Page 6 of The Healer

A growl rumbled in his chest, and he found himself tightening his grip on her biceps and took a step closer. Sweat broke out on the back of his neck and he took another step closer, backing Nyx up against the rough stone wall of the building. He stooped down, hunting for the source of the scent. His nose brushed the shell of her ear.

Sweet poison, she was sweeter here.

Briggs groaned, running the tip of his nose up and down her neck. His claws lengthened and he pressed his body along hers, sinking into her curves. Dear god, it was heaven and hell. All he could focus on was her. She shivered beneath him and tipped her head to the side. His growl deepened at how she yielded to him. He pressed a kiss at the base of her throat, his tongue sneaking out to taste her skin. Nyx was delicious.

“Finally,” she whispered breathlessly beneath him as his thigh slid between her own. “I’ve been waiting for this.”

Briggs froze, her scent still muddling his mind. What did she mean finally?

“Nyx?” he questioned, pulling back far enough so he could see her eyes, but he couldn’t find it within himself to let her go.

She smiled up at him, eyes hazy with desire and… love? Panic wrapped around his chest. This couldn’t be happening. Her hands cupped his face, and she lifted up onto her tiptoes, lips almost brushing his own.

“I’ve known for two years that you’re my mate, Briggs. It’s okay. My mating call has finally kicked in. Don’t fight it.”

Mate.

The word echoed around in his mind. He couldn’t have a mate. Hell, he didn’t deserve one. Let alone his best friend’s younger sister. She was perfect and he was… broken.

Despite how her scent called to him, he managed to release her and stumbled back a few steps. It pained him. Everything inside him screamed to wrap Nyx up in his arms, carry her off, and make her his mate. But it was wrong. He could never have a mate—a wife—it just wasn’t in the cards for him.

And Nyx deserved so much more than himself.

She stepped away from the wall and he held up a hand, his claws fully extended. “Don’t come closer.”

Her smile dropped. “Why?”

Briggs shook his head. “This can’t happen.”

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “We can choose each other. I know it’s overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be now. We can wait. I’m just glad you know.”

He swallowed hard, her scent still swirling around him. “I won’t ever take a mate.”

The words seemed to echo between them. Her expression was shocked and then hurt.

“You’re rejecting me?” she whispered.

“No,” he rasped. “You’re my friend, but I can’t take a mate. You know what happened when I attacked you? I have those dreams every night. How could I ever risk someone I care about? I could never sleep in the same bed as my wife or take a nap near the fire if there were children. I am always a danger to those I love.”

Tears slipped down her cheeks. “So you’ve decided for us both?”

He shook his head, his heart breaking. “Matches come and go, Nyx, but I’ll always be your friend.” She nodded and walked away from him. He shot forward, unable to help himself, and caught her by the wrist. Just touching her soothed part of him. “I’m sorry.”

“So am I.” She yanked her wrist from his hand, a sob breaking from her throat. “So am I.”

Chapter Four

BRIGGS

Present Day

He tappedout a nervous rhythm on his thigh as Brine paced the room. First time fathers were always a wreck. They were more dramatic than the mothers most of the time.

“Where in the blazes is Nyx?” Brine growled, stalking back to the large fireplace. He grabbed hold of the mantel and braced himself, blowing out a hard breath. “They should be here.”

“Don’t worry,” Briggs soothed from his plush chair. “I’m sure she’ll be here soon.”

Brine glared over his shoulder at him. “Not fast enough. Scarlet won’t let me back in until Nyx arrives.”

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