Page 101 of Savage Desire

“But nothing happened.”

“Not this time, but what’s to say something doesn’t happen next time?”

I gulp, panic threatening to take me captive. Clearing my throat, my fingers twist into the sheets beneath me. “So what are you suggesting?”

“That you stay with one of us at all times.”

I scoff. “Like hell. That feels suffocating and I’m barely breathing as it is,” I blurt, and the curl to his lips offers no reassurance.

“I’m just trying to keep you safe.”

“Why?”

“Why not?”

“I can give you a million reasons why not if you want them,” I bite, my veins heating as every reason floods my mind, reminding me I shouldn’t be here.

He’s a wolf, they all are, and I’m a witch. This is only going to head in one direction: disaster.

“I need time to think about it.” I rise, my mind made up, but as I wrap my arm around my chest to shield my breasts from him, I find myself gaping at my arms. “The bruises…”

“The cream gets rid of them, pain and all, but that’s beside the point. I don’t think it’s a good idea for?—”

“I wasn’t asking. I want time. Respect that,” I grumble, quickly throwing my tank top and jacket on instead of scrambling for my sand. He doesn’t say a word as I slip my feet into my sneakers and hike my bag over my shoulder.

“Let me walk you back,” he offers, his jaw tight, and I know it’s taking everything in him not to steam roll me with his opinions. A fact I appreciate, which is why I nod in understanding.

He remains quiet as we leave his room, the silence overwhelming as we head downstairs and out into the open. Classes are going on right now, but there’s no point in rejoining them at this stage. I can explain my absence to my teachers tomorrow.

We haven’t left the woodchip trail before his hand is in mine, the warmth from his palm a beacon as we take the short walk to the witches’ dorms. He steps inside the building before I have a chance to leave him at the door, escorting me all the way to my room. I turn to face him at my door, but he shakes his head instantly.

“All the way inside, Silver,” he murmurs, and I sigh, but follow his request.

Opening my door, I take one step inside before I freeze, Asher right behind me. His sharp inhale confirms his attention is latched on to the same spot as mine.

“Is that?—”

“Yeah.”

Another black feather, only this time a pair of bangles accompany it. They’re almost the same as the ones that held my sigil in place, but they’re silver instead of gold.

“This feels like it’s alluding to something. It can’t be a coincidence,” I manage to splutter, despite my heart being lodged in my throat, and he nods.

“It is.” He sighs, wiping a hand down his face before he kicks my bedroom door shut and turns to face me. “He presented me with a new bargain the night of the fight.”

“Okay?”

“One where I do a job for him, and in return there may be something that may be of value to me, well, us all, but…”

“Tell me. What does he hold over your head?”

His eyes search mine for the millionth time before he nods. “We’re trying to put an end to the blood kin curse.”

I rear back in surprise, my hand slipping from his. “That’s… not possible.”

“Says who?” he asks, cocking his brow, and I shake my head, unable to give him a viable answer.

“I don’t… what does he have to offer you?”

---