Bloodlust

Grave Intentions

— VENICE —

I was startled from my brief snooze at the sound of a bowl. Jolting awake, I found myself still tucked securely in Macay's arms.

The field behind the mansion where the Chase began was now deserted. I licked at my papery lips and squinted to block out some of the harsh morning sunlight.

"Where is everyone?" I grumbled.

"Onto the next activity," Macay said. His tone was short and low, and I sensed he was still angry.

A bald man I recognized as the Royal Coordinator stepped out of the ballroom as we approached.

"Franklin, call the pack doctor," Macay called to him. "Venice is injured. Someone attacked her."

Franklin's eyes widened. "Oh, heavens. Come this way, quickly. Let's get her down to the infirmary."

I dreaded going through the ballroom where everyone would see us. They already viewed me as fragile since I was a human. Now they'd have good reason to believe I was weak.

Fortunately, Franklin led us to a discreet service door that didn't require us to move through the ballroom. He inquired about my injuries as we meandered down the hallways and stairwells of the mansion's innards.

When we reached the lowest floor of the mansions, which I realized was two levels underground, Franklin halted.

"If you leave her to me," he told Macay, "I will take her the rest of the way while you return to your room. You can clean up and I'll send a maid to bring you fresh clothes. I assume it's safe to say you two will not be participating in any other activities today."

I remembered then that Macay was completely naked. My cheeks burned and I tried not to let my discomfort translate into awkward body language.

It's just a body, I reminded myself. Lycans must see each other naked all the time. No big deal.

Something hard twitched against my leg. My eyes widened, a knot forming in my throat.

"No," Macay clipped out.

Franklin seemed surprised. "Sir, please. I can assure you she will be in good hands."

He stepped forward and extended his hands to me. Macay growled loudly in a clear warning. A chill sunk into my bones.

Franklin halted his movements. His eyes warily appraised Macay.

"I will carry her there," Macay said. "Then I will get clothes. She doesn't leave my sight until I know she'll be cared for."

The chill was replaced instantly with heat. I was so moved by his treatment that it brought tears to my eyes.

I didn't know what I did to deserve this man's kindness . . . unless this was part of the mate thing. But how could it be if it wasn't real?

I wasn't sure what to believe anymore.

Where was Liam? Did I really hear him or was I just hallucinating?

Franklin gave a resigned sigh and nodded. We followed him past a few doors before turning into a long narrow room. A sign on the open door indicated this was the infirmary.

The walls inside were sickly white and the fluorescents beamed a little too brightly. I tucked my face into Macay's neck. He shivered, making me flush hot again.

"Sorry," I murmured.

He expelled a small, amused snort. "Don't apologize. You have nothing to be sorry for."