I exited her temple with a firm promise to return. I had to sever that bond, regardless of the universe's whims. A human. I was mated to a human!
As I stepped into the inn, my mind raced with ways to channel my aggression; that's when I caught a peculiar scent wafting from his room. He was still reeling from last night's ordeal—I could feel his pain echoing within me. If only he hadn't been so stubborn, we wouldn't be ensnared in this situation.
My blood boiled as I marched down the hallway toward his room, the unmistakable voice of that insufferable adulteress ringing in my ears.
"...I know it's because of me and—"
"You're not that important," I interrupted, stepping into the room. She stood there, startled and visibly shaken by my presence. I reveled in the scent of her fear, yet it revolted me that she was there—with him.
"Get out," I commanded, locking my gaze on Adonis. He said nothing, simply meeting my stare with a glimmer of rage reflected in his striking turquoise eyes. I kept my focus on him while the girl slipped outside.
"Make sure you never step foot in this room again, and stay away from him."
She hesitated at the door, clearly wrestling with her words. Adonis's fists were slightly clenched, and I could almost envision myself smashing their heads together. Why was he so displeased with that arrangement? What was so appealing about her?
"Get an Everling to change the sheets on your way out," I ordered, exhaling heavily as she finally left the room. I opened the windows to dispel her suffocating scent before turning my attention back to Adonis. His perfectly chiseled face and body were now almost unrecognizable, save for one eye peeking out from behind the swelling.
I had no idea what he was plotting with Zephyr, but I needed him out of my inn. Ideally, out of my life altogether.
It frustrated me to admit that I found him attractive; his very presence was almost seductive. The way he bit his lower lip and groaned as he forced himself onto the bed was infuriating.
A slight ache flared in my waist as he stood, wincing from a bruise, but I masked my discomfort with practiced ease. My gaze remained fixed on him as he grasped a robe to conceal his bandaged body before making his way to the restroom.
"Where are you going?" I inquired.
"To get ready for work," he replied, exasperation lacing his voice. "Isn't that why you're here?"
I closed the distance between us, arms folded tightly. I couldn't fathom what he was thinking, and it drove me mad. I had an uncanny ability to read others' minds, but with him, it felt like an impenetrable wall stood between us.
Sighing, I took his hands in mine, only for him to pull away abruptly. A sharp pang of discomfort jolted through my chest, and I heard Lottie whimper in response. Could this be the feeling associated with rejection?
"I'll get ready for work now, thank you. I apologize for my rude behavior yesterday; I shouldn't have crossed your path. It was exceedingly immature, and I've already learned my lesson."
I remained silent, staring at him, utterly speechless. My eyes were locked with his, unable to decipher his thoughts. They reflected a mix of emotions—pain, anger, and repulsion—as if he wanted nothing more than for me to disappear from his sight. I wished he could leave too, but first, I needed to accomplish what I came for.
"You're becoming audacious, Adonis," I remarked, sliding my hands around his waist and pulling him closer. This was supposed to be a quiet healing process, if only he would remain silent.
"I apologize for that," he sighed.
A soft blue glow emanated from my hands on his waist, signaling that his wounds were mending.
"What are you doing?" he asked, a hint of impatience creeping into his voice.
"Take this off," I directed, my hands trailing up to his back to examine the severity of the injuries. Mere hand healing would keep me here for far too long, but I couldn't care less. This was my plan: to break him, heal him, and break him over and over again until he left this inn. His presence posed a threat to my sanity, and I would do anything to push him away.
While I pondered a more effective healing method, Lottie whispered, "Kiss him. It's more effective and quicker, too."
"I never asked for your opinion," I shot back, my irritation flaring as I mind-linked her just as Adonis cleared his throat, his tone becoming firm. "With all due respect, I'm an employee, not your property. You don't just—"
"Stop talking and hold still." I grunted, resuming the task.
"I do not like you touching me."
"Is it because it isn't with that adulteress?" I retorted, my hands moving to cradle his face.
"Adulteress? What are you even talking about?"
"I don't like touching you either. I don't want anyone else touching you but me, especially not those Nightingales."
"Is there a clause in my work description that states that? You clearly want to isolate me—"
"Stop talking. I won't repeat myself. You have Jethro. That's enough."
The mate bond was weighing heavily on me. As my fingers brushed against a bruise on his neck, I regretted not having a leash to tame Lottie's insistent behavior, urging me to mark him. I'd rather die. As my hands wrapped around his neck, I entertained the idea of snapping it right then, but I couldn't bear the thought of another lecture from Zephyr.
He closed his eyes as I resumed the healing session, instinctively letting out sighs of relief that caused Lottie to stir in excitement.
"Where else does it hurt?" I asked, watching as his eyes fluttered open gently.
"I'm fine now, thank you."
His wounds appeared entirely healed, as if nothing had ever happened. His flustered expression when he glanced in the mirror confirmed that I had done a commendable job, as always.
"Wow…and here I thought you were tattooing the word 'moron' on my forehead," he chuckled.
"I have a distinct aversion to tattoos, Adonis. The sight of you is already repulsive; I can't ruin it any further." I said, walking toward the door.
"Perfect. Push him even further with your cruel words," Lottie frowned.
I chose to ignore her and issued my command as I left. "Get dressed. We have somewhere to be in an hour."