Page 31 of Anaki

My torso, I knew, was appropriate enough to show to everyone in the cabin. While I didn’t have my soulkin chains clipped on my nipple rings to enhance my broad chest and bring her attention to my body, she still had her fill.

Her arousal that gathered near her thighs was a testament to that.

And goddess, when I fed her! She let me feed her. It was all I could do to keep my dragon’s rumblings of satisfaction quiet enough to not scare her off. She was still hesitant, worried; the anxiety rolled off her in waves, but her elder made no attempts to keep me away from her.

Unfortunately, it was Elena who pushed me away, and she stayed away from me for the rest of the day. It hurt that she wanted me clothed and to not look at my body. If I was a fire dragon, smoke would have filled the cabin. Instead, our blood boiled when we longed for her from afar.

“Come on, Anaki.” He waved his hand up and down my body. “You don’t think this is serious, right? Go put your robe back on.”

My eyes burned.

At least she did not cast me out of the cabin, because I would not have abided by that request. I could default by saying she was my charge, still part of the care team, even if it was a lie.

I was here for her. The security team outside were the ones truly watching over them.

I just couldn’t stay away from her—not now.

I thought we got somewhere this morning, but obviously not. I would stay, to see if she would change her mind.

Even if the rejection wounded me more than she would ever know.

I strode up to the cabin. There was no longer pep in my step. It had been two days since Elena had told me to put on a shirt and to stay away from her. I was no closer to having her look at me.

She purposefully stayed away.

While I took her son out into the forest for walks, showed him where to climb the best trees, she stayed inside and worked on her computer. She said she needed to work and provide income for her family.

I wanted to tell her that was my job. I was to provide for her. I had enough money to take care of all of her family, and her sister had Locke.

I let out a low, guttural snarl, and the sound reverberated throughout the forest. With a swift movement, I extended my razor-sharp claws and forcefully swiped at the nearby tree, the rough bark splintering under the weight of my power. As I withdrew my hand, a surge of frustration swept over me when I saw the bark healed itself, causing me to curse under my breath.

Even the fae that lived in the forest, close to here, healed everything I destroyed. I couldn’t even show my frustration. I wanted something to show off my efforts, and I couldn’t even do that.

“You don’t even have the urge to fight.”

I had to get away from the cabin, away from her. I was succumbing to the darkness again, even with her in my presence. It was like I was being rejected all over again. Only this time, she was right in front of me, and Icouldn’t do a damn thing about it.

I had gone up to clean myself and make sure I had enough clothes, so I didn’t have to return for a few days. I needed to stay with her to get my dragon stronger. Do I push her more? How did I know what was too far or not?

“I never liked your affection. You were always too much.”

I could do it to a certain point with my friends. I knew them; I didn’t know Elena that well, and her past male wasn’t good.

After texting Switch to dig up more information about Elena’s past, which I shouldn’t have, but I was desperate, I found out the bastard beat her. It was one police report, a hit to the face. While it was just one report, I knew damn well it happened multiple times.

I couldn’t force her to talk to me. I couldn’t force her to do anything because I didn’t want to cause a flashback, cause her stress.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and felt the heaviness of the bag I carried at my side. The walk back to the cabin should have brought me joy to see her, but it brought dread.

I was failing.

My dragon scowled at me in the darkness. He wanted me to take her from day one. He’s the darker side I’ve only ever let out once. Just once and it damn near killed me when I did.

Not this time. I would not let him take over.

It isn’t like he could anyway; we haven’t gotten any stronger because she won’t get near us.

A stick snapped to the right of me. My nose jutted toward the sound, and I took a deep breath. It was Abuela, her citrus and patchouli scent hit me. She lowered herself to the ground a few yards away and moved the leaves in front of her.