Page 56 of Dig Your Grave

The robed figure produced a small branding tool, shaped like a crescent, its tip glowing faintly from heat.

I jolted.A brand?My eyes flew to Anubis, panic mounting.

He looked outraged.“Is this necessary?”

Sophie’s voice dripped with sarcasm.“Afraid of a little burn, Captain?Your ancestors wore far worse.”

My mind reeled.Did I have to do this to avoid suspicion?A brand would be permanent.

But we had no choice.The robed figure gestured for me first.My legs nearly buckled.

Anubis stepped forward, voice tight.“I’ll go first.”

Sophie arched a brow but made no protest.Two watchers flanked Anubis, pushing up the sleeve of his black T-shirt.The robed figure pressed the heated crescent against his biceps.A sizzle, the faint smell of burned flesh, and a gasp from Anubis.

He clenched his teeth, not crying out.My own eyes brimmed with tears at the sight.

Then they turned to me.My vision swam.

“Left shoulder,” Sophie said casually.“You can hide it with a shirt if you like.”

“Why are these so public?The shoulder?”Anubis asked.“Why not somewhere more discreet?”

Sophie answered him with a sneer.“It’ll keep her out of the hot tub.”

He looked at me, pain flickering in his eyes.“I’m sorry,” he mouthed silently.

I forced myself to step up.The watchers bared my shoulder.The brand hissed as it met my skin, and I let out a strangled sob at the searing agony.

It lasted only a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity.Then the tool was pulled away.My entire arm throbbed, tears slipping down my cheeks.

Sophie clapped once, her smile predatory.“Well done.Now you bear the Mark of the Crescent.Wear it proudly, or hide it, just don’t forget what it means.”

Afterwards, Anubis helped me stumble out of the side room.We ended up in a shadowy corner of the lounge, where I leaned heavily on him, shaky from the pain.He hugged me carefully, mindful of my injured shoulder.

“That was barbaric,” I whispered, tears burning.“I… I can’t believe they.”

He gently cupped my chin, voice trembling with anger.“I’m so sorry.”

I pressed my forehead to his chest, listening to his racing heartbeat.The brand burned, a constant reminder of how deep we’d sunk into the Skulls’ grip.

Later, back at the caretaker’s cottage, we treated each other’s burns with cool compresses, soft apologies passing between us.

“I’m sorry I asked Sophie anything.”

“You said when I choose her.I don’t intent to.I told you that.”

“And I believe you.I was only looking for answers.”

“I’m sorry too.Sorry you have to worry about if you’ll end up with me in the grave.I don’t plan on digging another grave, Suede.”

Anubis called me by my real name, making me believe he was sincere about bringing down the Skulls.I decided to be honest.

“I believe you.I admit, every now and again, I’m scared this is another prank.That you’re actually using me, like you said before.How you could be sweet and get everything you want from me or you could be honest.Sometimes, I fear I’m wrong.”

“You’re smart to be suspicious Suede.It only means I need to do a better job of convincing you.I want out.I want to be with you.”Anubis caught my lips.But when he broke free, it’s as if I saw the old him again.“That doesn’t mean I don’t want to put you across my knee and spank you for doubting me.You’re right.I’ve been holding back.Because I long to punish you, hear you whimper, make you cry, and then lick your pussy and dry your tears.I’ve been scared you can’t love the real me.I’m cruel.I take what I want.It’s in my nature.”

“Show me the real you, please.”

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