Page 69 of Blade's Battle
Anna sat on the cave floor and wrapped her hands around the bars. Blue eyes implored Blade, giving away her every thought. She feared he’d go feral without the blood-bond.
He would. But he wouldn’t blood-bond her, not when she didn’t truly want the blood-bond.
“Can you at least come sit by me?” Anna asked, patting the dirt by the bars.
With his wolf so agitated, sitting required focus. For his Anna, his Angel, he’d try. Blade sat down on his side of the bars. Even in the dank cave, she smelled fresh, sweet, innocent. As she leaned her head against the bars, a lock of curly hair slipped through.
Blade stroked the few strands. Both of Callen’s feet were on the ground now, giving the enforcer proper purchase to lunge if necessary.
The silky texture of Anna’s hair in his hand brought back so many memories of carrying her when she couldn’t walk, of holding her in the cabin where Liam’s guards had confined him, of burying his face in her hair as he kissed that one spot behind her ear that made her melt in his arms.
Anna reached in and stroked his hand.
Heaven.
Blade didn’t know how long they sat there in silence, with her caressing his hand and him leaning against the bars, but his wolf gradually calmed and eventually backed down, relinquishing full control. It felt as if a boulder had been lifted off of his chest and he could finally breathe again. For the first time in days, Blade had full control over his wolf.
Then the memories surfaced with a vengeance. He remembered every step he’d taken, every word he’d said, how he hadassaultedAnna. Blade yanked his hand away from her and her body jerked awake.
“I hurt you.”
It took a moment for her to realize what he was talking about. “You remember?”
“Everything. God. . . Anna. I’m so sorry.”
“It wasn’t you,” she said softly.
His stomach churned at the memories of what he’d done.
“Your wolf, Blade?” Callen asked from behind Anna, brown eyes studying him. “What’s happening with him right now?”
Blade looked inward for his wolf. While the growling persisted, it felt like a low hum from within, barely noticeable. “My wolf is under control.”
“For how long?”
“I can hold him back. Anna’s presence helps considerably. Let me speak with Damien.”
Callen’s eyes moved from Blade to Anna and then Blade again, assessing them. He folded his arms across his chest and leaned back against the cave wall.
“I won’t hurt her,” Blade said. He never thought he’d have to say those words. Anna was his. He would never hurt her.
Except he had.
“Please, Callen.”
Callen scrutinized Blade a moment longer before shifting and leaving the cave. Blade sank back against the bars, tired. “I’m sorry, Anna. I never wanted to hurt you.”
“You didn’t.”
“I did.”
Her hands caressed his face. He closed his eyes, letting all that was Anna soothe him. Her touch felt like a warm blanket after waking on the cold forest floor. Simple, yet heavenly, and worth more than anything he could ever own.
“You didn’t attack me. That was your wolf. I know the difference and I’m not afraid of you, Blade.”
“You should be.”
“Then let me blood-bond you.”
