Page 97 of A Debt of Darkness

He does know better.

He’s here and it’s an affront.

But it’s not the most shocking thing about what just happened. Ivy demanded to know what was going on, daring to swear as she insisted I answer her. And my heart moved, shifting on its axis as all the stars in my universe shifted for her.

Just for her. Because she asked it of me—and without hesitation, I rewrote the laws that govern me and rearranged the constellations in my orbit. For her.

She commanded me and I obeyed.

The Master obeyed the pet.

It’s unheard of it. It’s unthinkable. It’s unnatural.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Ryan made a mistake and needs to pay for it. Atonement is part of a coven, part of our culture. This is Ryan’s and he accepts it because I am Master here and I have decided it is right.”

Her lips twitch. “It isn’t.”

Ivy’s eyes shine with an emerald so vivid it’s startling. She’s furious and a pulse of jealousy as green as her irises pours into me.

“You’re taking your anger out on him. You’re punishing him for your mistake, Henry. How is that fair?” She pauses. “Or reasonable?” She swallows and makes a dangerous choice. “Or justifiable? Or worthy? Why should any of us obey you when we don’t respect you?”

Fucking hell, she’s tearing into me.

Anyone else would have my hand around their throat right now. I’d be squeezing the life out of them if they drew breath. Heads would be rolling, quite literally. But I’m staring at the girl who commands my heart, unable to bear the agony she’s inflicting on me, certain I want nothing more than to make her happy.

“It’s more complicated than you think, Ivy.”

“Try me, Henry.”

I stand and pace, trying to find the words to explain to her how this works. She’s so innocent, so naïve. So damn trusting and this isn’t straightforward. It’s not simple and I don’t want to scare her.

I don’t want to scare myself—and, fuck, I don’t even know what it is I’m most angry about. I’m so damn livid I can’t make head nor tail of the mess, and I’m seething, irritated I’m justifying my decision. Justifying my feelings.

It’s been a long time since this happened.

I never explain myself and even Ryan doesn’t hold me to account. Yet this fragile human with the heart of a lion dares to roar, challenging me and forcing me to confront the unenviable, undignified truth.

I’m angry Ryan took something from me. That she offered him something she hadn’t offered to me. She let him drink from her, willingly, and without fear, going off her current behavior.

He risked her life, but he wouldn’t have had much control and I could forgive him if it wasn’t my wife. My mate. If she hadn’t given him her blood and memories, sharing that connection with him instead of me.

“Ah,” she says and her eyebrow arches, accusing me of everything stirring inside me. “Start talking, Henry. Before I do it for you.”

I’ll be damned if she labels me a coward as well as a liar.

“He risked your life, lea. He’s bound to me and sworn to keep you safe. Ryan broke his word and actions have consequences.”

Ivy adjusts herself. “I broke my word when I left the room. Matt broke his word when he went to check on what was happening. I don’t see either of us being punished…”

Dear gods, Ivy’s vicious.

Heaven help the soul dares to cross her. Ivy’s meeting me as an equal, standing toe-to-toe with me despite all my years of experience, and she won’t be moved. She might be the submissive, but there’s nothing timid about her.

She’s magnificent. She’s found her claws and she will not be quiet. She hasn’t even needed to accuse me of lying to strip away all pretense that there’s anything else going on.

“Did you want to try again?” she asks.

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