“See, I knew you’d freak out. It’s okay. You started responding right away to my feedings, and you’re almost completely back to normal now. ”
“Almost?” Nicky’s voice cracked, a couple of octaves higher than normal. He tried to pull away but Marco held him tight. Nicky sighed heavily. “Right. That’s why I woke up strapped to a bed in the basement cell, and why you won’t let go of me. ”
“Just a precaution, Nicky, until we’re sure you’re absolutely back to normal. You had to feed from Rory’s blood too, and we didn’t know if it would work as well as mine. You look like your beautiful self again. ”
“Rory’s blood? But why? Didn’t-didn’t you want to?”
“Of course, baby, and I’ve been feeding you. But I couldn’t give you enough without getting sick myself. We’re in uncharted waters here. We didn’t know exactly what to do, so we’ve been feeding you every few hours. You’re the first pet to go completely feral in over a hundred years. ”
“But what about Shawna’s mate?”
“After seeing you, we know now he was just angry and defiant. He was nothing like you. Your body even tried to shape shift. ”
Nicky groaned. “It’s because I’m such a fuck-up. I should have listened to you when you told me. Now I’ve ruined everything. ”
“You haven’t ruined anything. You’ll be back to normal in no time. ”
“Then what happens? Will Rory be able to keep feeding me?”
“Rory? No, I’ll be able to handle it alone. ”
After a long silence, Nicky sighed again. “I heard what you said to Ian about not caring about me anymore. It’s okay, Marco. I don’t want to be a millstone around your neck. You made a mistake in picking me for your mate, and you deserve someone better. I’m releasing you from your vows. You don’t have to do this anymore. ”
“Oh, I don’t, do I? You’re releasing me? Well, I’m not releasing you!”
“Marco, please. After what happened, I know you don’t want me back in the compound. I know how you feel about me. ”
“Oh, do you now?”
“Yes. I know you don’t love me anymore. ”
“Oh, you think so?”
“Yes. Marco, why do you keep asking me questions like that? And why are you looking at me that way? I don’t want to be a burden to you anymore. I know I’m a disappointment and an embarrassment. I just couldn’t settle in like you wanted. I’m a bad mate, Marco. I embarrassed you. I’m not the person you need, and I’m so sorry I challenged you. ”
Marco continued to stare at him. “You know, perhaps I’ve been coddling you too much the past few days, letting you lie here in bed, when what you really needed is some good old fashioned discipline. ”
“Discipline?”
“That’s right, Nicky. I think I need to give you the spanking you’ve been asking for a very long time. ”
“What?” Nicky licked his lips nervously. “But I told you, I’m not into all that. ”
“Yeah, well, I am, and you’re getting a spanking, sweetheart, and probably on a regular basis from now on, and that’s not a threat, that’s a promise. ”
“A-a regular basis? From now on? Does that mean you still want me?”
“I told you when I first fucked you that you belonged to me. Did I stutter?”
“No, but…”
“Hush! You don’t have permission to speak. ” He turned him loose. “Take your pajama pants off. Now. ”
Nicky’s nerve broke, and he tried desperately to break Marco’s hold and get out of bed. Failing miserably, he was helpless as Marco sat up and pulled his body up to his own.
“I said, get your pajamas off. ”
Trembling, Nicky did as he was told, scooting out of them while Marco watched him with brooding intensity and growing excitement. Finally he sat in front of Marco, naked and shivering. “Please, Marco. Tell me what you plan to do with me. I’ll do anything you say. Just don’t make me go away. ”