Page 102 of Night Fae

"He's not," Malik contradicted from the bed. "The Fields were feeding on him for hours."

"I'm stronger than you," Zev reminded him.

The healer snorted. "Strong enough to ignore treatment and collapse later? Or would you prefer to be sensible now?"

Lyrian poked his head in the doorway. "I like her."

Carah shot Lyrian a quick smile, and then she selected some more herbs to mix a bitter-smelling drink in two cups, handing one each to Malik and Zev. "Drink. All of it."

Malik grimaced at the taste but drained his cup.

Zev wrinkled his nose, but figured he could not refuse the medicine when Malik had taken his so easily. He downed the contents of the cup quickly.

"Rest," Carah ordered. "Both of you. The Field's influence lingers in mind and body." She gathered her supplies. "I'll return in the morning to check the human's wound."

After the healer left, Leon and Lyrian lingered awkwardly by the door.

"We'll leave you two alone," Leon said finally. "When Knox and Caelen get back, we all need to be rested."

"Go," Zev said. "We'll be fine."

After the door closed behind them, silence fell over the chamber.

Malik was the first to break it. "I can go back to my own chamber."

Zev raised an eyebrow at him. "What?"

"If you need space. After... everything." Malik gestured vaguely. "I understand."

Something close to anger flared in Zev's chest. "You think I would leave you alone after what just happened?"

That sounded wholly wrong.

"I don't know," Malik admitted quietly, and Zev hated that uncertain look on his face.

Maybe he'd been keeping his distance a littletoo wellif this human still thought Zev might not care about him.

He moved closer, perching carefully on the edge of the bed. "When I was trapped in the Fields, caught in memories of Rhys... I wasn't fighting to get out."

Malik's face fell slightly, but he nodded. "I know. That's why they were able to feed on you so easily."

"But when I heard your voice," Zev made himself continue, "something changed. I remembered there was something beyond grief."

Malik's eyes widened slightly. "What do you mean?"

"I mean..." Zev paused. It was so difficult to put his feelings into words, but he owed it to this brave little human who had come to his rescue. "The Rhys I loved would never have wanted me trapped in memories of him. He would have wanted me to live, to find... something more."

"Something more," Malik repeated softly.

"When you were in the Night Court, I killed to keep you safe," Zev said, his voice low. "In the Fields, you risked everything to free me. There's magic between us. There's… a connection."

Malik reached out slowly, giving Zev time to pull away. When he didn't, Malik's fingers found his, twining together.

"Yes," Malik agreed. "There is."

Zev looked at their joined hands, let himself feel the warmth of Malik's touch. The other night, after they'd given in to carnal desires, he'd briefly thought of Malik as his mate.

He'd beblessedto have someone so fierce by his side.