Read Marked by Hades for Free Online

senses as she put on the jacket. She swam in it but reveled in the warmth still clinging to the fabric. “Thanks.”
    Pointing to a bench ahead, he said, “Let’s sit. I’m hungry.”
    She wrestled back a small smile. He was bossy, yet she couldn’t find a reason to get angry with him. His actions seemed so genuine despite the commanding tone clinging to his words.
    His tense jaw twitched as he lowered himself to the bench. “Sit.”
    “No need to bark orders at me.” She moved to the end farthest from him, hugging his warm jacket.
    He dug into the bag and pulled out a root beer and an energy bar. “Start with this.”
    Too hungry to yell at him for bossing her around again, she snatched the goodies from his hand. He was silent the entire time she scarfed down two bars and her root beer.
    “Knew you were hungry.” He grinned as he finished eating a slice of pizza. She hadn’t even seen him grab one. Probably too busy daydreaming about touching his smooth, pale skin.
    She shifted away. The intensity of his stare burned a hole right through the jacket and leather she was wearing. It made a beeline for her heart and sent it strumming.
    “What’s your name?” he asked, then took a bite of a candy bar.
    “Yvonne.” She eyed the bag, salivating for the salt and vinegar chips.
    He nudged it toward her. “You have a last name?”
    She shook her head, knowing she probably did, but she just had no idea what it was.
    “Where are you from?”
    “Look. Thanks for the food. I better go.” She pushed up from the seat.
    Dumping his food on the bench, he hopped to his feet. “Don’t.”
    She should go—absolutely needed to keep walking and not stop. Never mind she had no idea where to go. Never mind she didn’t have a dime to her name. Never mind she had no extra clothes or anything…
    “Do you have somewhere to stay?”
    She’d actually staked claim to the bench she’d landed on in Riley Park all those days ago. It was so cold, though. He quirked his eyebrow up and tilted his head to the side as if trying to hack into her mind and read her thoughts.
    “You’re coming with me.” He reached down and gathered the bag, then faced her.
    “And why would I go with a complete stranger?” She tried to keep her voice from cracking, but she didn’t quite make it. Damn, she hated sounding weak.
    Firm fingers curled around her hand, and she jerked away. With reflexes every bit as quick as she’d thought they’d be, he caught her gloved fingers before she could move out of his reach.
    “I’m Justin.” He grinned. “There, we’re not strangers.”
    She opened her mouth to protest but couldn’t snatch a thought from her brain with him holding her hand so tightly. Sure, she couldn’t feel his skin through the leather, but still.
    “I’m two blocks from here. I won’t hurt you, Yvonne. I vow it.”
    The instant the words left his mouth, she knew he wouldn’t hurt her. He was too pure. His glow sent waves of peace through her, warming her. Calming her.
    But if she went with him, she’d either have the best night’s sleep ever or wind up accidentally killing him.

Chapter Eight
    Every instinct to protect and care for this stranger named Yvonne fired in Justin so intensely he thought his insides would liquefy.
    Yet she didn’t bear his Mark. It always showed on the left shoulder, and he’d checked both several times. Nothing other than a faded bruise.
    He felt his Mate near, though. Nothing made sense. He knew this Mate shit was jacked up.
    And if Yvonne licked that lip ring one more time, he might not be able to restrain himself.
    Shrugging through the blast of wind, he repositioned the bag of remaining food to his other hand, searching for something to talk about.
    So badly he wanted to ask about how she’d turned that guy assaulting her to dust, but as skittish as she was, he didn’t dare. The need to wrap his arms around her and learn what that lip ring felt like in his mouth hammered at his resolve.
    Ever