Page 52 of To Crave Madly
“I did warn you, Alec. You only have yourself to blame.”
He scowled and the brightness in his eyes dimmed as he narrowed them. He looked pissed. Well, it served him right for being an asshole.
“I’ll get you back for that. Just you wait, Cupcake.”
I gulped. I hoped I hadn’t just started a war between the two of us. Especially since he was now looking at me with the most wicked expression that had my toes curling in my boots. I couldn’t quite decide if I was terrified or turned on.
And I didn’t know which one would be worse.
Shit. What have I done?
Chapter 16
LORI
After a long hot shower to wash away the afternoon’s events, I dressed and threw my brown curls up into a messy bun. I needed carbs. And sugar. Lots of sugar. I threw open my door and walked straight into the solid chest of Torsten.
“Do you need to stand quite so close to the door?” I asked while rubbing my nose.
“Forgive me, Mistress. I was guarding the entrance to your quarters. The dragon was lingering, and I did not like the way he looked at your door.”
His two-tone eyes held mine and I realised that it had been a while since I had seen him. “Where’ve you been? I thought you were supposed to protect me?”
“I have been watching from the shadows. I know you do not enjoy my presence, so I thought it best to remain in the shadow world.”
Huh. That was actually quite thoughtful of him. It wasn’t that I didn’t like having him around, I just didn’t like having someone next to me all the time, but equally, it felt weird that he was watching from the shadows. Wait a minute…
“How long have you been in the shadows, Torsten?”
If he had been watching me while I was with Lucifer, I was going to be pissed. And a little embarrassed.
“I did not stay during your intimate moments. But I have been watching the rest of the time. Your blade skills have improved.” The last words were delivered with a grin and I knew he’d seen me throw a knife at Alec. I was still wary of the revenge Alec might seek for that little attack. As if reading my thoughts, Torsten advised me not to worry over what the Hound might do. He would make sure that no harm would come to me by Alec’s hand. A reassurance I was particularly grateful for because it meant I wouldn’t have to watch my back every second of every day just wondering when he’d strike.
“Right. Well, I’m going to look for something to eat. Coming?”
I didn’t wait to see if he followed or just dissipated into the shadows but, judging by the lack of following footsteps from him, I figured he’d stepped into the shadow world. As I made my way closer to the kitchen, I heard raised voices drifting down the hallway.
“—do you think you’re doing?”
That was Cassian, all pissy and demanding.
“Looking for some blood. What does it look like I’m doing?” Jasper retorted. A flash of anger swam through me at his words. For some reason, it annoyed me that he was taking his food source from somewhere other than me. But that was absurd. He’d need to feed, and I wasn’t exactly offering. Was I?
“You know what I mean, Jasper.”
A cupboard door slammed. “This really isn’t the best time for this.”
“Why? Because you’re refusing to feed from any of the doners? Because you’re so starved that you’re on the cusp of bloodlust?”
I heard a deep growl from Jasper in response. Fuck, why wasn’t he feeding? Was that my fault?
“Look at you,” Cassian seethed. “You’re almost feral. How can you even think you’re fit to lead this team?”
“And what’s your excuse? Hmm? Why are you so set on hating her or letting her walk into danger so she will get herself killed? I see it in your eyes, Cassian. You fear what she is to you and that fear is going to drive you insane.”
Wait, what did Jasper mean?
“You know nothing of what she—”
