The first threetimes my eyes open, Demo is standing at the end of the hospital bed, arms folded, staring at me. Massive. Mean. Slightly ugly, but I could totally see how some girls would think it’s that kind of ugly-sexy look, especially with his size.
I’m not a fan of Demo for a variety of reasons, but he’s at least keeping Des away from me.
The fourth time my eyes open, I see Tyrant. My heart monitor goes absolutely crazy and my body warms over as though I’ve been placed six inches from the sun.
I fucking melt at the sight of Tyrant.
“Tyrant,” I whisper.
“Right here,claimed one,” he says in a deep voice. “Just catching up with Demo.”
I know Demo is going to tell Tyrant about Des. When he does, Tyrant has that sudden murderous look in his eyes.
“We took care of it,” Demo says. “Serafina and me. I kept him away from her. She threw a fucking fit until the nurses and docs sedated her. Then they booted Des from the hospital.”
“He was still here though,” Tyrant growls.
“Your brother was here too.”
“What?” Tyrant asks.
“When?” I ask.
“You were sleeping,” Demo says. “Luc wanted to check up on things. There were others from thelegiontoo. I’m not sure who though. Whatever is going on here, it’s intense and getting to everyone.”
I see the way Tyrant’s jaw tightens as he nods. He has something to say but he’s holding it in. He thanks Demo for helping. Demo then looks at me and nods.
“Sorry for being a bitch,” I call out in a weak voice.
Demo leaves the hospital room and Tyrant comes to my side and leans down. He doesn’t kiss my forehead—he goes right for my lips. I feel self-conscious. My lips are dry, cracked, and my breath…
Tyrant kisses me hard. Commanding.
“Am I allowed to ask where you were?” I whisper.
“No,” he says.
His left hand takes a firm hold of my jaw. He squeezes. It hurts. That ache sends shooting pulses of need throughout my body. I feel like I haven’t been touched by Tyrant in a decade, maybe longer. I can’t believe what he’s done to me. What he’s unlocked inside me. A side I never knew existed. A side I never knew I wanted to explore.
My problem with that is that I only want it to be Tyrant who explores that side with me. I want him to teach me, push me,punish me. Nobody else. But what choice do I have…
My eyes fill with tears.
“I let you down,claimed one,” he whispers. “You were attacked. You could have died. Whoever did this wanted you to die.”
“Tyrant, this is not your fau—”
He squeezes harder and the pain makes me lose my voice.
“I can’t wait to get you out of here. Soon, Sera. I promise. You’ll be better rested back atSA. With me.”
I nod. I agree with that for sure. I don’t want to be in this hospital anymore.
He releases his grip on my jaw and leans in to kiss me again. I can feel the tension pouring from him. He’s certainly not used to being in any kind of position that resembles vulnerability. At the same time, I feel the same way. I’m the one being attacked over and over. I want answers. I want this to stop. I want to know why.
There’s a sudden knock at the door and when it opens, I can’t believe my eyes.
My stepmother is here.