart races and my stomach twists, as my muscles tense and my core readies to react. I’m deeply unsettled at the thought anyone else would come near Henry and my jealousy burns as hot as the fires in the hall.

Ryan shifts and I growl again, leaning forward and making it damn clear to whom Henry belongs. My feelings are irrational, but they’re potent, and I’m as territorial as Henry.

Maybe more so.

“Easy, Ivy.” Matt moves slowly, putting his body betweenme and Ryan. “We’re not a threat. It’s normal for us to enjoy our partners together without coming between you and Henry.”

Henry’s hand runs up my back and finds the collar at the back of my neck. He pulls me on his lap and toward him, holding my head next to his, leaving my front exposed as he arches it.

“Ivy’s mine,” he says, growling at Matt and Ryan.

“Obviously.” Ryan pulls Matt against him. “This one’s mine.”

Pressure pulls at my neck and Henry drags my collar back, forcing my body to arch away from the others. His hand slips to my front and he forces my back to arch until I’m straining to keep eye contact with Matt. I hiss and Henry increases the bend, leaving my face brushing against his chest.

“We enjoy our partners in the company of others, lea.” Henry’s tone cuts through the jealous rage brewing inside me. “They won’t intrude on what we have and you will stop treating them like they’re a threat.”

I grind my teeth and Henry sighs, fixing me in place as his hand runs down my center. A different kind of fire replaces the heat of my jealousy as Henry’s fingers slide over me, touching me with a featherlight touch that demands my attention.

“Needy, aren’t we, lea?”

I whimper and his fingernails drag over my chest, sending goosebumps shooting in all directions as he scratches the skin exposed above my dress. My heart races as Henry’s hands play and there isn’t a damn thing I can do to stop him.

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