Page 87 of A Token of Blood and Betrayal

“I’m okay?”I held his gaze and managed another, less shallow breath.His eyes darkened ever so slightly, and the rise and fall of his chest synced with mine.

“Yes.”He tucked my hair behind my ear.“You’re still human.”

I slowed my breathing even further, helping him to do the same.The moment I’d stepped over the threshold, panic had stripped me of my logic and reason.I’d seen everything as a sign of what I didn’t want to become.I hadn’t paid attention to all the signs indicating I was still me.

“You should have led with that,” I said to Blake.

He smiled like I’d just thrown him a lifeline, like my words had tilted the world back into balance.It was genuine and warm and achingly raw, reaching the emotions I kept trying to bury.That smile… it was everything.

He pressed his forehead against mine, and the last of my fear melted away.I was human.I was safe.I was—

“Ouch.”

—still hurt.

Blake leaned back, and that smile turned apologetic.“Let’s take care of you.”

“I’m f—”

“If the wordfineleaves your lips while you’re still covered in blood, I’m sending Carrie an invitation to join your sex club.”

“Functioning,” I said.“And you wouldn’t.”

His eyes, almost entirely back to their warm and alluring brown, held a teasing challenge.“I’d love for you to test that theory.”

“Uh.”Visions of unicorn underwear and a steampunk cake topper flashed through my mind.“I’ll pass this time.Because tired.”

“Yeah.”He surveyed my body, frown deepening with each small scratch, each bruise, each bloodstain until his gaze finally took in my throbbing arm.An almost inaudible growl rumbled in his chest, and the faint edge of gold in his eyes thickened.“Astrid is working on a stronger poultice.It might be strong enough to keep you out of the hospital.”

He started to stand.

“Wait.”I touched his hand.“I need to be in the Null.”

“You need the magic,” he said.“Not just for the poultice but for the pain.I’m numbing it as much as I can.”

“Oh.”I didn’t have my walls up.I’d normally protest his magic, but I needed it.Needed him and a bed to sleep in.I was so tired and heavy and hurt.I just wanted to close my eyes for the next decade.“I don’t want Canyon to find me.”Blake’s expression darkened.Whether that was because he was angry the fey had entrapped me or because he was still upset I was keeping the terms of our bargain from him, I wasn’t sure.Maybe it was both.

“He shows.He dies.”

Probably the first explanation.

“Blake.”I tightened my grip on his arm.Barely.My muscles felt like pudding.

“I’ve got you, Kennedy.Nothing will happen to you.No one will touch you because you are mine to protect.”The words sounded like an oath, like a promise that would never be broken.

I nodded.

He didn’t move.He stayed in front of me, and I suddenly became aware of his proximity.His mouth was only a few inches away.I’d saved him by pressing my lips to his.He could save me by doing the same now.

His eyes heated.He leaned closer.

Then he suddenly stood.

“Raj is with me,” he said quickly.“I’ll send him to help with the pain.”

He turned toward the door almost like he was fleeing.Running away from a kiss?Why?We were outside the Null.He knew exactly what I was feeling—

The pain surged back, sharp and deep and debilitating.I doubled over, struggling to breathe.It was too much to handle on my own.I barely heard Blake call for Raj.Barely noticed when Raj stepped outside.