36. Lena

36

LENA

D ark memories flood my mind while I lie in bed, staring at the ceiling.

The image of David’s shocked expression as the knife plunged into his throat while his body weighed me down. The way Talon’s masked face appeared like a demon from my nightmares or perhaps dreams. How he took me over David’s fresh grave.

My stomach churns. Any sane person would run screaming. But I can’t forget how safe I felt in Talon’s arms at the cemetery, how right it felt when he claimed me. The way his possessive touch ignited something primal inside me.

I roll over, burying my face in the pillow. “What’s wrong with me?”

Talon killed a man. He’s obsessed, dangerous, unhinged. And yet... I’ve never felt more alive than when I was with him. Maybe I’m just as broken. Losing my parents, followed by years of mental and physical abuse from the Wilsons, twisted something inside me, too.

I think back to the scared nine-year-old girl who first met Talon. Even then, there was something magnetic about him. Through all the beatings he took for me and the silent ways he protected me, I fell in love with his darkness.

“I love him,” I whisper into the darkness. The truth of it settles heavily in my chest. “God help me, I love every twisted, violent part of him.”

Because Talon understands me in ways no one else ever could. He knows my pain, my rage, my desire for revenge against those who hurt us. He’s the only one who’s ever truly seen me.

The bathroom door creaks, and I jolt upright in bed. Steam billows from the doorway as Talon emerges, water droplets trailing down his sculpted chest. The towel hangs dangerously low on his hips, and I can’t help but trace the defined V of his muscles with my eyes. Scars mark his skin—a testament to all the abuse he endured protecting me and perhaps before the Wilsons, too. I know very little about his former life.

“What were you saying?” His voice is rough, sending shivers down my spine.

I clutch the sheets tighter, averting my gaze. “Nothing. Just talking to myself.”

He stalks toward the bed like a predator, muscles rippling with each step. His eyes narrow, piercing straight through me. “Tell me what’s going on in your pretty head.”

My heart pounds against my ribs. Even after everything we’ve done, the intensity of his presence still overwhelms me. Water drips from his dark hair onto my arm as he leans closer, and I resist the urge to reach out and touch him.

“Lena.” His tone carries a warning. He won’t let this go—he never does. Talon’s possessive nature means he needs to know every thought and every feeling that crosses my mind.

I take a shaky breath, meeting his intense gaze. “I was just thinking about us. About everything that’s happened.”

Talon’s eyes darken as he sits on the edge of the bed. His fingers trace along my jaw, and I fight to not lean into his touch. “Having second thoughts?”

“No.” The word comes out stronger than I expected. “That’s what scares me. I should be horrified. I should want to run screaming after what happened with David. But instead...”

“Instead?” His grip tightens slightly.

“Instead, I’ve never felt more alive.” The confession tumbles from my lips. “When you killed him, then claimed me in the cemetery—I know it’s wrong, but it felt right. Like everything finally clicked into place.”

A dangerous smile spreads across his face. “My beautiful, dark girl.” His thumb brushes across my bottom lip. “You’re finally embracing who you really are.”

“And who is that?”

“Mine.” He leans closer, his breath hot against my ear. “The darkness inside you matches mine. That’s why we fit so perfectly together.”

I shiver at his words, knowing they’re true. The years of abuse and pain have shaped us both. Where others would see a monster in Talon, I see my protector, my salvation.

“I love you,” I whisper, the words falling between us like a confession.

His eyes flash with something primal. Before I can react, he has me pinned beneath him, the towel forgotten. Water drips from his hair onto my face as he stares down at me with an intensity that steals my breath.

“Say it again.”

“I love you,” I breathe.

His eyes glint with a fierce intensity, and his thumb grazes my bottom lip, sending shivers down my spine. “Say it like you mean it.”

I swallow, feeling a heady mix of desire and fear. “I love you, Talon. Every dark and twisted part of you.”

A feral grin spreads across his face, and he lowers his head, his lips claiming mine in a fierce kiss. His tongue invades my mouth, demanding and possessive. I melt into him, my hands tangling in his damp hair as I surrender to the onslaught of his mouth. His kiss is hungry and desperate.

Talon’s hands roam impatiently over my body, igniting fiery trails of desire in their wake. He tugs at the edges of my shirt, impatient to tear it away and bare my flesh to his hungry gaze. I gasp into his mouth as the fabric pulls taut across my breasts, then sigh as he rips it open, buttons popping off, exposing my lace bra.

His lips trail down my neck, leaving a trail of fiery kisses along my shoulder. I squirm beneath him, craving more of his intense touch. Talon’s hands roam lower, slipping beneath the elastic of my pajama pants, his fingers stroking the sensitive skin of my inner thighs.

“You’re so wet for me, baby,” he murmurs against my skin, his hot breath sending shivers down my spine.

“Please,” I whisper, my breath heavy. “I need you.”

His chuckle vibrates against my neck, sending delicious shivers through me. “Tell me what you want, Lena.”

My cheeks heat up. I’ve never been one for dirty talk, but something about Talon brings out my inner vixen. “I want you inside me.” I rock my hips against him, needing to feel him buried deep. “I need to feel you claim me again.”

A growl rumbles in his chest, wasting no time he peels off my pants and tosses them aside. His eyes scorch a path down my body, taking in my nakedness with raw hunger.

“You’re so fucking gorgeous,” he says, his fingers tracing the curve of my breast before tugging at my bra. “All mine.”

I arch my back, allowing him to free me from the delicate lace, exposing my erect nipples to his hungry gaze. “All yours,” I agree, my voice husky.

With a groan, he lowers his head, his tongue teasing one tight peak while his fingers pluck at the other. My back bows off the bed as electricity shoots through me. “Talon, please,” I beg, my body on fire.

He chuckles, the vibrations dancing across my sensitive skin. “My greedy girl. Want it all, don’t you?”

I nod frantically. “Please, Talon. Take me. Make me yours.”

His eyes darken to a deep, fathomless blue as he positions himself between my thighs.

I grasp his shoulders, pulling him closer. “Don’t hold back.”

His lips crash down on mine as he drives into me in one swift thrust. We both groan, our bodies uniting with a fierce intensity. Talon begins to move, his hips snapping as he sets a brutal pace. I meet his rhythm, my body welcoming his possession.

“That’s it, baby,” he growls against my ear. “So greedy for my cock.”

He groans, his body tensing above me as he thrusts harder. “Take it all, baby. Take your fill.”

His words send a fresh wave of desire coursing through me, and I wrap my legs tighter around his waist, urging him deeper. Talon holds me in place as he pounds into me relentlessly.

“That’s it, take it all,” he grunts, his eyes fixed on where our bodies join, watching his length disappear inside me over and over. “You love it, don’t you? My cock filling you up.”

“Yes,” I whimper, my head tipping back as pleasure skyrockets through me. “God, yes.”

Talon’s mouth finds my neck, his teeth grazing my sensitive skin as his thrusts become more urgent. “Say my name.”

“Talon,” I moan, my fingers digging into his shoulders. “Talon, please.”

His pace becomes even more frenzied, his grunts filling the room. “I can feel you squeezing me, baby. You’re so tight around me.”

I cry out as he hits a sweet spot deep within me. “There, there!”

He chuckles, the sound vibrating through his chest. “Like that, do you?” He shifts his hips, repeating the motion, driving me wild. “God, you’re so responsive.”

“Yes!” I’m a mess of need, bucking my hips to meet his. “Harder, Talon. Fuck me harder.”

With a feral growl, he pulls out, causing me to whimper at the loss. Then he flips me over, pressing me into the mattress. He grips my hips, pulling me up onto my knees as he drives into me from behind.

“You like it like this, don’t you?” he grunts, his breath hot against my neck. “On your knees, taking it like a good girl.”

I moan, my head falling forward as he pistons in and out of me. “Yes, fuck, yes!”

Talon’s hand lands on my ass, giving it a sharp smack. “That’s my good girl.” He repeats the action, his rhythm never faltering. “Always so wet and eager for me, baby.”

My breath catches as he slaps my ass again, sending a bolt of pleasure straight to my core. “More,” I beg.

He chuckles, the sound sending delicious shivers down my spine. “Such a dirty girl. Want me to mark you up, don’t you?”

“Yes, please.” My cheeks burn with shame, but my body craves his touch. “Please, Talon.”

He obliges, his hand raining down sharp slaps that leave my ass cheeks stinging. I cry out with each blow, the pleasure and pain mixing in a heady cocktail that pushes me closer to the edge. His finger traces the brand he etched into my skin with his knife.

“That’s it, take it,” he growls, his fingers digging into my hips as he thrusts into me with abandon. “Take all the pain and pleasure I give you.”

I sob with each slap, my body shaking as the pressure builds. “Talon, I’m close,” I pant.

“Come for me, baby,” he grunts, his thrusts becoming more erratic. “Come on my cock.”

His command pushes me over the edge, and I cry out as my orgasm washes over me. Talon lets out a ragged groan, his hands gripping my hips tightly as he empties himself inside me with a few more sharp thrusts.

We collapse onto the bed, our bodies damp with sweat. Talon kisses my shoulder, his hands gently stroking my hair.

“That was—intense.” I turn my head to look at him, my voice breathless.

He chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest. “I aim to please, baby.”

I nuzzle closer to him, my fingers tracing the scars on his back. Memories of his protective actions over the years flood my mind. “You know, you’re the only one who’s ever seen all of me,” I whisper.

He goes still, then slowly turns his head to look at me, his eyes filled with a fierce intensity. “You know I’d do anything for you, right?”

My heart twists at the raw emotion in his eyes. “I know.”

His hand reaches for mine. “I’m yours forever.”

My breath catches at his words, the depth of his devotion overwhelming me. No one has ever loved me with such fierce, uncontrollable passion. It scares me, excites me, and fulfills me all at once.

“Can I—” My voice falters as I swallow, suddenly shy. “Can I carve my initials in you like you did to me?”

His eyes darken. “Where do you want it?”

I bite my lip, a mix of anticipation and nerves coursing through me. “Here.” I trace a spot above his heart. “I want my mark right here.”

A slow, sinful smile spreads across his face. “Whatever my dark angel wants.”

He kisses me softly, his tongue tangling with mine in a sweet, intimate caress that contrasts sharply with our previous rough passion. Then he gets up, going to his bag and retrieving a small, sharp knife.

He hands it to me, his eyes sparkling with dark desire. “Make your mark, Lena.”

My fingers tremble as I take the knife from him, the blade glinting menacingly. I hesitate, my breath catching as I realize what I’m about to do.

“Don’t hold back,” he whispers, his voice thick with anticipation. “Make it deep. I want to feel it.”

I take a steadying breath, my fingers tightening around the knife’s handle. Talon’s chest rises and falls with his rapid breaths, his eyes glittering with anticipation. I lean down, pressing a soft kiss to the spot above his heart.

“Tell me if it hurts too much,” I whisper, my voice laced with concern.

His fingers thread through my hair, holding me in place as he captures my mouth in a searing kiss. “It won’t.” His voice is confident, his lips moving against mine. “Do it, Lena.”

My heart hammers in my chest as I drag the tip of the blade lightly across his skin, watching the first bead of crimson form. Talon inhales sharply at the contact, his eyes flashing with dark pleasure. I bite my lip, steeling myself, then slowly begin to carve.

The knife bites into his flesh, and he arches his back with a sharp hiss. I pause, my body going tense. “Are you okay?”

“Fuck,” he gasps, his eyes squeezed shut as he savors the sensation. “Keep going.”

I swallow and continue, dragging the blade slowly through his skin. Talon lets out a low growl, his hips bucking upwards, seeking friction. I look down, my eyes widening at the sight of his straining erection. A surge of desire courses through me, and I shift my position, straddling his waist.

His eyes fly open, pupils dilated with hunger. “What are you doing?” he rasps.

Instead of answering, I sink down onto him, his length filling me with exquisite slowness. We groan at the intimate connection, our bodies fusing together once more.

“Fuck,” he grunts, his head falling back as he grips my hips.

I begin to move, riding him with slow, torturous strokes as the knife continues its steady journey across his skin. The rhythm of our bodies sets a spellbinding pace. His pain is my pleasure, our breaths mingling in a symphony of panting need.

“Keep going,” he grits out between clenched teeth. “Don’t stop.”

I comply, my body moving with a will of its own. The knife slices through his skin as I rise and fall, my inner muscles clenching around him with each descent. Talon’s fingers dig into my hips, holding me in place as he thrusts upwards to meet my downward motions.

“Faster, baby,” he pants, his eyes locked on mine. “I need it harder.”

I quicken my pace, my breath coming in short gasps as I bounce on his lap. He fills me completely, his length stroking all the right places. My inner walls squeeze around him, desperate to prolong this moment of perfect unity.

“Your pussy was made for my cock,” he grunts, his head thrown back in abandon.

My fingers tighten around the hilt of the knife as I move faster, the blade finishing the first initial. I start on the second with renewed vigor, wanting to brand him as mine. Talon’s teeth grit, his jaw clenching from the pain and pleasure.

“Seeing my initials on you turns me on,” I confess, my eyes never leaving the marks I’m carving. “Knowing you’ll carry my initials forever.”

“Fuck,” he groans, his eyes rolling back in his head. “No going back now, is there?”

“Never,” I breathe, leaning down to nip at his earlobe. “You’re mine forever, Talon. My soulmate in darkness.”

“Yes,” he hisses, his body arching off the bed as he seeks deeper contact. “Do it harder, Lena. I want to feel it.”

My heart soars at his words, and I drag the knife more firmly across his skin, leaving a deep impression of my love. “Are you sure?”

“Fuck, yes. Don’t hold back,” he hisses, eyes burning with raw desire.

I grin, my cheeks flushing with excitement as I add more pressure to my strokes. The knife bites into his flesh, leaving a permanent mark of my initials on his chest. “LG,” I breathe, my voice thick with satisfaction.

“Together in darkness,” he agrees, his eyes burning with feral intensity. “Nothing can break this bond.”

Our gazes lock, our bodies moving in perfect unison as if choreographed. The knife falls from my hand as I move forward and lick the bloody wound. My walls clench around him as my pleasure builds, an exquisite torture that demands release.

“I’m close,” I whisper, my body tightening around him.

“Come for me,” he growls, his voice deep and commanding. “Come on my cock, baby.”

His words send me spiraling over the edge, and my orgasm crashes over me.

Talon growls, his hands digging into my hips as he bucks upwards, burying himself deep within me. His body goes taut, his release pulsing inside me.

We ride out our dual release, our bodies slick with sweat as our hearts pound in rhythm. When we come down from our mutual high, I kiss the initials on Talon’s chest, his blood fresh and warm.

“Perfect,” he murmurs, his eyes half-lidded with satisfaction. “Just like you, Lena.”

I trace my fingers over the fresh carving on Talon’s chest, watching the way his blood glistens in the dim light. My initials, permanently etched into his skin—a dark mirror of the mark he left on me. The metallic scent of blood mingles with our sweat and sex, creating an intoxicating cocktail that makes my head spin.

Who would have thought that scared little foster girl would end up here?

But there’s something right about this—about us. Two broken pieces that fit together perfectly in their jagged edges. Others might call our love toxic, dangerous, or wrong. They don’t understand that some flowers only bloom in darkness.

I press my palm against his chest, feeling his strong heartbeat beneath my initials. This is real. This is forever. No more David, no more Wilson family trying to control us. Just Talon and me, bound together by blood and darkness and an obsessive love that consumes everything in its path.

For the first time in my life, I feel truly powerful. Not the victim, not the good little foster daughter trying to please everyone. Here, in Talon’s arms, covered in his blood, I am exactly who I was always meant to be.

My dark protector. My perfectly twisted other half.

I smile, letting my fingernails dig into the fresh wounds on his chest. His sharp intake of breath sends a thrill through me. Yes, this is exactly where I belong.