Chapter 213

I floated suspended in this blissful darkness for what felt like hours. Nothing could touch me here. Not the weight of exhaustion pulling me down or the agony squeezing at my muscles and bones.

It was a reprieve, but one thing about reprieves is that they never last too long.

At first, it started in small flashes. An explosion of light here and there, a flicker of pain, a whisper of voices just outside my minds reach.

Eventually, those flashes became longer and more drawn out. The light became blinding, tinted with colors and shapes that moved. Voices took form, names flashing in my memory as I began to recognize them.

Each time I gathered the strength to open my eyes, it was sucked away by some

intangible force. With each sensation that returned, my least favorite was my dry throat.

I couldn’t seem to keep my eyes open for long enough to drink anything, but what I wanted most was some damn blood. A few times I swore I saw the outline of

Asher’s face, always hovering over me, silently protecting me from any and everything.

When I gathered the strength to keep my eyes open for more than a few seconds, the first thing I latched onto was a feminine voice.

It’s high pitch and friendly tone struck my memory at its core and dredged up a familiar name.

Cassidy.

Asher’s voice was thrown into the mix, tight with unease that twisted my empty stomach into knots. It rumbled miserably, as if it knew I dared to think about it.

“What’s going on?” I asked, but my mouth was so dry it came out as a crusty groan.

Asher was at my side before I could blink, moving so fast it startled me, but I was too weak to react. His hands roamed my arms, shoulders, and finally, my face. Each caress of his calloused hands was unbearably soft, bringing on such gentle sparks that my eyelids fluttered, and the darkness reached out with loving hands to suck me back in.

Thankfully, he pulled away before I could pass out again and promptly shoved something small and skinny into my mouth.

Without knowing what it was my throat worked to pull. When the taste of blood hit my tongue, rich and tangy, all thought was lost. I kept going until the winded.

straw sputtered and ran dry, but I wasn’t nearly full.

“What’s going on?” I asked again.

This time my words weren’t garbled nonsense. Cassidy hovered nearby; her shoulders lax with relief.

“What do you remember last?” Asher asked, clasping our hands together.

My heart began to flutter when he pressed my hand to his lips and waited for my response. A dull ache spread across my forehead as I followed the dwindling breadcrumbs in my memory that led me back to what happened before the darkness held me in it’s grasp.

“Um, I remember going to the safe haven and meeting Tristan’s mother. I sort of remember using magic to protect the land, but that’s where things get hazy.” I admitted.

“You did, you protected everyone. There’s now a force field over the entire safe haven, but you didn’t stop there. You fixed all of the damage the witches had done. Every house, every car, the sidewalk …even the streets look brand new.” He exhaled, shoulders stiff and rigid.

There was amazement in his voice, but his expression was pinched. Those eyes of his I adored so much were shuttered with worry.

“That doesn’t explain why I’m now lying -in bed back at home.” I pointed out, lazily looking around our bedroom. “Wait a second. I passed out, didn’t I?”

Asher lifted his head, nodding slowly.

You did. You’ve been out of it for four days now.”

My heart just about seized in my chest.

“Four days?!”

and Rowena

Rowena was certain you passed out from overextending yourself.”

squeezed his hand, hoping to alleviate his grimace. When the crease in between his eyebrows smoothed out, I mustered up a watery

glad everyone is safe, but something else is going on, isn’t it?” I took one glance at Cassidy, remembering the feverish way they spoke to one another before

but it was Cassidy that

just worried about his brother, even though there’s no reason to be.” She said lightly, an understanding smile

perfectly creased workout clothes she had on, I assumed she was on her way to training when she stopped by. Her gym bag rested on the floor, the chord of her headphones hanging out the side

been four days since I’ve heard from him. He asks for a leadership position, then pulls this stunt. It doesn’t make

I frowned, my eyes darting

head, her

death experiences and wanting to get drunk, but that’s your brother. Obviously, I told him I wasn’t interested.” She snorted, then placed her hand on Asher’s

that made me wonder exactly what Brandon

amused but managed

remember.” He replied.

to tell any of us where he was.” She explained, flashing me the same

does sound like something Brandon

during that time though to check in and let mom

inching closer together and lips falling.

a heathen at the best of times, but if there was one thing he cared

this time?” I asked.

he hasn’t even sent a text.” Asher

hands on her hips and shook her head at

rest of his life if he could see the two of you worrying like a pair of mother

know you’ve been under a huge deal of stress lately, but maybe you’re being just a touch overprotective. You know how your brother is, and you know that sooner or later, he always

right.” Asher grunted, pinching the bridge of

throb of his headache rippled across the bond and made my

her gym bag and slung it over her shoulder,

just partied too hard and lost his phone in the toilet again.” She snorted, shaking her head like she was reliving

finally

you, but I’ll let Chris know you’re

she left, but our eyes were on one another.

the front door slammed

I was settled against his chest, snaking his arms around my waist, and holding me there. When he buried his nose in my hair and inhaled

do you think about this?” Asher murmured against my

” Are you talking about your brother or

“My brother.”

being Alpha is relying on your intuition, right? It hasn’t led

long seconds,

me that something

and water. His lips flattened into a thin line, and when that crease on his forehead returned, I placed my fingers against it hoping

staring off into the

and instead tried to open myself to whatever it

warm, almost annoyingly so. It carried the scents of the outdoors, of the forest and soil. To anyone else, it would’ve been a

long and your lungs

his hold enough

of the warriors on

lock down. The only ones going in or

spending the last four days unconscious. If it wasn’t my growing determination that forced me onto my feet, then

going to raid the refrigerator. Then, I’m going to go and get some damn answers.

lips as he placed

“I’m in.” 1

bottles of water, two blood bags, and a sandwich, I was finally ready

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255