Page 68 of Wrongfully Magicked
I’m not worthy of having a mate.
Not yet.
But the thought of leaving is unthinkable, my beast refusing to let her out of our sight.
I must prove myself first.
I’ll just have to protect her from afar and pray that she’ll eventually be able to tame my beast.
ANITA
My heart tries to pound out of my chest, my ribs the only thing preventing it. When Stryker retreats, I reach out for him, not wanting to let him go.Loneliness clings to him like a shadow, drowning him in darkness, and I worry he might vanish completely.
I didn’t rescue him only to lose him now.
I know what it’s like to have loneliness eat you up inside. It can drive you insane and make you reckless.
It can make you do things that will get you killed.
The thought of anything happening to him has my gut churning with dread.
No, I won’t allow that to happen, not to him.
I’ll just have to show him that he’s not alone any longer.
He’ll eventually learn I won’t let any harm come to him again. I don’t try to rationalize my actions. Protecting him feels right—an instinct I can’t ignore.
With that resolve firmly in place, I twist and look down at Darby beneath me. His normally pristine appearance is gone. His shirt is torn and stained, his hair is tangled in a wild mess, and dirt smudges his cheek. His eyes are a vivid blue as electricity crackles around him, the current tickling my skin, but I don’t feel threatened.
It feels like it’s searching me for injuries.
When it finds me relatively unharmed, the static in the room gradually dies down, and I’m surprised to find that I miss it. I reach out, placing my hand over his chest, and wonder fills me. “You came for me?”
He blinks in surprise, a deep furrow appearing between his brows, and he settles his hands on my hips, his grip almost too tight. “Of course I came for you.” His fingers splay wide, slipping under my shirt to brush against the skin, and his expression softens. “I’ll always come for you.”
Though I know better, my heart softens at his claim.
I almost believe him.
I’m actually shocked that Iwantto believe him.
Pulling away at the uncomfortable sensation, I hastily get to my feet. My gaze is drawn to Stryker’s hunched over form, and I frown, worried he might be seriously hurt. He watches me from the corner of his eye, frantically scrubbing the blood staining his fur, and doesn’t turn toward me until it’s gone.
Totally missing that his face is speckled with blood as well.
I should be repulsed, but I only feel vindicated and proud.
He killed those people to help me. He didn’t even hesitate to come to my rescue.
That means he’s mine now, right?
I smile at the thought, liking the idea more than I should. Stryker’s head snaps up when he notices I’m looking at him, and his blue eyes lock on my lips like a predator, yet I don’t feel afraid. In fact, my body warms under his attention, leaving me hungry for more.
He licks his muzzle, distractedly swiping away a few more specks of blood, his expression almost innocent. Though his gaze is intense, he keeps his mouth closed so he doesn’t flash his fangs.
I find myself totally charmed.
Before I can take a step toward him, Darby presses against my back, resting a possessive hand on my hip and keeping me in place. Even though it’s not aimed at me, I can practically feel the computer nerd’s glare.
