Page 127 of Elysian

His lips curled with distaste. “Do you believe I love you?”

This question stunned me even more. Love? When had I considered love? I had loved few things in my life, and every single one I had lost. My family, Miriam, Piper . . .

My mind raced as I deflated, sitting back on his thigh. What were these questions? I swallowed and let out a steadying breath.

“It is not that I doubt your care for me,” I said carefully. But love?

He nodded as if his point had been proven, but I was terribly confused.

“I will not have you claim me. Not until I have your forgiveness.”

“You said it did not matter to you.” I shook my head, so lost. “You knew what this was.”

A cord in his neck drew tight with the lift of his chin.

“I want you to greet me how Archer’s woman greets him. To speak to me as you speak to all.” He glanced away, his eyebrows furrowed, then met my eyes before turning from me again. “I am encountering this jealousy writhing inside me. Searing, agonizing jealousy.” The muscle in his cheek jumped.

His words left me mute and so terribly confused by the turn in the conversation. He had said himself that he did not care for what I felt for him.

“I do not know what to say.” For once, I struggled to articulate my thoughts because I did not know what to think.

“As for those distraction ‘tactics’ you mentioned. I would rather fuck you than speak,” he said harshly. I flinched, but he took hold of my chin, forcing my head up. “Because it is the only time I do not feel your loathing,” he choked out. “So, no,” he snarled. “You will not claim me.”

“Wh-what do you mean feel?” I whispered.

“Exactly what I said.”

“Y-you feel my emotions?” He continued to just stare at me grimly. “That is not possible.” Blood drained from my face.

Piper received brief flares of my stronger emotions, but I had not even considered it was something Cassiel also felt. My focus trailed to where I placed the grimoire. I had only read up to where it told me how to complete the Elysian bond. If he felt my emotions, it had to be some odd effect of him taking my wraithling’s place. To him tethering me to life.

Panic had a hold on my throat. The blackened flesh at his breastbone oozed, as if ink had been dribbled upon it. His declaration had awed me, but with his illness within view, guilt remained.

His lids slowly fell, and he groaned, leaning his head back. I could not allow him to sit in pain. I leaned forward, intent on sinking my teeth into his shoulder. Before I bit, he caught me by the neck.

“You never listen,” he hissed. Gritting his teeth, he lifted. More black liquid leaked from the cleave at his chest.

“What are you doing?”

He pushed me onto my back. I fell with a gasp. Before I could move, he pinned me. With the effort he made, his chest only leaked more as he straddled my waist.

“Cassiel! Get off.”

He was already a pale man, but he had become alabaster, and still he did not retreat. He reached for the edge of the cotton sheet under us. A loud tearing sound echoed.

“What are you doing?”

He didn’t leave me wondering for long. He forced the piece of cotton around my wrists, fastening them tightly together.

“What are you—Cassiel!”

He stretched over my head, forcing my arms to follow. I yanked at the bindings, but he had bound it tight, and his grip didn’t allow it to give. He stretched further. With quick yanks, he knotted the other end through the metal slat of the bed frame. I eyed the intricate knot.

“You are ignoring a vital part, Cassiel, if you continue to be in this state, if it progresses enough to kill you, I will follow because of the wraithling bond.”

He grunted, not slowing, obviously having thought of that.

“We will discuss this at a later time with clearer minds. Do not attempt anything. I will feel you move.” He pushed up, hovering over me. His strained features softening. “You always aim to save everyone. This time, you will not save me. I am your bondmate, and I will protect you. Even from myself.” He left me breathing in his sweet breath.