Page 66 of A Debt of Darkness

She’ll be ready in a couple of days. Ivy’s asking for more and giving more back. She’s more compliant. She’s much more willing. I’m certain she’s going to let me fuck her and she’ll be marked as mine as soon as my come paints her cunt.

It’s an unusual quirk I’ve never fully understood, but the submissive’s scent always changes after the pair has fucked. Ivy’s has changed now I’m coming on her and in her mouth, but it isn’t quite there. Until it happens, another dominant might try to steal her.

I just need a few more days.

“Don’t fuck her before you’ve told her.” Matt leans against the wall and glares at me like I’m despicable for even thinking about it. “We’ve all used venom or blood to manipulate them into getting what we want. You wanted things to be different with her.”

“They are.” My fangs extend and I’m close to losing my shit. “She has a choice.”

“Then give her one,” Ryan says. “A proper one. It isn’t if she doesn’t know, Henry.”

“She’ll struggle, but it’ll be worse if she finds out afterward.” Matt’s trying to be gentle and it’s coming off as patronizing. “You know I’m right.”

I growl and he remains unmoved. “She’s my mate, Matt.”

He steps forward and his head tilts. He’s pushing his luck and the only reason I haven’t lashed out already is because he’s doing this for Ivy. For some misguided reason, he’s decided he knows better than me. About my mate.

“Then treat her like it. You said she was your equal, but she isn’t. She’s way above you.”

He marches down the corridor, leaving me standing as Ryan follows his partner. I watch them walk away—together—leaving me desperate for what they have. It’s total acceptance of each other. Complete openness. Absolute trust. Safety. Security. Home.

I creep into Ivy’s room and slide into bed, pulling her against me. Her little warm body nestles on mine and the thief who’s stolen my heart and soul nuzzles into me, giving me back more than she’s ever taken. More than she could ever take.

Hours pass and I stare at the ceiling, wishing I could sleep. Wishing Matt wasn’t right. Wishing I could have what he has with Ryan. Praying I can do this without hurting the most precious thing in the world.

She stirs. I stiffen.

She moans against me. I cling to her.

She stretches and wakes up. I close my eyes and pray.

“Did you want breakfast, lea?”

Ivy pulls herself upright and rubs the sleep from her eyes. Her hair is a tousled mess and her make-up is slightly smeared. She’s fucking beautiful. Stunning. More so than any of the masterpieces I’ve acquired over the centuries I’ve lived.

She shakes her head.

“You need to eat, lea.”

She pounces onto me and peppers kisses over my chest. Gods, she’s changed. She’s grown. She trusts me and she plays with me, pushing the boundaries in a way she knows delights me. Every touch is a moment of bliss and a stake through my heart.

I’ve got to tell her.

I’m not ready to tell her.

I’m not ready to lose her.

Fuck.

Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck.

She freezes and sits up, confused and worried she’s done something wrong. Her fingers dig into my stomach as she perches on me, question whether she’s made a mistake.

We were attuned, and now the equilibrium’s disrupted.

“What did I do, Master?”

I steal a kiss, desperate to have one last taste before I shatter her innocence. It might be a long time before she lets me kiss her again and my tongue explores her mouth, claiming every corner of it and savoring her taste. She’s sweet and tangy and I’ll never have enough of this, never grow tired of her or her body or her mind.

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