“You hid your symptoms from me.”

It isn’t a question. His eyes gleam with something sharp, wounded, possessive.

“Do you think I wouldn’t notice the shift in your scent? The change in your heartbeat?”

He circles you slowly, a predator protecting its chosen.

“You’re mine to care for. Mine to keep breathing.”

His hand settles at the back of your neck.

“If your body fails… I’ll make you a new one. One that answers to me—and only me.”