Chapter 127 Chapter-127

Chapter 127 Chapter-127
Raven's POV

"I'll be here only until the contract is fulfilled," I said quietly. "We can't be like this forever. Eventually, you'll have to follow Magnus's path and marry someone the Council approves of."

"Raven." His voice cracked, and his shoulders slumped. "If I had a choice... if the world were different..."

"But it is not," I finished softly, covering his hand with mine. "It's okay, Zayne."

He looked away, gripping the fabric of his wet jeans. I already knew how this would end. Until that day came, I would stay by his side. I promised myself that silently. I would stay and try to repay his kindness, but I would not let him destroy me when he left.

"I don't give a damn about a title," he said, tangling his fingers in my wet hair. He pulled me closer until our noses touched.

"I will always be there for you when you need me. I will take care of you. We don't need a formal relationship or a fucking contract for me to protect what's mine."

I swallowed hard and pressed my palm against his chest, feeling the steady beat beneath my hand. "You really are the kinde…."

He cut me off, pressing his lips to mine. He caught my hair, angled my head, and kissed me roughly. I kissed him back just as hard.

His hands framed my face. I leaned into him, my fingers tightening on his shirt as I pulled him even closer. His pine scent clung to his wet clothes, and the heat of his body chased away the chill from the lake. His lips trailed from my mouth to my jaw, then down my throat. I felt the scrape of his teeth against my neck. The realization hit me hard; he was going to mark me.

Hundreds of reasons to stop him flashed in my mind, but they drowned beneath something far stronger. The breath caught in my throat.

"Zayne," I breathed.

He was about to mark me when we heard a sudden roar.

We jerked apart at the sound, both of us turning toward the trees in irritation.

My annoyance lasted all of two seconds before it turned into surprise and fear.

Magnus stood at the edge of the woods. Beside me, Zayne went completely still.

Magnus's bloodshot red eyes were locked on us with a look that made my stomach tighten. Every muscle in his body seemed rigid, as if he was barely holding himself together.