His eyes flashed. She waited for him to explode. Instead, his hand dropped to her shoulder, and he pulled her against him. Her body sang in happiness at the closeness, and she felt herself relax. She breathed his scent and released her knees, wrapping her arms around him.
Embarrassed, she felt tears in her eyes. He pulled her into his lap, his possessive touch and warmth soothing her.
"You will tell me," he said.
"Nope."
"You're not supposed to leave without permission."
"I wasn't going to bleed to death on the floor, and you weren't around," she snapped.
"You know how to call me."
"It's no big deal."
"I don't know what the fuck you're smoking," he said.
She gripped him harder. He reciprocated.
"You're not one to talk about not breaking sacred rules," she pointed out.
"No one hurts what's mine."
"Everything hurts what's yours!" she retorted with feeling. "I'm not going to survive your world for long, Rhyn!"
He said nothing. He smoothed her hair and rested his chin on her head. She loosened her grip on him, sensing he wasn't going to leave, whatever his mood was. Her eyes were heavy, her anger draining her last bit of energy.
When she opened her eyes, he held her tightly against him. They lay in bed beneath the covers in the dark room. She couldn't help but feel grateful he was there; she didn't want to know what other creatures lived in the darkness of her world.
"Why wouldn't you just tell Kris the woman he loved was evil?"
He growled.
"Don't you dare!" she snapped. "You owe me some explanations. Every time I turn around, I'm getting my ass kicked by some beast, many of which are probably after you!"
"I like you better when you're quiet."
She gritted her teeth, unwilling to leave the sanctuary of his arms and cursing herself for her weakness.
"I broke the Immortal Code."
His words surprised her. She twisted, trying to see him in the dark. His eyes glowed pewter.
"You don't follow rules, though," she said, confused.
"I respect the Code. Doesn't mean I always have to follow it."
"That makes no sense. You break the Code when you feel like it?"
"When I must."
She pushed herself up despite his grip, staring at him hard. Despite his monstrous habits of shredding anything in his path, he had a sense of honor more deeply ingrained than she'd ever suspected. He'd broken the Code for a brother who'd never cared one ounce for him and accepted his place in Hell.