Within the Sapphire Forest

Chapter 8

Claws and teeth flashed red in the moonlight. I ran as fast as I could, but the predatory yellow eyes were always one step behind me. I kept running as fast as I could, scraping my legs on branches and tripping over rocks. My bare feet were cut to pieces by all the sharp stones and my legs bled profusely. I prayed for a reprieve or a safe place to hide from the eyes, but they were everywhere, staring at me from the darkness. 

A flash of red struck my leg and I fell, crying out in pain. I tried to crawl away, to get anywhere that would hide me from the yellow eyes. But I didn’t get very far. Another flash and it was on me, its gray snout dripping with saliva and my blood. I screamed as it launched its teeth at my face.

I jolted awake, soaked in sweat and tears. I couldn’t remember where I was, or what happened. My entire body hurt, I couldn’t move, and I had the vision of yellow eyes stuck in my mind.

A hand gently brushed through my hair, startling me. I cried harder as my fear and pain spiked. My lungs burned, in desperate need of oxygen, but I couldn’t calm myself down.

“Shh, you’re okay. You’re safe, Evianna. You’re okay.”

I turned to the voice and saw beautiful glowing blue eyes in the dark. Caden sat on the floor at the edge of my bed, where they had apparently laid me at some point.

“How are you?” I asked. It was the only thing I could think to say at that moment.

“Really? I was going to ask you the same thing,” he responded, and I could sense the soft smile in his voice.

“If I don’t think about it, it’s not a problem,” I croaked back.

My throat burned and I realized I had no idea when I last had a drink of water.

My voice must have given that little inconvenience away, because he gently helped me sit up, sat behind me, and held a cup with a straw up to my mouth. I took slow sips, my chest and lungs still hurting, but it was so damn refreshing on my throat. Once I finished, he set the cup down on the nightstand and started moving out from behind me.

“Wait,” I coughed.

I hadn’t even thought about it, I just desperately didn’t want him to move. He was warm, and I fit so nicely in his chest, it was much more comfortable than laying flat on the bed.

“I can stay right here, don’t worry,” he whispered as he stroked my head.

I leaned further into his chest and took in a deep breath. He smelled like pine trees and rain. It was the most comforting smell ever to me, filling me with peace.

“Tell me more,” I requested as he wrapped one arm around my waist.

He didn’t need an explanation and responded, “Well, my best friend’s name is Trey. He and I have been friends since we were three, because we were some of the only kids in the pack. He was never very strong, so he didn’t rise in the pack ranks like I did, but I always made time for him. I’m sure he, my parents, and my little sister are the most worried about me right now.”

I nodded my understanding and he continued.

“My little sister’s name is Carrie, and she’s a good six years younger. She found her mate about eight years ago, and she lives with him and his pack in Alabama now.

“I believe you covered all of your favorite things, right? Well, my favorite activities are hunting, hiking, and I also love reading. My favorite book is It by Stephen King, even though it’s so dense. I don’t mean to critique such an incredible author, I really do love the book, it just took me four months to work through it.

“My favorite color is green, like your eyes. My favorite animal growing up was an eagle, because I always wanted to fly, but as I grew up, I started to adore cats, oddly enough. I even found and took in a stray gray tabby cat last year. Her name is Bev, and you would probably adore her.” 

I giggled softly, which earned me a quiet growl, but there wasn’t any real force behind it.

“My favorite music is mostly country, but I will listen to just about anything. I love all pastas, which I know sounds weird, but I grew up eating a s**t ton of steak and meats, and I never got a lot of pasta, so it’s become a favorite of mine.”

My eyes grew heavy again, but I wasn’t ready to move yet.

“What else do you want to know?” he questioned quietly.

I asked the first thing that came to my mind. It was a thought that appeared as he started to tell me about himself, I just didn’t have the courage to have the full conversation that pertained to the thought, so I decided to ask as I was falling asleep, in order to escape.

“What did you mean when you said you thought you loved me?”

I was so quiet, barely above a whisper, but his werewolf hearing was guaranteed to hear me.

He sighed and I felt his arm move. I felt he probably ran a hand through his hair as his body tensed at the question.

“It wasn’t meant as something offensive, I promise you. I’ve just never been in love before, and I believe this is what it’s supposed to feel like, being here with you. You make my heart stop and race at the same time, you make me feel my most excited, and yet you calm me down with every glance, every touch. If this isn’t what love is supposed to feel like, then the goddess has the worst sense of humor in the universe.”

I bopped him, not very hard at all since I had no energy, and said, “You shouldn’t say bad things about her.”

I felt him kiss the top of my head and he responded, “You’re right, I’m sorry.”

I knew I was on the brink of sleep, but I couldn’t get there yet.

“Why?” I questioned.

“Why do I think I love you?” he asked, the first sound of confusion I’d heard from him.

“No, I already asked that. I mean why do you love me. What about me made you love me?” 

Exhaustion apparently made me fearless.

“Oh, okay. Um.. Well, the first thing I loved about you was your eyes. That sounds kind of cliché,” he chuckled, “but it’s true. When I woke up that first day here and I was scared and took it out on you, it was your eyes that caught my attention first. Remember how I circled you? I was trying to figure out if you were on Nathan’s side, if you were trying to help me. Then you looked up at me with your beautiful eyes, so bright and innocent and sincere, and you had me right then in there. I didn’t know it, but you did. 

“Next thing I fell for was your blush.” Cue the blush that I’m sure he could see in the dark. “You were talking about your favorite things and had mentioned that if I were in my human form at the time, I would have commented on your rambling, and then you looked absolutely terrified and your cheeks turned the brightest shade of pink, and I almost couldn’t handle how adorable you were.

“Then it was your smell, the first time I slept on the floor in here. Everything else in the house was a mix of you and all the other creatures, but your room was purely you. You smell like warm honey and something flowery. I can’t say I know what that flowery smell is but it’s so calming.

“Also, it took everything in my power that night to turn around and not gawk at you like a pervert.”

I giggled at that.

“Then it was your laugh, and the way you danced, how caring you are to all of your creatures, how strong you are with your grandmother, and I was completely over the moon when you sent her and that douchebag flying.”

“You weren’t afraid?” I asked, looking up suddenly.

My movement caused a jolt of pain to rocket down my neck and shoulder and I winced.

Caden glared at me and gently, but forcefully, laid my head back in its original position.

“After the initial shock of waking up in a new place, I was never afraid of you. Sometimes, I was frustrated and scared of myself, and there were times where I was afraid for you, but I never felt afraid of you. You did what you had to to protect yourself and your home and I would never dream of judging you for that.”

I started crying softly, thankful for such a wonderful man in my life.

The door to the bedroom creaked open, startling both of us, but Caden held me perfectly still so I didn’t hurt myself further. The light flicked on, allowing me to see the grumpy form of Melissa standing in the doorway.

“I see how it goes. You take the first night of watching her and you get to have your super cute heartfelt talk about your love for her, while I am forced to sleep on that uncomfortable monstrosity that is supposed to be a couch, and when I finally fall asleep, you wake me the f**k up.”

Every word dripped with disgust and disdain as she glared daggers at us. That’s also when I noticed that Caden was wearing basketball shorts that were definitely not mine.

“Don’t be mad, Missy,” I begged softly, holding my right arm out to her.

She glared for only a second longer, before rolling her eyes and tumbling onto the bed next to us.

“So, what are we talking about now? Hopefully not anything to suggestive about my girly, cause I’m classified as a lethal weapon,” she mentioned casually, like that was totally normal to say to some random guy.

“I think I’ve heard that before. You have a talent for electrical magic, even using lightning as a mode of transportation, so I’m going to guess you also have an ability for directing that energy into your hands, and electrocuting people.”

Melissa stared open mouthed, complete shock written all over her face.

I laughed, which hurt my ribs, but I ignored it.

A thought popped into my head suddenly, and my laughter died in my throat.

“What’s wrong?” Melissa asked, suddenly all serious.

“It’s nothing about me, I was worried about everyone else. Did everyone get dinner? I know Syline can be a handful sometimes, and the pixies are messy, but they really do need to eats.”

Melissa held up a hand, halting me in my tracks.

“We got it, Eve, you don’t have to worry. Wolf boy here took care of the merbitch, the manticore, and the dragon. I took care of everyone inside.”

“Even Brownie?”

“Especially Brownie,” Cade assured me. “He was so thankful for the mint, and probably was so worried about you, that he cleaned up all the dishes in the time it took us to pick up everything we left outside.”

“That’s good,” I sighed, feeling better.

“So, I hope you guys weren’t planning your specially first time together any time soon,” I blushed at Melissa’s insinuation, which caused Caden to chuckle, “because this leg, your ribs, and your shoulder were all in pretty bad shape, not to mention the cuts and bruises on your face. Those fuckers did a number on you, and if this one gives me even half a chance, I won’t hesitate to fry their asses.”

“I would, but that would look badly on me when I return to the pack. As the alpha, when I return, I should deal with the traitors personally, not brush it off on a witch to do. Oh, no offense, sorry,” he replied, looking worriedly at us.

“It’ll take a lot more than that to offend us,” Melissa explained. “We grew up in a culture that told us we weren’t worth teaching until suddenly we were. We’re also supposed to take anything a werewolf, vampire, or elf says with a grain of salt, so that’s kind of ingrained in me now.”

Caden nodded.

“I have a quick question,” I said, getting their attention. “I just want to be prepared, but when are you going back to your pack.”

I’m sure they heard the fear and sadness in my voice. Caden laid his cheek on the top of my head and sighed heavily.

“I was thinking in a few days. The pack only suffers the longer I’m here, and I’ve put it off for too long.” 

I nodded and a tear escaped my clouding eyes.

“Hey,” Melissa said softly, brushing it away, “it’s all going to be okay.”

I could only nod, afraid my voice would c***k, or I’d just fall apart if I had to say anything. He’d become the best thing in my life and I wasn’t ready for him to go yet.

“Evianna,” he whispered, holding me just the tiniest bit tighter, “I have to go, eventually. I do believe you once said ‘No use in waiting around for the inevitable,’ and this is inevitable.”

“I’m just not ready. What if you don’t come back? What if they jump you again, or you get busy redesigning your pack, or you forget about me?”

I cried harder, unable to stop the torrent of tears that streamed down my face at the thought of my wolf not coming back. I didn’t think I could tak it, and then I felt stupid for being so reliant and someone who’s name I just learned the day before.

“I will not forget you. I won’t be too busy for you, and if they jump me again, I’ll fight harder, because this time, I have someone to fight for.”

I nodded, but I just could not stop crying.

“I have an idea,” Melissa announced.

We waited for her to tell us what that idea was for a few seconds before she said, “Oh, I was actually thinking I’d get a reply, but whatever. Anyway, my idea is, maybe you would feel better if you kept an eye on him.”

“What do you mean?” Caden questioned.

“Evianna is a master at astral projection. That’s why she’s able to use astral projection to teleport. It’s pretty low energy compared to other forms of magic, and physically she would stay right here and her body would heal.”

“Yes!” I agreed instantly.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Caden argued. “If I have to fight, I wouldn’t want you to see that.”

“But, if something went wrong, or they ambushed you, I would be able to tell Melissa and she could help you,” I tried to reason.

“Absolutely not. I forbid you from doing that.”

Melissa laughed hysterically while I tried to wrap my head around what he said.

“I’m sorry, you forbid me?” I asked.

He froze, realizing his f**k up.

“Because if you just forbid me from doing something, maybe I should remind you of the rules of my home, especially the one where what I say goes. Not whatever the big bad wolf says, what I say, and I’ve decided that I will astral project, because I have lived just fine without some man trying to tell me what to do,” I tried to yell. It came as a squeaky yelping noise due to the pain that came from trying to yell.

Caden gently rubbed small circles on my arm, calming me slowly.

“I understand that you are very capable of taking care of yourself, and you can make decisions on your own, I just worry what you will think of me if you watch me fight. It’s ugly and brutal, and I wouldn’t want you to see that,” he shared.

“I know, but I still want to. I’d rather see you at your lowest than see you dead.”

That seemed to win the argument as silence descended on us.

Finally, Caden sighed and kissed the top of my head, “Fine, but I don’t like it.”

I nodded and Melissa got off the bed.

“I think you should go tomorrow,” she threw out for us to contemplate. “Eve is stable, she only needs to rest and get her strength up now. Putting it off any later will only make things worse, right? Then you can be back sooner to take care of her.”

Caden nodded, and I knew he thought the same thing.

“We should all get some sleep,” he said then, as he slowly repositioned himself so he could sleep with me laying on his chest. 

Melissa turned out the light on her way out, and I laid still, listening as Caden’s breathing slowed until he was snoring softly, but sleep eluded me for a few more hours as I wrestled with the fear of my wolf leaving me. Eventually, I was able to overcome it and succumb to my exhaustion.