Page 109 of Savage Thirst

I'm almost through the door when I hear it—

Click.

The sound of a door opening behind me. Not just any door. His.

I turn.

Sage.

Coming out of his bedroom.

Well, fuck me sideways.

"Oh, I see," I say, voice low and sharp. "You're all healed up, and you thanked your savior with a good time. That's generous of you."

It comes out more bitter than I intended. Not because of the sex. That's not what this is about.

I slam my door hard enough to rattle the frame. Acting like a pissy teenager, I know. But better a slammed door than what I really want to do.

Because what's churning inside me isn't jealousy. It's possession. And that's worse.

She should stay away. She should run.

Sheshould.

But instead, the ridiculous, stubborn, fire-eyed little nymph pushes my door open and walks into the room.

"If you came here looking for an apology, sunshine," I mutter, not even glancing her way, "you've picked the wrong fucking room. I don't hand those out."

I throw a shirt into my duffel with too much force. I should've walked out and left everything behind. But no, had to come back for a goddamn sweater.

"That's not why I'm here," she says evenly.

"Then go back to my brother," I snap. "You two can go brew tea and hum hymns to the sunrise or whatever it is that makes you feel whole."

Another sweater gets shoved in. Then boots. Then rage.

"Kayden."

Stern now.

Commanding.

I drop the bag.

Turn. She's standing, arms crossed. A bandage on one.

I clench my jaw, rage at myself surging, but it spills out on her.

"There," I say, spreading my arms. "Take a good look, nature queen. All yours to behold."

And then I move.

In a blink, I've got her pinned. Her back hits the wall with a thud, my body pressing into hers roughly. My fangs drop. The predator unmasked.

"You think you can stroll in here, all high and righteous, andfixme?" I snarl, breath hot against her skin. "Reform me? What do you think this is—some vampire rehab sponsored by Saint Asher?"

I press in harder, one arm braced beside her head, the other gripping her waist. Not cruel, but not gentle either.