Merrick’s breathing became labored, and the whispers grew louder. “I said now!” “Merrick.” Lessia tried to reach out for him, but she couldn’t move her arms enough, the rattling chains restricting any movement. Shifting so she could look up at him, she tried to make her voice soothing. “Merrick, it’s all right. You know why I am here; you know I want this.” Another growl rumbled in his heaving chest.