Chapter 13 · The Command Beneath His Skin

"Put the knife down, Lena."

Cade had her wrist pinned to the iron table. His other hand closed around the blade aimed at his chest.

His grip burned.

The blood pact flared beneath Lena’s skin, angry and hot, like it hated being reminded that Cade was still alive.

"Move your hand."

"You first."

"You’re the one holding me down."

"Because you’re trying to cut me open."

"I’m trying to cut the lock out of you."

His jaw tightened. The old scar beneath his collar shifted when he swallowed.

"That’s not better."

Lena twisted hard.

Cade caught the movement and shoved her wrist flat again. The knife clattered between them.

"You promised you’d let me do this!"

"I promised I’d help you find the lock. I didn’t promise to stand still while you carve through my ribs."

"You think I want to hurt you?"

"You keep pointing weapons at me. It’s getting hard to read your feelings."

His mouth almost curved.

Almost.

That tiny change hit her harder than it should’ve.

Lena yanked her hand free when his grip loosened. She backed up, but the spirit-lock chamber gave her nowhere to go. The room barely fit two people.