Page 23 of Blood Marked

“So that’s it,” she said. “You care because it wouldinconvenienceyou.”

Kael stepped in.

Too close.

“I care,” he said, voice low, “because the second I knew you weren’t here, my wolf went feral.”

Selene stilled.

“I didn’t know where you were,” he said. “And it drove memad. That’s the truth. I can’t think straight when you’re not where you’re supposed to be. And I hate that.”

Selene’s lips parted, breath shallow.

The space between them crackled.

Tension spiraled in the air like static before a storm. She tilted her chin up, defiantly. Her mouth was so close to his now, Kael could see the faint shimmer of anger still clinging to it.

He leaned forward, just an inch—just enough for her to feel the pull.

Her breath faltered.

“Kael—”

His name on her lips wasn’t a warning. It was an invocation.

And it nearly undid him.

But he didn’t move. Not the final inch.

He couldn’t.

If he kissed her now, he wouldn’t stop.

He’d take.

And she might let him, because the bond hummed with something hungry and deep—but he wouldn’tknowif it was really her choice.

So instead, Kael stepped back.

A slow, careful retreat.

Selene swallowed hard, her face unreadable.

“You really are a coward,” she whispered.

He flinched. Just enough to notice.

“You’re right,” he said, voice rough. “But if I lose control, I’m not the one who pays.”

Her eyes darkened.

Then she turned and walked past him, toward the fire. Her cloak hit his arm as she passed, a soft sweep that felt like a punch to the chest.

She didn’t look back.

Kael stared at the flames long after she disappeared behind the curtain that divided the room.

And his wolf?

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