Chapter 3

Chapter Three

brIGGS

Five Years Ago

It had taken twelve weeks for the wounds on his back to heal. Six months for Briggs to stop flinching anytime someone touched him. A year to find his new calling. And two years for Pyre to hunt down and kill the monster that had haunted Briggs’ nightmares for years.

He picked up the bandages and organized them on the shelf.

Even thinking of his old mistress made his skin crawl. With her death, he’d thought there’d be a measure of peace, but the damage had already been done. She’d destroyed more than just his skin. Lorina had stolen his future.

Briggs’ claws lengthened and he exhaled heavily, eyes closing, as he tried to regulate his emotions. She didn’t deserve any space in his thoughts. She’d been wiped out from the world and had no control over him any longer.

“Briggs?” a sweet voice called, one that haunted his dreams.

He opened his eyes and smiled weakly at Nyx, who hovered in the doorway. She was a ray of sunshine to those around her. He still didn’t know why she or her brother had forgiven him after he’d almost killed her two years prior. Even now he could remember the bruises he’d left on her body. It sickened him.

Her smile faded, eyes scanning his face. “You okay?”

He nodded. “Just finishing up with some organizing.”

“Good, that can wait. I need your help with Mr. Coalre. His bandages need to be changed and I can’t move him by myself. Help me?” she asked with a hopeful smile.

As if he could say no or would say no.There was just something so compelling about Nyx. She made you want to be her friend and to smile.

“Come on then.” She turned on her heel and flounced out the door.

Briggs removed his apron and tossed it over the worktable, following her out the door. He paused just outside the infirmary, his brows furrowing as the scent of something delectable hit him. He sniffed, savoring the mouthwatering burnt vanilla scent lingering in the breeze. Who was baking? He’d have to investigate once their house call was finished up.

He shoved his hands into his trouser pockets, already having lost sight of Nyx. The girl could run. He smiled, remembering the last spring festival. She’d beaten everyone with ease. The way she moved was captivating, and Briggs wasn’t the only one who noticed. Every unmated male under the age of twenty-five watched her with covetousness. And it bothered him.

She was a treasure to be protected. None of those boys could take care of her.

And you can?

Briggs brushed away his errant thought. Nyx was younger by several years and she had the whole world ahead of her. True, her life hadn’t been easy, but she rose above it. She kept choosing to bring light into the life of others. His friend was remarkable. He truly thought himself lucky to have gained her as a friend. He didn’t deserve her, that’s for sure.

“Hey, so I’ll—” Nyx crashed into his chest as he rounded the corner of the nearest building, and he caught her as she stumbled back. “Sorry!” she squeaked. “I didn’t mean to…”

Her words faded into the background and all he could do was try not to drown in her incredible scent. Blackcurrent, burnt sugar, and vanilla.

A growl rumbled in his chest, and he found himself tightening his grip on her biceps and took a step closer. Sweat broke out on the back of his neck and he took another step closer, backing Nyx up against the rough stone wall of the building. He stooped down, hunting for the source of the scent. His nose brushed the shell of her ear.

Sweet poison, she was sweeter here.

Briggs groaned, running the tip of his nose up and down her neck. His claws lengthened and he pressed his body along hers, sinking into her curves. Dear god, it was heaven and hell. All he could focus on was her. She shivered beneath him and tipped her head to the side. His growl deepened at how she yielded to him. He pressed a kiss at the base of her throat, his tongue sneaking out to taste her skin. Nyx was delicious.

“Finally,” she whispered breathlessly beneath him as his thigh slid between her own. “I’ve been waiting for this.”

Briggs froze, her scent still muddling his mind. What did she mean finally?

“Nyx?” he questioned, pulling back far enough so he could see her eyes, but he couldn’t find it within himself to let her go.

She smiled up at him, eyes hazy with desire and… love? Panic wrapped around his chest. This couldn’t be happening. Her hands cupped his face, and she lifted up onto her tiptoes, lips almost brushing his own.

“I’ve known for two years that you’re my mate, Briggs. It’s okay. My mating call has finally kicked in. Don’t fight it.”

Mate.

The word echoed around in his mind. He couldn’t have a mate. Hell, he didn’t deserve one. Let alone his best friend’s younger sister. She was perfect and he was… broken.

Despite how her scent called to him, he managed to release her and stumbled back a few steps. It pained him. Everything inside him screamed to wrap Nyx up in his arms, carry her off, and make her his mate. But it was wrong. He could never have a mate—a wife—it just wasn’t in the cards for him.

And Nyx deserved so much more than himself.

She stepped away from the wall and he held up a hand, his claws fully extended. “Don’t come closer.”

Her smile dropped. “Why?”

Briggs shook his head. “This can’t happen.”

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “We can choose each other. I know it’s overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be now. We can wait. I’m just glad you know.”

He swallowed hard, her scent still swirling around him. “I won’t ever take a mate.”

The words seemed to echo between them. Her expression was shocked and then hurt.

“You’re rejecting me?” she whispered.

“No,” he rasped. “You’re my friend, but I can’t take a mate. You know what happened when I attacked you? I have those dreams every night. How could I ever risk someone I care about? I could never sleep in the same bed as my wife or take a nap near the fire if there were children. I am always a danger to those I love.”

Tears slipped down her cheeks. “So you’ve decided for us both?”

He shook his head, his heart breaking. “Matches come and go, Nyx, but I’ll always be your friend.” She nodded and walked away from him. He shot forward, unable to help himself, and caught her by the wrist. Just touching her soothed part of him. “I’m sorry.”

“So am I.” She yanked her wrist from his hand, a sob breaking from her throat. “So am I.”