Page 44 of Rage

“You wouldn’t,” I breathe, but even as I say it, I know it’s a lie.He would.And part of me, a part I’m not ready to examine too closely, thrills at the thought.

“Try me,” Mason says.“You’re mine, Meadow.Mine to protect.Mine to keep safe.And I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure nothing happens to you.Even if that means protecting you from your own stubbornness.”

The possessiveness in his tone sends heat pooling low in my belly.I should be outraged, should rail against his high-handedness.But instead, I find myself melting into him, my body betraying my mind’s feeble protests.

“Mason,” I whisper, my voice small and uncertain.

His expression softens, just a fraction.“I know you want to help, darlin’.I know it’s killing you to feel powerless.But the best thing you can do right now is stay safe.Let me handle this.”

I shouldn’t be so turned on by the fact that he threatened to spank me.Mason’s words sink into me, his intensity both thrilling and terrifying.My heart races, torn between the need to assert myself and the allure of his fierce protectiveness.I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry.

“Okay,” I whisper, the word barely audible.“I’ll stay out of it.For now.”

The tension drains from Mason’s body, his shoulders sagging with visible relief.In an instant, he pulls me against him, his arms like steel bands around me.I melt into his embrace, breathing in the familiar scent of leather and something uniquely Mason.My fingers curl into the fabric of his shirt, clinging to him like a lifeline.

“Thank you,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my hair.“You have no idea what that means to me.”

We stay like that, wrapped up in each other, as the events of the night crash over me in waves.Exhaustion settles deep in my bones, making my limbs feel heavy.A yawn escapes me, impossible to stifle.

Mason’s chest rumbles with a soft chuckle.“Time for bed, darlin’.You need rest.”

He starts to pull away, and panic flares in my chest.My fingers tighten in his shirt.“Stay,” I plead, hating the neediness in my voice but unable to stop it.“Please.I don’t want to be alone.”

His eyes soften, a tender smile tugging at his lips.“Of course.I’m not going anywhere.”

Mason helps me lie back, his movements achingly gentle as he arranges the pillows behind me.The mattress dips as he settles beside me, pulling me close.I curl into him, my head resting on his chest.The steady thump of his heartbeat fills my ear, a soothing rhythm.

“Rest now,” Mason murmurs, pressing a kiss to my forehead.His lips linger, warm against my skin.“I’ve got you.You’re safe.”

As I drift toward sleep, wrapped in Mason’s warmth and strength, a nagging thought tugs at the edges of my consciousness.Peterson is still out there.This calm feels temporary—fragile.But for now, in this moment, I let myself feel protected.Cherished.

My eyes grow heavy, but I fight to keep them open, to savor this feeling.Mason’s hand traces lazy patterns on my back, each touch sending little shivers through me.

“Mason?”I mumble, my voice thick with approaching sleep.

“Hmm?”

“Promise me something?”

His hand stills on my back.“Anything, darlin’.”

I tilt my head up, meeting his gaze in the dim light.“Be careful.When you go after him.I can’t… I can’t lose you.”

Mason’s eyes darken, a storm of emotions swirling in their depths.He cups my face in his hand, his touch impossibly gentle.“I promise,” he says, his voice low and fierce.“I’ll always come back to you, Meadow.Always.”

I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.Mason leans down, pressing his lips to mine in a kiss that’s both tender and desperate.When we part, I settle back against his chest, letting the steady rise and fall of his breathing lull me toward sleep.

As consciousness starts to slip away, one last thought floats through my mind.

This isn’t over.Not by a long shot.

But whatever comes next, we’ll face it together.

eight

Meadow

I wake with a jolt, my heart racing.Disorientation hits first, then pain.Every muscle screams in protest as I push myself up.This isn’t my bed.Then I remember Peterson.The scalpel.

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