"You didn't need to interfere, Ethan."
"She's. Not. Yours." Ethan hissed.
"Now you claim me," I mumbled.
His jaw popped, as if he'd been trying to clench his teeth but had overdone it and nearly dislocated his entire face. "If you would have given in right away, your clothing wouldn't have been an issue!"
"So it's my fault." My lower lip trembled. "Is that what you're saying?"
"Damn it, Ethan." Mason made his way to the bed and threw another blanket over my body. I'd completely forgotten I was still naked — and arguing — probably because I was still so hot. "Just leave."
"She's my mate." Ethan released me but didn't leave his position next to me on the bed.
Mason hung his head. Dark circles framed his eyes. "Then do what's best for her. Just leave her be."
"If I leave, the marking won't be complete."
"She's been through enough this evening. Let her rest before the final stage. I think it's the least you can do… considering."
Ethan hung his head and whispered, "For my sacrifice… I'm the bad one in this scenario?"
"You became the bad one in this scenario the minute you heard your mate's screams and didn't come running. Now get out." Mason growled the last part so loud my ears started to ring.
Ethan cursed and stomped toward the door, leaving me.
I learned something in that instant.
He was a jerk.
No, he was a selfish ass.
But I missed him.
And I hated both him and myself because he'd turned away, and I needed him to be close.
My body yearned for him.
And the heat returned full force; I threw off the blanket then panicked and grabbed it again.
"I'm not going to seduce another immortal's mate." Mason rolled his eyes, "Just… try to stay still."
"If I close my eyes," I whispered. "Will I keep dreaming… things?"
Mason nodded slowly. "It's part of the process. The pain will come and go three times in the next twelve hours. You survived the first. Now you have two more."
"And Ethan?" My body shook with fear.
"Is an ass." Mason shrugged. "But I'll be here. I've seen worse, believe me. When my…" His voice died, and with it, his eyes closed. "Never mind. Just know, it will pass, and when you open your eyes, I'll be here. With water."
"And a margarita," I added, thinking that next to Ethan it sounded like the best thing in the world.
Mason burst out laughing. "I'll see what I can do." His eyes flickered to the clock by the bed. "You have five more minutes."
"You'll be here?" I asked in a weak voice.
He studied me, frowning before giving a firm nod. "I swear it."
"Thank you." I closed my eyes and lay back against the pillows, waiting for the next wave.