Mine, the beast whispered greedily.
Ness was not mine, though.
“You’ve never hurt me. I was angry with you, but you’ve never hurt me.”
She finally looked me in the eye. Her ragged sigh said it all. There was sorrow and relief in it. She deflated, her shoulders falling. Once more, she appeared small. I wanted to pull her into my arms and keep her safe, but I knew Ness. She would never allow it.
“Are you ready to practice?”
A shy smile crept over her lips. If only I could get a taste of them before I left. I had a feeling that they would be sweeter than any fae fruit. The hunger in me pushed me towards her.
“The arcana only seems to work when I’m angry.” She cringed apologetically.
I moved my hand from her chin, sliding my palm along her jaw so that I could cup the base of her skull. She sighed and leaned into me. My stomach tightened with anticipation.
“Tell me to stop,” I whispered.
Her eyes drifted closed. When her lips parted, I thought she would deny me. I tugged her closer while my heart hammered out of control.