Fated Beyond Bloodlines

4: Shadows and Awakening

Twyla's POV

Staggering out of the bushes, my vision a bit blurry and bones weak, I stare in awe at the

handsome man before me.

I know this isn't the time to have such wandering thoughts but I can't seem to control my gaze

as it sweeps his perfectly carved face, the most striking blue eyes, sharp jaw and down to his

attractive build.

An urge to touch him overwhelms me and I make a move, only for it to backfire as my legs give

out under me. The world spins for a moment as I feel my body plunge downward.

I hold my breath and try my best to keep my eyes open while I fall. I wait for the harsh impact of

the floor to meet my skin, but it doesn't come, rather what I feel are warm arms around me.

Electricity pulses through me at the contact, the hairs on my skin standing on end as sparks fly,

a shiver running down my spine as all the blood in my veins rush to my head, making me dizzy

while my most sensitive spot tingles in desire.

There's a strange pull, one heavy enough to notice even in my weary state, but not clear

enough to pinpoint, however there's no need denying it as tension cracks in the air.

I feel the need to say something as we both stare into each other's eyes, getting lost in his

captivating bright blue irises. Something shifts in the air as I open my mouth to speak but

nothing comes out as my muscles give up, my lids heavy as everything in me gives into the

darkness.

His faint voices reaches my ears seconds later as my body shakes in his arms. I sense a hint of

worry and panic in his tone as he tries to get through to me, however I'm too far gone to react,

only able to feel as he lifts me and starts to walk in a direction I'm unaware of.

I can't comprehend how long I'm out for, however I faintly drift in and out of consciousness once

or twice and sense strange movements and a presence that lets me know I am not alone.

For some reason, the realization brings me comfort, rather than fear and apprehension as I

continue to rest.

^^^^^^^

Groaning, I turn away from what seems to be sunlight as I feel the rays on my face, it's

brightness causing a tint behind my lids, thereby, disrupting any hint of sleep I have left.

Slowly, I try to move my body as I become conscious and recall my injuries. Only my legs are

able to respond to the directions of my brain as my hands happen to be held captive.

A frown appears on my brow as the thought settles in my mind and I jolt upright, my eyes

flashing open, my muscles tense as my vision sweeps my environment, trying to make sense of

where I am.

"Thank goodness you are awake," a voice I remember faintly speaks, the tone deep,

commanding and yet soothing.

I go still for a moment as the memories in the forest wash over me in flashes up until the

moment I black out completely. I'm so lost in my head that I forget why I tensed up until warm

palms squeeze my hand.

Hastily I retrieve my fingers from his hold. Not because I hate it, rather it's because it feels

foreign, and strangely comforting to be held softly.

"Be still," the man commands, as I sense the heat of his gaze on my skin, my attention on my

fingers which I intertwine in an attempt to get rid of the tingles in them even after I disconnect

our touch.

"Look at me," he says after a minute as I continue to fret in his presence, having no idea how to

react or what to say.

Gulping, I gradually direct my vision towards him and for the second time since we've met, I feel

the urge to reach out my finger to his face, this time to smoothen the light crease on his brow as

he gawks at me.

My heart skips a beat as I'm face to face with a clearer version of his attractive features. I knew

he was handsome the instant I set my gaze on him in the woods, however my blurry vision and

the approaching darkness did in no way prepare me for the sight in front of me.

Good," he nods in satisfaction at my obedience and graces me with a small smile, his lips tilting

slightly, blue eyes twinkling as they fix on me.

I almost smile in return but fail as he stretches a hand toward my left cheek. I whimper in fear at

the speed of his fingers and he lifts a brow at me in wonder at my action.

He doesn't comment on it, and instead brushes strands of my red hair way from my face and

behind my ear, the soft contact provoking me to relax visibly as a breath I don't know I'm holding

leaves my form.

I watch him slowly drop his hand, his blue irises scanning me, especially my emerald eyes, as if

hoping to find some answers. His palm drops to his knee which I see is exposed by the black

shorts he has on beneath a white shirt.

He appears to have switched attires, and though my memories are a bit of a flash, I am certain

of that much. He notices my gaze and says. "I left for a quick shower, and change of clothes."

I bob my head in a sign of understanding, not adding any word in response as my brain still tries

to make sense of the tension that begins to build in the air.

"How are you feeling?" He asks, tilting his head to the side to peer pointedly at me.

"Weak," I sigh, my shoulders slumping, my gaze roaming around in a bid to avoid his eyes. I

discern we are in a confined space, the interior giving off a mental picture of a farmhouse.

"Where are we?"