I shuddered as I thought about Alexis removing my mating mark and how I wanted to fight against it from happening. My neck still hurt, but so did ninety percent of my body. I nodded. "Let's do it." No use talking about it. I wanted it over with.

Bernard placed his index finger against my temple.

I prepared myself, tensing at the contact.

Ran sat on the opposite side of the bed, preparing to hold me if needed. I felt good that he was there. I trusted that he ...