Naomi stated, “I believe the claws that inflicted the scratches on her were venomous,” remaining unfazed by the prince’s swift alteration in demeanour. Molly’s mind was unable to comprehend the words, and she sensed herself detaching further from her body. Jayce appeared somewhat disoriented.
Silence ensued as Naomi proceeded to retrieve a new nightgown and several towels for Molly. “If you permit, I can tidy her up and enhance her comfort.”
Jayce squinted at the woman before directing his gaze back at Molly. She likely appeared dishevelled, as evidenced by his nod. “You have five minutes, no additional time.”
Upon his departure, Naomi derided. “Possessive wolves, perpetually unchanged,” she murmured to herself before assisting Molly in changing from her nightgown into a new one. She released her hair and fashioned it into a braid behind Molly’s back to keep it out of her way. “How does that sensation feel?”
Molly merely nodded when words failed to materialise. Naomi replaced her sheets and replenished the cold water before assisting her in lying down once more. The plush, pristine fabric caused her to immerse herself in the bed as if it were a cloud.
“To what extent is the severity?” Molly enquired. Naomi positioned a chilled cloth on her forehead and another on her neck.
“Do not contemplate that at this moment; you will be fine,” she stated, yet Molly perceived a lack of conviction in her voice.
“Few individuals endure poisoning.” Molly shut her eyes.
“I doubt the prince would permit your demise, my love. You will be well,” Naomi stated softly. “I am confident he would traverse the divide to retrieve you personally if necessary.”
Molly emitted a slight snort. Jayce would likely feel relieved if she were to pass away. Consequently, he would not need to supervise her as one would a young child.
However, he was not required to observe her at all. Why did he remain with her all night when numerous others could have substituted for her upon his request?
As though he could perceive her thoughts about him, he entered without knocking. He crossed the room in three long strides and scrutinised her as if to ensure Naomi remained unscathed.
“Did you inform Colton-”
“He is not required to be present for her,” Jayce retorted. “I am present. I will assist her.”
Naomi folded her arms. “What leads you to believe you can heal her? She is on the brink of death, and you ought to contemplate enlisting others to assist in her recovery.”
Molly desired to smile at Naomi for confronting the prince. In the north, they were indifferent to royalty and his title. They regarded him as an ordinary individual, devoid of any distinguishing qualities. Jayce fixed her with a fierce glare, as though he desired to dismember her as he had the men who assaulted Molly.
“I will rescue her,” Jayce stated rigidly. “I will provide her with my blood.”
“Have you previously donated blood to her?” Naomi enquired, tapping her foot impatiently against the wooden floor, appearing somewhat astonished. Alternatively, Molly may have been fabricating the entire scenario. Distinguishing reality was becoming increasingly challenging.
“Indeed, she awoke an hour subsequent to my awakening.” Jayce squared his shoulders and gazed down his nose at Naomi. “If you please,” he remarked, gesturing towards the door. It was nearly amusing to witness him being condescended to for a change. She desired to be more proficient so that she could have derived greater enjoyment from it.
Naomi looked at Molly and grasped her hand before exiting the room, quietly shutting the door behind her. Jayce secured it before returning to her side. She sensed her nightgown adhering to her skin once more due to excessive perspiration.
Jayce astonished her by crawling into bed with her, causing it to sag under her weight and nearly topple her towards him. He positioned himself against the headboard and drew her frail body close to him. She reclined against his chest and shut her eyes once more.
“Refrain from that; you must remain alert for this.” He stated with greater gentleness than prior.
Jayce raised his wrist to his mouth and bit into it, creating an incision. Her eyes widened slightly upon witnessing him retract his fangs as blood cascaded down his chin. He presented his injury before her, and she declined, attempting to distance herself from him.
“Hurry, Molly,” he said through clenched teeth. Jayce seized the back of her head and compelled her mouth to his skin. The flavour of copper assaulted her tongue, inducing a gag reflex. She attempted to distance herself from him once more, with increasing urgency, yet he merely restrained her.
Shortly thereafter, it acquired a distinct flavour. What initially resembled the taste of a coin transformed into something nearly… delightful. An unusual sweetness enveloped her palate, prompting her to clutch his arm in pursuit of more.
A voice affirmed in her mind, “Yes.” Was it the wolf belonging to Jayce? Her wolf awakened as if roused from slumber and enveloped the voice like a shroud. “Proceed, Molly. Consume more.”
“My companion…” Her wolf communicated to his as his blood coursed down her throat. She sensed their connection expand sufficiently to resonate throughout her entire body. She gazed upward at him while drinking, and he observed her with a tender, nearly lustful expression.
Molly positioned herself nearer to him; he embraced her, their limbs intertwining as sensations surged through her skin. She could perceive his emotions as though they were her own. He was anxious and irate, desperate and somewhat apprehensive about her future. Or those individuals. She contemplated whether he could perceive her emotions. The animosity and peculiar attraction she felt towards him.
