Page 35 of Taming the Wicked Wolf

I lean down and scratch her ears, then right behind her little cheeks as she sways back and forth from the force of her tail as I dwell on the silence.

Don’t say it. Just don’t.

“I guess it’s over.” I say, keeping my eyes on her as I stand.

Silas turns and looks at me, his brows drawn, “What do you mean?”

“With the police report, I have enough of a case to get a protective order against Chase.” I still feel that weight on my shoulders, it hasn’t fallen away yet, but that’s probably because things are unfinished with Silas, “The soul contract is fulfilled. You protected me from him. You’re free to go do whatever demons do.”

I look up to see a muscle tick in his jaw as holds out his hand, flexing it to admire the scar on his palm, the twin to mine that solidified our deal. He laughs, deep and sardonic, then rubs his hands together, a flash of sparks spraying from the swift movement.

There’s a sharp pinch, then when I look down the mark is gone. The skin isn’t even pink. It’s as though we never made the bargain in the first place.

“What did you do?”

“I don’t doanything. That’s the problem, Emilia.” He says, letting his hands fall at his sides, “I slept there on your couch, I babysat Poppy while you were at work and I helped you install a deadbolt. That’s all.” He flails his hand at the door behind me. “I am not owed anyone’s soul. Especially notyours.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” I fold my arms across my chest, ignoring the barb settling between my breast.

Poppy ignores us both, walking into the kitchen with her toy. Sure, let mommy and daddy argue. There’s no reason for you to watch this.

“I have lived by one rule.” He holds up a finger, taking a step closer to me. “In all of my years, and all the deals that I’ve made. I broke it when I fell in love with you.”

His gaze pulls a ragged breath from my lips, I reach up and place a hand over my chest, Silas follows the movement with a tilt of his head, his eyes molten amber.

“I resented my parents for so long, but after all these years, I realize it’s because I want what they have. Now, you’re standingright in front of me and I don’t know if I deserve it. Or if I deserve a life here in this place.” He looks down, his ears laying flat against his head, “I don’t even know if you would have me after everything that you’ve been through.”

My mind is reeling, the hope building in my chest is almost painful. I forget to respond, letting silence gather between us like a storm.

“Did you mean what you said?” Silas asks, his voice even, but his ears give away his true feelings, “Back in the parking lot.”

When I told him I loved him, just a knee-jerk reaction, a momentary slip where all of my carefully restrained emotions tumbled free and left me raw. It reminded me of how numb I have been, just surviving up to this point without something to fight for, I never saw my own heart or future as enough of a reason. Until now.

“I did.”

His eyes soften as he closes the distance between us, reaching to touch my cheek.

I grab his wrist, my powers churning alongside my emotions. If I hurt him, I would never forgive myself.

“I can’t.” I look up at him, “There were a few moments where I felt like I was going to set the whole town on fire. I still have to find a way to control it.”

Silas smiles, his ears straightening.

“You don’t need control, sweetheart.” His voice deepens, sending a jolt down to my core, “You need an outlet. Someone who can withstand the flames without getting burned, figuratively speaking.”

“Maybe we could come to some sort of deal?” I tease.

“No more deals, Emilia, just you and me.”

He lifts his hand and a small light blue flame sputters to life in his palm, the same color as his markings. It’s not the size that matters, but the control, he keeps the magic contained within aperfect orb. It must be those 200 years of experience he has on me.

With a flick of his wrist, the fire engulfs the entirety of his palm, drawing me in. I take a few steps forward, placing my hand against his. The force of his magic sings through me, the exchange of power intoxicating.

There’s a softness to his magic, a vulnerability that he keeps locked away beneath his biting wit.

“Don’t be afraid.” He murmurs, moving closer and intertwining our fingers, “I can handle everything you give me. Let me take care of you.”

He’s not just talking about my magic, I can see it clear as day, this is his way of baring his soul to me. Not through words or actions, but with our raw, unbridled connection. A level of intimacy that I could never share with a mortal.

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