Claiming

65. Lorenzo

"Claim her!" Mark's voice thundered through our mind-link, cutting through my focus like a blade.

Many are the times, of late, that I wish I didn't have to deal with Mark.

My grip on the bar tightened, veins straining against my skin as I hoisted the weight into position.

I exhaled sharply, sweat beading down my temples.

"I already claimed her in front of the warriors, made it official, and all because of you," I muttered, trying to push the lingering guilt from my chest.

My head throbbed, the lack of sleep gnawing at my patience.

“Take it slow!” My voice echoed through the gym, loud and forceful, as if I were speaking to someone visible.

But I wasn’t okay. The rogues? Daniel could deal with them. I had lost my grip on everything. My mind, my strength—it was all unravelling.

And then it……