His evilness to feed purity.
We watched until there was nothing to see. No lions. No Daniel. Nothing.
Finally, Jethro pushed away, swiping a hand across his face. His shoulders rolled as he battled and segmented whatever emotions had risen. His voice was gruff as he said, “That’s why.”
I blinked, ignoring the stench of toilets and smarting realness of what had just happened. “What?”
He smiled sadly. “Out there, you asked me why he wouldn’t be found.”
A shudder stole my nervous system. “They’ll eat him?”
He nodded. “I doubt there’ll be any remains. And if there is…it’s the perfect alibi. Daniel got drunk after raping you and stupidly went for a walk to clear his head.” He grabbed my shoulders, holding me tight. “Promise me you’ll only remember that part, Nila. You didn’t kill him. He didn’t touch you. He didn’t rape you. And you didn’t have to defend yourself. Wipe it from your mind. It will help you live easier. He had it coming—even nature agreed with you.”
I cupped his cheek. “Is that what you’re worried about?”
His face tensed. “It’s what I feel from you.”
“Really?”
Dammit.
He was too in-tune, too perceptive.
He sighed, nudging my forehead with his. “I sense what you’re not saying. I know he went further than you want to tell me. I know you’re in pain—most likely from the slap to your face and kick to your stomach—and I know the drugs in your system from the ceremony made fighting that much worse.”
How—? He’d picked up on not just emotional but physical woes, too.
“I’ll never get used to you doing that.”
His arms wrapped around me. “Well, you agreed to marry me—unless you’re having second thoughts—so I guess you’re going to have to get used to it.”
My body suddenly burst into a blistering sunrise. “I did, didn’t I?”
“Did what?”
“Agree to marry you.”
Jethro shuddered. “Fuck, I love hearing that.”
“That I’ll marry you?”
He smiled. “No, that you’ll be my wife.”
I did my best to squash the pessimism that we might never be granted something so precious. That the Final Debt might still come to pass, no matter he wouldn’t leave me again.
I used to be such an optimist…now…it was hard after the past six months. I smiled and kissed his lips. “You’ll be my husband. How did I ever get so lucky?” I did my best to project confidence and joy. However, I couldn’t hide anything from him.
Pulling back, he ran a hand through my hair. “We’ll win in the end, Nila. You’ll see.”
I sighed. “I know.”
I hope.
“We will. I promise.” Taking my wrist, he pulled me toward the panel. “Come on. Let’s go. I’ve got a driver waiting a kilometre away. We can leave.”
My heart galloped. “Wait. Through there? No. No way.” I tugged on his hold. “That fence is the only thing stopping us from being breakfast to the pride that’s already taken Daniel.”
Jethro frowned. “They have food. I doubt they’ll come after us.”
Food being his brother.
Knowing Jethro could see into the souls of others made a smidgen of relief settle. He didn’t care Daniel was gone. In fact, he seemed more than okay with it.
That said something.
I looped my fingers through his. “I’m not willing to take that chance. We’re together now. No lion or Hawk will take you from me.”
Pacing away, he looked like a wild animal trapped against this will. “I could run ahead. Get the driver and come back for you.”
Slamming my hands on my hips, I shook my head. “There is no way you’re leaving without me again. No way. You promised. Will you renege on that so soon?”
He exhaled heavily. “Agreed. I was wrong to leave you at Hawksridge. If I’d listened to you, none of this would’ve happened.”
I softened. “If you’d listened to me, then your sister and Kes might have been hurt.” I snuggled into him. “You did the only thing you could.”
He groaned, gathering me close and kissing the top of my head. “I don’t deserve you. Not after what Daniel—”
I kissed him. “Shut up. I won’t let you think that way.”
I would never verbally tell him I let Daniel enter me—just a little—to ensure my trap was sprung before killing him. He didn’t need to carry such knowledge. It was a price I willingly paid. Jethro didn’t need to know how repulsive those few inches had been, or how much I loathed myself for letting it happen. I couldn’t stop him from sensing what I refused to say. But they were my thoughts and I wanted them to remain unspoken.
His lips grazed over mine. “You’re right. Let’s get out of this hell hole.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“Stay quiet and follow me.” He twisted to leave, a painful hiss escaping his lips.
I yanked him to a stop, inspecting his side. “Are you okay? You need a doctor.” Pressing the back of my hand on his forehead, I whispered, “You’re burning up, Kite. You need medicine.”
He scowled. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. Just focus on getting out of here. Then we can both heal and relax once we’ve won.”