Page 13 of Fallen (Designation #2)

LEVIATHAN

My body feels like it’s been through a meat grinder, the stable’s musty stench still clinging to my clothes, and my wrists burn from the ropes Elias used to tie me up.

My Chameleon magic is quiet for once, too exhausted to glitch, but my mind’s a chaotic mess.

Elias got away somehow, wounded but alive, and the thought of him out there makes my stomach churn.

And now, Rowan and Amand are hovering. I’m torn between soaking up their comfort and pushing them away before I get them killed.

Rowan kneels in front of me as he dabs a wet cloth on my wrists, cleaning the raw skin.

Amand’s beside me, his sea-glass eyes soft but watchful, his hand resting on my thigh like he’s afraid I’ll disappear all over again.

I want to cling to that bit of ginger so I don’t but I also want nothing to do with that bullshit for now.

“Lev, you need to eat,” Amand says as he heads toward the kitchen. He reappears a few minutes later holding a plate of pizza, the smell making my stomach growl despite my nausea. “You’re shaking.”

“I’m fine,” I mutter, pulling my hands away from Rowan. My voice is sharper than I mean, and I wince, hating how raw I feel. “Just… need a minute.”

Rowan’s jaw tightens, but he doesn’t push, setting the cloth aside. “You’re not fine. You were kidnapped by a psycho who wants to make you his trophy. And this is the second time you’ve been taken in so many weeks. Talk to us.”

A laugh tumbles from my lips as I stand up and start pacing.

My legs are shaky, but moving feels better than sitting still.

“Talk? What’s there to say? Elias is still out there, probably plotting to skewer someone again, and it’s my fault.

I trusted Silas, and now you’re both in danger because of me. ”

Amand’s hand drops the pizza plate onto the coffee table with a clatter, and he stands, his eyes narrowing. “Your fault? Lev, that’s bullshit. Elias is a nutcase, and Silas is a manipulative prick. You didn’t make them do this.”

I shake my head, my magic tingling like it wants to fade me into the wall. “You don’t get it. I should’ve seen it coming. Silas was always trouble, and I let him charm me, let him tell Elias about me. If I’d been smarter, those shifters wouldn’t be dead, and you wouldn’t be bleeding.”

Rowan’s on his feet now, his growl vibrating through the bond. “Enough, Lev. You’re not responsible for their choices. Hell, you didn’t even know Elias existed a few days ago. And we’re not bleeding because of you—we’re bleeding because we’d do anything to keep you safe.”

I stop pacing and face them both. “That’s the problem!

” I snap. “I thought all this mate stuff was bullshit, that it was just biology, that maybe it’d go away at some point.

And then when that didn’t happen, I started to like you.

Like really like you. Maybe it’s way too soon but I can’t lose you.

Either of you. Elias is after me, I’ll never forgive myself. ”

Amand’s expression hardens as he steps closer, his hand gripping my shoulder. “Lev, we’re your mates. We’re here to love you, protect you, and to work together.”

I pull back, my magic flaring, and I fade, my body blending into the concrete wall behind me.

I curse under my breath, focusing to reappear.

“I’m a Chameleon, not a damsel . I don’t need to be protected.

” I say, trying to lighten the mood, but it falls flat, especially after the fact that they did just rescue me.

Amand rolls his eyes. “Sure, princess,” he muses. “But you’re not going after Elias without us. That’s non-negotiable.”

“You don’t get to decide that. This is my mess, Amand. I need to fix it.”

Rowan’s growl is louder now, and he grabs my arms, pinning me against the wall. “Your mess is our mess, Lev. You think we’d let you face that bastard alone? You think we could live with ourselves if something happened to you?”

I struggle against his grip, but he’s too strong. It takes me a few minutes but I finally give in, tilting my head up to meet his gaze. “Fine, but after that we’re investigating Gerald. If you really want to protect me, that’s what’s next. Something is off about all of this.”

Rowan hums as he leans down to steal a kiss, Amand not waiting long before pulling up to my side, his lips on my neck. I relax further against them, taking in their warmth and their magic, grunting when Rowan starts stroking me through my pants.

“What are you doing?” I push out between kisses.

“You’re not you when you’re horny,” he murmurs against my lips, picking up his pace.

Jesus Christ, I’m mated to a bunch of corny snakes.