Page 37 of Silent Lucidity

Her fingers numbly closed around the package. “Okay.”

Tenthil released his hold on both Abella and the package and took a step backward.

Abella stared at him for a moment before glancing at the blood stain. Pressing her lips into a tight line, she turned, walked to the couch, and seated herself on the edge of its remaining cushion. She looked up at Tenthil again. When his eyes dipped to the food, she sighed, shoved her fingers into the opening, and pulled out one of the smaller packages. She tore it open and ate without looking at it.

The food didn’t have much flavor, but at this point, she didn’t care. It would fill her belly, and Tenthil finally giving her some answers was far more important than enjoying a meal.

As she chewed, he turned and paced away from her, directing his gaze toward the floor. He stalked back and forth like a caged animal; Abella couldn’t guess at what was going through his mind, but it seemed serious.

After she’d taken a couple more bites—chewing slowly—he finally stopped. He stood with his fists clenched at his sides and did not look at her when he spoke.

“They were acolytes of the Order of the Void. I am one.Was.”

“And what does that mean? What’s this order’s purpose, besides…death?” she asked.

“Secrets. Collecting them, holding them. But mostly death.” He angled his head downward, and his hair fell to block his face from her view. “We are assassins. The best.”

Abella’s eyes widened. “You’re anassassin?” The food she’d just swallowed felt like a rock in her gut. “Were you…supposed to kill me? Is that why they are after you? Afterus?”

He lifted his chin, brushed the rogue strands of his hair aside, and met her gaze, his silver eyes ablaze. He shook his head. “Because I killed Cullion. Because of how I killed Drok. I disobeyed, caused too much trouble. Exposed the Order to witnesses.”

Abella lowered the package, her brows falling low. “Why?”

Somehow, the fire in his eyes intensified. “I needed you.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “What?”

“Needed you,” he repeated, approaching her. “From the moment I saw you, I needed you, Abella.”

That night they danced, she’d seen the need in his eyes, hadfeltit, had responded to it. She’d reveled in it—and she had wanted him, too.

Tenthil stopped before her and sank to his knees. He leaned toward her, placing his hands on her hips. She felt the prick of each claw through the material of her shirt. Rather than scare her, they only heightened her awareness, making her wonder how they’d feel gliding across her bare abdomen.

“So all of this…is because ofme?” she asked.

“For you. Not because of you.” He tightened his hands and pulled her closer, wedging himself between her knees. “You haunted my thoughts while we were apart. We danced in my dreams. You are mine, Abella, as much as I am yours.”

His words made her breath quicken; his nearness made her sex pulse. “All from one dance?”

Tenthil caught her free hand and drew it toward him, flattening her palm against his chest. “I feel it inside. I recognize it in your scent. You are my mate.”

Oh God.Hismate?

“B-But we’re from two different species,” she said, drawing back.

The look on his face—his silver eyes intent, slowly being devoured by the black of his pupils, his lips pressed together in a firm, unwavering line—was his answer. It didn’t matter; he didn’t care.

“Tenthil, we just met.”

His expression didn’t waver.

“I’m going to the embassy,” she pressed. “I’m goinghome.”

His eyes held hers for a few more seconds before he rose, withdrawing his hands from her. “Eat.”

“Tenthil?”

He turned his back on her and walked toward the desk.

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