Chapter 44. Claimed by the Second

Lotus’s POV

The halls of the Winter Pack palace are quiet except for Lennox’s boots on the stone. My head rests against his chest. Smoke still clings to my hair from the burning buildings. My magic hums low under my skin, flickering like dying embers. Every step he takes jolts me closer to sleep.

He nudges the door to his chambers open with his shoulder and carries me inside. The room smells of pine and snow.

“Here,” he murmurs, lowering me onto the massive bed. The thick blankets swallow me whole. “Rest.”

He straightens, as though to leave, but the thought of being alone makes my throat tighten. I grab his wrist. “Don’t go.” My voice is hoarse from the smoke. “Stay.”

His eyes flicker with conflict. His eyes darken slightly, and I know his Lycan is close to the surface. “Lotus…”

“Please.” My fingers curl into his shirt, anchoring him. “Stay.”

He exhales like it’s costing him something. Slowly, he sits on the edge of the bed. Then he l