Page 80 of The Female

What a lucky day for her.

My muscles tense as I realize she’s the first female to see mine, but those situations are different. She’s the only female I’ve allowed to see me, but I’m probably the first man who’s ever given her the opportunity.

Traveling into the pits, I inhale the scent of death and will my wrath to return. It doesn’t fill my bones as it usually does, the damn incubus having settled me too much. Shaking out my limbs, I curse the bond for tying me to the annoying, pesky demon and head in further.

The pits were designed by my father when I was a small child. He wanted a place for debauchery, and what’s better than a pitch-black void of nothingness full of demons set out to kill one another?

My wrath stirs as a spear strikes me from behind and slices through my skin. Smiling, I crane my neck to the right to look at it. The tip protrudes from the front of my shoulder, and I laugh as I rip it the rest of the way through my body.

A good shot.

Now armed with a weapon, I turn and throw it at the demon who attacked me. It sails evenly through the air before lodging into his neck.

A better shot.

My mood perks as I approach the demon. He tries to cry out, but all that emerges is a pained gurgle. He’s a weak nightmare, his face contorted and stretched in agony.

His eyes beg for mercy as I grab the end of the spear and drive it further into his neck. Stupid demon. They always forget that they can and likely will die in here. Some come to have fun and burn anger, but that’s not the game I play.

I’ll be merciful and leave his body here for the others. They’ll be able to smell me on his clothing. Most will choose to leave and come back after I’ve returned to Wrath, but the few who stay will make for a fun challenge.

Pursing my lips, I forget all about Charlie as I succumb to my inner desires and drive the spear the remainder of the way through the nightmare’s neck.

19

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CHARLOTTE

IROLL OVERand stare at Gray as he sleeps, intrigued by the tiny freckles that line his cheeks and the stubble growing along his chin. The stronger breeds are always near-perfect, their skin flawless and free of markings.

Gray fits that bill, only occasionally marred by a scar or spot. I like them, and I shift my gaze to the hole in his ear where he once wore an earring. It’s hard to imagine him with one, and I wonder if I can convince him to put one of mine in when he wakes up.

His chest expands as he breathes, and I trace my finger down the bridge of his nose before leaning in and kissing his cheek. His skin feels like it’s growing colder, making me worry about his current state of hunger. I know he was full after feeding on Aziel and me the other day, but that was almost a week ago.

He hasn’t asked to touch me since the incident, but I can tell he’s starting to feel the effects. My lips purse as I debate offering, but the memory of that female on him prevents me from doing so.

My bottom lip trembles, my feelings getting the best of me as I recall how it felt to see him with Shay. He’s been genuine in his attempts to earn my forgiveness, apologizing thousands of times. He also hasn’t let me out of his sight.

I must admit I appreciate it, my jealousy urging me to keep him close so he can’t meander off to wherever it is he goes to during the day. It’s not healthy, and Gray’s been more than happy to whisper that gentle reminder when I get too clingy, but he still hardly seems upset by it.

Gray’s arm snakes up the blanket and his fingers curl around my wrist, his touch gentle as he pulls my hand to his lips and kisses my knuckles.

“Do you want to talk about last night?” he asks.

I shake my head, not wanting to think about it.

It’s too embarrassing. I was so angry when I woke up, and I immediately turned and punched Gray’s shoulder until he woke up, too. My voice was loud and shrill as I accused him of entering my dreams without permission, and Gray was so confused as he explained he wasn’t anywhere near them.

“No,” I say, rejecting his offer to speak about it.

I’d rather die than discuss my dream. I’m still in shock that my twisted, sick mind conjured up those intimate images of him and Aziel.

Gray sighs and props himself up on his elbows.

“You know there’s nothing wrong with being attracted to us, right?” he whispers. “It’s okay to fantasize about what happened last week.”

I clench my jaw, not wanting to talk about this. Gray’s being kind, but I’m still so mad and it’s confusing. I want things to go back to the way they used to be. I wish the party had never happened so I could continue pretending I’m Gray’s only female and Aziel doesn’t have some weird crush on me.

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