Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #1)

by J.R. Ward

“Wrath! Oh, love.” She leaned up to him, smoothed his hair back. He was totally distressed. “Are you hurting?” He opened his mouth. Nothing came out. He started to panic, his eyes peeling open until the whites showed. “Easy, love, take it easy. Just relax,” she said. “I want you to squeeze my hand, once for yes, twice for no. Are you in pain?” No. She gently stroked the tears from his whiskered cheeks. “Are you sure?” Yes. “Do you want me to get Havers?” No. “Do you need anything?” Yes. “Food? Drink? Blood?” No. He began to get agitated, his pale, wild eyes imploring her. “Shhh, it’s okay.” She kissed his forehead. “Just calm down. We’ll figure out what you need. We’ve got plenty of time.” His eyes fixated on their linked hands and came back to her face. Then his gaze locked on their hands and returned again. “Me?” she whispered. “You need me?” He squeezed and wouldn’t stop. “Oh, Wrath…You have me. We’re together, love.” Tears poured out of him in a mad rush, his chest quaking from the sobs, his breathing jagged and raw. She took his face in her hands, trying to soothe him. “It’s all right. I’m not going anywhere. I’m not going to leave you. I promise you. Oh, love…” Eventually he relaxed a little. The tears slowed.