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He cups the back of my head, holding it steady. I’m faintly aware I’m shaking, and I bite my tongue as I realize my face is wet. I was crying. I let myself cry within the privacy of my bedroom, but I wouldn’t have done so if I’d known Rexton would come barging in.

“Tell me what’s happening,” Rexton orders. “What are you thinking?”

I shake my head, refusing. My insecurities are none of his concern.

Rexton pulls back to look at me, and I angrily wipe my cheeks. He doesn’t understand. He purses his lips, his thumbs stroking beneath my eyes, before bringing his mouth to my neck. I stiffen as he peppers kisses along the column of my throat. Is he going to bite me?

“Tell me what you need,” he mumbles into my skin. “Talk to me.”

I extend my neck, silently communicating.

Rexton tuts. “Tell me with your words.”

“No.”

“Is this about Prince Nolic? Are you nervous he’ll hurt you or somebody you care about?”

I refuse to answer.

Rexton tries again. “Are you nervous that people are going to judge the decisions you made during the ambush?”

No. I’m not pleased with the number of deaths and injuries that occurred under my watch, but Aziel would’ve told me if he was displeased. He’s always been honest. Raum seemed pleased, too, and I didn’t sense any hostility from the other generals. The ambush might not have been a smashing success, but nobody is disappointed with me.

I can live with that, and I’ll do better next time.

Rexton licks his lips. “Is it our bond?” Something in my expression must give me away, because Rexton nods as if he’s settled on that being the truth. “Are you worried about what people will say? How can I help?”

This is hitting too close to home, and I don’t appreciate it.

I shove Rexton away, careful to avoid injuring his chest.

“I’m worried they’re going to wonder why I dragged you into my mess,” I admit. My voice cracks. I ignore it. “I made a mistake, and I wish you’d stop bothering me about it.”

I place the thickest barrier I can manage between our bond.

It takes Rexton almost no time to respond. I’m expecting a snarky remark, maybe some sneaky words meant to make me feel guilty, but Rexton does nothing of the sort.

He grabs my bicep and rips me close, then sinks his teeth into my neck. I flail, a silent gasp slipping from my throat as Rexton wraps his thick arms around my waist to keep me steady. He’s rough, digging his teeth deep into my flesh.Fuck. My tense muscles instinctively relax, and I sink into his arms as he licks over the fresh mark. It stings, but in a way that I appreciate.

Rexton drags his mouth to my ear, his voice low. “I’ll always give you what you need, Cassia.”

He releases me. I remain frozen.

“I—” I don’t know what to say. I settle for shoving my hair behind my shoulder to expose my neck. “Again.”

Rexton licks his lips. His mouth is red, hints of my blood staining his skin. My heart stutters as he smiles, and I let myself moan as his sharp teeth find their way into my throat for the second time.

Chapter Forty-Five

CASSIA

I ARRIVE AT work first. Rexton isn’t far behind. He appears beside me in a heartbeat, his head held high and a faint smile toying at the corners of his lips. His mouth has been wiped clean, but he still reeks of me.

My scent seeps out of his pores, leaving no question about whom he belongs to and where his allegiance lies. Me.

Rexton places his hand on my lower back.

“I’ll follow your lead,” he murmurs. “You’re in charge.”