Bloodlust

Justice

— LIAM —

"She lost control," I explained. "Her wolf feels threatened by you and it took over once she shifted. She feels bad—"

"I don't give a damn how she feels!" snapped Venice. She pinned me with a furious glare. "It makes sense that she would attack me. I get it. You're her mate, yet you're with me. I'd be pissed, too." She sucked in a ragged breath. "However, that does not give her the right to try to kill me."

We stared at one another, the chaotic rhythm of her heartbeat filling my ears. I took a step towards her. My hands spread toward her in a placating gesture.

"You have every right to feel that way," I said.

"And now, I'm concussed. As if I needed another head problem," she groaned. "What are they going to do about her anyway?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, they're going to punish her, right? She attacked me."

I took a deep breath. "I'm not sure, honestly. Things are done differently in packs. My guess is it would be up to the King Alpha."

Her eyes widened as she flew upright. "Oh, shit! The meeting!" She crawled to the edge of the bed and threw one leg over the side.

My hands snagged her hips and dragged her back into my lap. I cradled her into my chest while she resisted before finally slumping against me with a sigh.

"I will ensure we meet with him," I said. "I'll go find someone to alert about your situation also. You need to stay here and rest."

She rested her cheek on my shoulder and looked up at me. I stroked her silky, freckled cheek.

"I'm sorry that you've had to endure all of this," I said. "You are the strongest human I've ever met. Hell, you're tougher than most supernaturals I know."

She rolled her eyes, wearing an amused smile. "That's so not true, but I appreciate the encouragement."

"I know these last few weeks have been tough," I spoke softly, cupping her cheeks with my hands and peering down into her big hazel greens. "But I have your back and I'm on your side. You are my chosen mate, Venice. Remember that."

Her eyes glazed over with moisture. "I know. We've made it this far, haven't we? We're so close."

I was so desperate for her that I never wanted to let go. Somehow, this little human had weaseled her way into my stone heart. I didn't think I could care about anyone after all I'd been through.

I wasn't even interested in the destined mate that fate deemed as my perfect match. Who in their mind turns down fate?

I truly didn't understand why she would be my fated mate. I found her disdainful—even more so than all the other lycans.

Meeting Venice just made me grateful I had rejected Eleanor, as cruel as that was. Even though I'd only known my tiny human for a few short months, she somehow made me want to embrace life and live again. Not just survive.

She'd saved me from the misery and loneliness that was my life of hiding. However, with the affection and acceptance of love come the pain and torment also.

The fear I felt facing the Princeps' after our capture was a thousand times more severe knowing they could hurt her to make me do anything. I would suffer whatever pain and do whatever I had to if it meant protecting Venice.

My heart never sang so loudly until it heard her voice.

A few months ago, I would have never fathomed placing someone else's well-being and happiness over my own. Now, I couldn't fathom a future where those things weren't my top priority. She had become everything to me so quickly.