I follow Everett and the boys back to their room.
“They asked for a haircut, Kaylani,” Everett says.
I can feel the weight of what he needs to do to help Elio on his shoulders. I take his hand and pull him to a stop.
“If anyone can do this, Everett, it’s you. You’re the only person I’ve ever met who is so completely dedicated to helping these kids.”
I watch the war in his eyes and a moment after I see him lose the battle, he has me pressed against the wall, his mouth devouring mine like a starving man feasting for the first time in too long. His hand goes into my hair, and he grabs hold as he pulls away from me.
“I need you tonight, Kaylani. I need to dominate you, to be in control.”
I know my mate, maybe better than he knows himself, so I give him what he needs. A challenge.
“You
