Traded To The Lycan King

"You should get some rest too, Hayes." Marcos says.

I know he is looking out for me; he is the healer and someone I would almost consider a friend if I had intentions for friendly attachments. But every time I look at him, I find myself envious where I never was.

Kyra has turned me into someone who cares when she looks at me. How can I both crave and hate her gaze? How can she make me jealous of another man who has nothing? I know the reason. It's because he at least has a fucking face. But the fact that it bothers me so much...that is what's so infuriating.

"Hayes?" Dean says, touching my shoulder, dragging me from my thoughts as I glare up at him.

"What?"

"Marcos is right. You are better use to us all if you are rested. You seem more lost in your head than you usually are."

I sigh, and turn back toward the fire, pinching the bridge of my nose before squeezing my eyes closed.

"Being lost in my mind is preferable to being lost in my nightmares, Dean. You know how that goes." I mutter.

"I can help you sleep, Hayes," Marcos offers, and I look down at Kyra, who pretends to be asleep, his hand gently rubbing up and down her back. The simple, sweet gesture makes me want to rip his fingers off.

"I don't want your drugs, Marcos." I snap at him before I stand and walk over to the door.

"Where are you going?" Kyra's voice squeaks, no doubt, as she spins to look at my back. And for whatever reason, her caring brings a smirk to my face.

"To sleep where a dog like me belongs." I tell her, not bothering to look back before I exit through the rickety door.

Koda looks up from his spot, tilting his head to the right.

"Too stuffy in there, huh?" He asks, but I ignore him looking for a dry enough spot to lie down.

and stare up at the barely standing roof. It shakes as rain patters down. I wonder just how damn long the clouds sustain this type of

she was taught to do. I snort as I turn onto my

I mumble with a heavy

His words are hushed as I

my view, I see him peek in through a crack in the siding, then plop down in front of me. I arch a brow in interest. Koda has no problem speaking his mind when he wants to, but this desperation in his voice is different. He never asks before he speaks, he

is it?" I ask him

He murmurs, looking away for

Instead of growing angry like I thought I would

I was hoping you would let us stay?" he swallows and I narrow my eyes,

telling me you two have already discussed this and

he shakes his head, then he drags his hand

just that...I know she, well, I..." He exhales. "I refuse to sleep with her unless I know she is mine. Only

he asking permission if he knows the rules and what

mate, that is fine, but the rules remain the same.

It was one Merikh also suggested. There is no nefarious reasoning behind it, no excret based on the

strengthened between us. If Kodaet wants a life with Nisha, and she agrees with his feelings, then they should remove themselves from the dangers of this mission and go and actually have a life

says, sounding disappointed. I frown, feeling the need to

you understand my reasoning, right?" I ask him

so perhaps I will keep her at arm's length until the end of the mission."

her and you both decide what to

quiet for a moment before

you plan to do with Kyra?" he asks, and I

is nothing between Kyra and I," I tell him frankly and he frowns. "I mean it, Koda. Kyra was a friend once, a long time ago. But now

splashing on him as he looks out into the distance. Then he sniffs the air, his muscles going rigid. I jump up, trying to scent or see what he might be seeing, and then he elbows me. "Smells like bullshit, doesn't it?" He grins. I opt to glare at him as he shakes his head. "Can I ask what she was like? I mean, was she