Page 102 of Scavenger's Oath

I stop, finally glancing at her. She’s looking at me with a softness I’ve never seen in her eyes. As if she sees beyond what I was forced to become.

“There was this one girl though,” I smile at the memory. “We became friends. Didn’t get to talk much, but when we did, it helped. She was smart, like you.”

Her posture shifts, mouth pressing flat. A sourness flickering across her face.

Something in me fucking savours it.

That’s what I’ve been waiting for. Proof that I’m not just a strategic move for her. That she might care for me like I do for her.

Arching a brow, I try to keep my lips from curlinginto a smirk. “It wasn’t like that, Ivy. Not even close,” I add, trying to keep the amusement out of my voice.

She doesn’t respond and won’t look at me now either.

I let a wide grin spread across my face.Yeah, I know it’s petty, but I don’t give a shit.

At least she’s not thinking about the cult searching for her anymore.

“I don’t even remember her name, sweetheart,” I lie, just to see the way her jaw tightens. I sigh, feeling a little guilty for baiting her. “And even if I did… she’s not you,” I add more seriously.

Finally, her eyes find mine again—and the warmth in them now makes something smug twist low in my gut. That pink hue creeps back into her cheeks, this time, because ofme.

I find myself hoping the boys will come back early just to see thatI’mthe reason she’s blushing now.

My chest feels lighter, ego a little bigger.

I shouldn’t feel so proud of this. But it’s a huge win and I’m not going to deny myself this victory.

Yeah… she’s jealous.

And I’m not fucking sorry.

Chapter 34

Zane

I can’t sleep.

Not when she’s like this, curled on her side in my bed, wearing nothing but the shirt I gave her and the kind of trust I don’t deserve.

Her hair is fanned out on the pillow, glowing in the moonlight like a halo. The t-shirt clings to her hips, riding high enough that I can see the curves of her ass every time she shifts.

Leaning back in the chair, boots off, knife still strapped to my thigh, I watch. Trying to pretend I’m not. As if I didn’t drag this chair here just to watch her sleep.

My chest is still damp with sweat from patrolling the perimeter tonight. We doubled patrols today, splitting shifts, and I got stuck with the night shift, since I needed to catch up on sleep after my hunt.

She chose my bed again tonight—not Phoenix’s or Myles’s even though they were here.Mine. The jealousy I saw in her this morning hints that there’s a reason behind her choice.

Is she trying to claim me? Leave her scent all over my things?

The thought gives me a sick sense of satisfaction.

Maybe I haven’t ruined my chances with her if she’sgetting jealous about a girl from my past.

She’s clearly more comfortable with me, even tells me secrets she doesn’t give them.

Any other time, I’d be proud she thinks I’m trustworthy.

But I'm not that man right now. Not with her grumpy little expression still seared into my memory. Not with those soft thighs exposed and parted just enough to make me lose my goddamn mind.