Page 19 of Crimson Mate

I glance up at him, feeling connected to him in the way I used to, in the times where we agreed on almost everything, and constantly danced on the same page.

“Thank you,” he says again. “For saving my life.”

I laugh softly. “You would’ve stopped that blade.”

“But you did it for me,” he says. “Maybe you don't want me dead after all.”

The smile drops from my face just as the flames on the bodies ignite.

“That was never the problem,” I say. “Was it? The real issue was that I wanted you tolive, for me. But you didn't.”

Zachariah flinches, and I feel that pain resonate inside my chest. I shove it down as I stomp over to where Ajax is trying to pretend like he didn't hear what I just said.

“Will you wend me back to the residence?” I ask the giant, who gives me the respect of not looking to Zachariah for permission. Instead, he simply gives me a supportive smile and grabs my arm, wending me back to the residence without question.

And as I hurry into my quarters like I can outrun the pain in my heart, I think about the zero hesitation among the hunters. Think about the way they take care of each other and their mates.

And I hate that Imournthe family we could have been. The family we could be, if only Zachariah had included me in his plans instead of shoving me out under the guise of it being for my own good.

CHAPTER 7

Zachariah

Itoss and turn on the bed, sleep evading me despite it being midday.

My mind is restless, my thoughts snapping from Talia’s cutting words to her sexy-as-hell kiss.

The blood runs hot in my veins just thinking about her lips pressed against mine, the way her soft curves had felt underneath my hands. The way she'd gone pliant in some areas, and tense in others.

The way I couldn't stop thinking about having her under me, sinking my cock and fangs into her at the same time like I’d dreamed about for centuries.

Fuck me, I was half hard just thinking about it.

Ifelther in that kiss.

Felt the Talia I knew all those years ago—the one with the brilliant mind and the wicked tongue and the sweet-as-sin smile. The Talia I spent countless nights walking along a moonlight beach with, the conversation between us free-flowing and never-ending, never reaching a lull or a wall. The Talia who I could barely separate myself from even when dawn approached and the sun forced us apart. The Talia I planned to marry and complete the mating bond with after we said traditional vows.

The Talia I let get away.

I can’t let that happen again.

I can't make that mistake again.

I have to make amends. Have to let her know I regret leaving her more than anything else I’ve regretted in my entire existence.

Have to convince her to tell me what she needs from me to earn her forgiveness. All she has to do is speak it and I’ll make it happen.

I fling the sheet off my body, not bothering to put on a shirt as I storm out of my room, stopping in front of the door right next to mine. I hesitate for only a moment, my fist raised above the wood, before knocking.

Talia opens the door, wearing a pair of indigo silk pajamas with shorts that show off her luscious thighs, and a tank top, her breasts peaked beneath the thin fabric. Her lilac eyes trail the length of my body, widening at my bare chest and the simple pair of pajama pants I wear hanging off my hips.

“I see the uniform has changed,” she says, her tone dripping in that snark she hasn't let go of since I first saw her. “It's the middle of the day, Zachariah,” she continues before I can respond. “What do you want?”

I struggle to remember how to speak, groaning at just the sight of her. She's the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen, and everything in my soul reaches out for her.

“It's not about what I want,” I finally grind out the words. “It's about what weneed. May I come in?” My muscles are basically locked as I hold myself in place, my fingers itching to touch her bare skin so beautifully on display.

Fire ignites in her eyes as she arches a brow at me, stepping back just slightly to allow me in. “You always did have the finest manners,” she says in a teasing tone as I step over the threshold.

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