Page 38 of The Demon King's Destiny

“What will you do if you don’t find their mates?”

Marrok wiped his mouth with the hand not holding hers. “Whatever I must.”

His frame had stiffened with her question. A good leader always had a backup plan. Of course he had one. He didn’t have to say aloud what it was.

Evelyn stopped in place and tugged on his hand. He looked down where they were joined. Slowly, his eyes trailed up her arm to her face. She could feel his inner turmoil.

“I don’t like the thought of putting them down, Marrok, but I know you’ll do what you think is right. That’s all you can do. If you need me, I’m here.” She stepped closer, cupping his masculine jaw. “Whatever it is, you’ll not face it alone. Not anymore.”

Marrok closed his eyes and nuzzled her palm. His demon spirit purred as it did whenever it felt the solace of her soul. His mate was getting to him, offering him comfort on the chance he might have to perform despicable acts.

Needing to change the subject, he reached into his pocket. “There is something else we need to discuss.”

Evelyn watched him dig a white swath of material out from his jacket. He dangled the familiar lace in front of her eyes.

“Is that … where did you get those?” She reached to snag them away but he pulled them out of reach.

“Ah-ah, these are mine now.”

Butterflies danced around in her tummy. He wanted to keep her undergarments? How sordid—and yet so very riveting.

“How did you get those?” she asked again.

“I woke up with them in my hand.”

Her head tilted slightly, her thoughts buzzing around, trying to land on a logical reason he could have done such a thing.

Evelyn looked to the right, thinking. The bubbling brook was close and she thought about the day she’d fallen off the boulder. The trinket still hung around her neck, under her clothing. She rarely removed it.

“When dreamwalking, you can transfer material objects?” she queried.

“Few can manage to enter the dreams of others, though it can happen. Obviously. We can harm one another while dreamwalking. As you’ve learned, we can also bring pleasure.” Marrok took a long inhale before tucking the lace back into his pocket. Evelyn blushed.

“However, I’ve never heard of being able to physically manipulate inanimate objects to the point they can be transferred from one place to another. I could, say, rip your clothing and when you awoke, it would be torn. But it would still be with you. Me taking anything of yours, and it being in my possession when I wake, should not be possible.”

“Apparently it is.”

“Apparently.”

Evelyn slid her hand out from his and walked to the small embankment, close to her favorite meditation spot. She lifted a hand to the boulders. “This is where I meditate sometimes.”

Marrok’s eyes flicked to the large rocks. “This is where you fell?”

“Yes. I didn’t consciously walk here, this was just my favorite walking path. I’ve wanted to show you—to tell you—something.”

“You want to show me the place where another male harmed you?” his soft voice was counter to the rage he felt. Two years had done nothing to diminish his displeasure.

“No. Something else happened that day and I think it’s important for you to know.”

Marrok’s claws sprung free, unwillingly, as his demon vaulted to the surface. Seeing Evelyn’s step backwards, he was able to get control.

“What else did he do?” he gritted out.

“Jasper? Nothing. He’s harmless. I’m not referring to him.” Evelyn reached inside her shirt and gently extracted the chain. She pulled it over her head and extended her arm towards Marrok.

“This is what I wanted to show you.”

Marrok’s already rigid muscles contracted and pulled even tighter against his frame. Air did not come easy and he had to fight to maintain his composure.

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