She hesitated, fiddling with Snowball's flipper. "Can I… save it for later? I don't know what to ask right now."
He considered her for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. But I'm holding you to it."
As he started to stand, he paused, frowning slightly. "It stings."
"What?" She looked up at him in confusion.
"My neck," he clarified, touching the side of it lightly. "It's been stinging since I woke up. Look at it for me." Without waiting for her agreement, he sat back down on her bed, turning slightly so she could see.
"A-alright," Bella said, setting Snowball aside. She leaned in to inspect the skin along his neck and froze when she saw them. Long, thin red scratches. Nail marks.
His voice was calm, almost teasing. "Well? Is there something?"
Her mouth went dry. She must have scratched him in her sleep. She clearly remembered that last night, his neck had been perfectly fine. Heat flooded her cheeks as she slowly reached out, brushing her fingertips lightly over the marks.
