I haven't slept in three days.
Every time I close my eyes I see her. Begging me to mark her. Crying because I won't. Looking at me like I'm breaking her heart when all I'm trying to do is protect her.
It's torture.
Worse than the silver chains. Worse than Asher's compound. Worse than anything I've ever endured.
Because the solution is right there. So simple. So easy. Just one bite. One mark. One claiming and everything gets better.
But I can't. Won't. Not while she's like this.
"You're being stupid." Kael's voice in my head. He's been arguing with me constantly. "Our mate is suffering. We can end it. Why won't you let me?"
"Because it's wrong. She's not in her right mind."
"She's conscious. Aware. Begging for it. How much more consent do you need?"
"Consent given under duress isn'
