Page 85 of Kat Bethel

“I’m sorry I ran.” My voice cracked. I wasn’t even sure he heard me over his own footsteps, but he deserved an explanation. “It’s what I do.”

My muscles grew tight as I waited for the execution I could only hope was painless. I was only fair after what I did to him.

“You left me.” The calm accusation, with the threatening growl in his voice, cut deeper than the hat man did. I’d have preferred he roared at me about what a traitorous bitch I was.

The silence afterwards echoed deep.

The woman terrified of abandonment was usually the first to leave.

Tears trickled down my cheeks to land on the busted ground. Snot and blood filled my nose, and I was sure I smelled like sweat and regret. This wasn’t how a hunter witch of the Rinah clan was supposed to go out, but it was raw honesty. “I know. Do what you must.”

His hand lifted and I recoiled, preparing myself for what was coming.Forgive me, sisters. Can you feel me, Willow? Don’t kill yourself avenging someone who did this to themselves.

Sharp claws wrapped around me. Each blade lined nail threatened to eviscerate me, squeezing tight enough they dug against my skin. Every vital organ one tight grasp away from obliteration.

He lifted me, making me gasp as the blades finally cut skin. My stomach lurched into my throat, making bile rise as I went higher than I thought possible. My car on the ground grew smaller by the second.

Oh fuck.

Was he just going to throw me across the state park? That sounded like it would hurt.

When I squirmed, his fingers tightened enough to pierce my skin. Once we were face to face, his eyes narrowed on me with irritation that sent shame down to my toes.

Who knew what damage I’d done? Just to push him away.

So I wouldn’t have to come to grips with myself.

I glued my eyes on his fingers, pretending to be fascinated by the serrated claws pressed tight to my body. One clenched fist and that would be game over.

“I don’t leave your side,” his deep voice threatened, resonating in that place where my chest throbbed angrily. His giant teeth unnerved me more than I cared to admit.

Maybe he’d just eat me.

But I decided it was time to be blunt, and I wasn’t backing down now.

“I can’t promise you that.” I didn’t even know who I was anymore. How could I promise anything?

I needed to fix myself, and I admitted it too late.

“I didn’t ask for a promise,” he said matter-of-factly. “If you run, I will catch you.”

My heart fluttered with hope that I tried to squash before it could hurt me. “What are you saying?”

Please don’t be cruel, even if I deserve it. If you’re going to toss me aside, just do it.

He pulled me closer to his mouth. I couldn’t even fight him without killing myself in his claws.

This was it.

Eaten by a monster.

Could be worse, I guess.

I closed my eyes so I wouldn’t see.

His mouth pressed against the length of my body. His growl vibrated every inch of my skin. I froze waiting for the death that didn’t come.

My eyes snapped open only to figure out he was kissing me. The gaping hole in my chest eased and became more bearable. Then he gently clutched me to his neck.