Page 34 of Thanatos' Craving

Juniper lifted her eyebrow and leaned on the table.

“Excuse me?”

“I said open, mortal. I’m going to feed you since you are incapable of feeding yourself. I will not have you trying to die in my care.”

She smiled.

“What?”

“Aw, you worry, you care. You have more emotion than you think,” she cooed at me.

I shook my head. “I know worry and anxiety.”

She directed a finger towards me, her expression stern. “It’s not the same,” she asserted. “Your worry goes beyond just being anxious. You act and show care, ensuring that I don’t choke. Your worry turns into genuine caring, showing a deeper level of concern.”

I hummed, mulling over her words.

This seemed to be true. I held more regard for her than anyone else.

Because she was mine.

She was going to be mine until her mortal body could hold out no longer, and even then, I would figure out a way to keep it with me.

I could not tell her earlier that she was worth more to me than just the information that I needed from her. She had been through much, and I would not have her turn her back on me now, not when she looked at me without fear.

I held the fork up to her mouth. She stared at it and then at me. She wasn’t happy about my command, but there was no other option. I would not have her choke. I wouldn’t have her die in my care. I would wrap her in my protection for the rest of her days.

“Eat, or I will have it transform into your stomach and bypass your mouth,” I growled.

“You wouldn’t dare.” She crossed her arms.

“Try me.” The fireplace and candles flickered in the room.

Not testing me, at least for now. She opened her mouth and took the bite. She hummed and smiled as she chews. Warmth bloomed in my cold bones. I couldn’t understand the feeling of warmth that didn’t come from anger that often bloomed inside me when provoked. The more she ate, the more warmth spread through my marrow. Providing for her, making sure she didn’t choke, and she was safe in my presence brought me more peace than I have had in the longest while.

Joy? Could this be joy? Joy and happiness frequently intertwine. I could ask her if this is what it could be, but I dared not overwhelm her. I didn’t want her to know my possessiveness for her. I couldn’t let her know, not yet. I needed to let her have at least a few days of wakefulness before I let her know how deep my craving of her soul truly was.

I felt the heat of Fluffy’s stare on the side of my hood. His head butted my femur, and I stared down at him.

“Fluffy?” she wiped her mouth with the clothed napkin. “His name really is Fluffy?” She let out a jolt of laughter.

Fluffy and I both gazed at her as she laughed, her hand hitting the table.

Her voice was harmonious. I couldn’t understand how people could let out the sound of laughter. What caused it, what made things so funny? In my life, I believed I had laughed, but it had been so long, I’d forgotten what it felt like.

“What is wrong with the name Fluffy?” I petted his head.

“You are the God of Death.” She wiped away a tear. “And you named your pet the sweetest name. You also take care of me and cut up my food. Seriously, Thanatos, I’m questioning if you really are the god you say you are.”

I didn't know if this answer should offend me or please me.

Of all mortals, I didn't want her to fear me, but I wanted her to know that I could rip any soul from a body if they ever threatened her.

“A female named this wallow in a previous life. I’ve kept his name, so he doesn’t lose himself.”

Her face softened and reached out to pet Fluffy. “You mean, this is his soul? Then why can I pet him, touch him?”

She kneeled on the stone floor and I immediately wanted to pull her into my lap. I didn’t want her knees to become bruised from the floor, to feel the harsh stone. I restrained myself, my hands tightening on my femurs.

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