When I Find You

Chapter 14: For Now

    The castle was much more dull than when I was kidn*pped only 48 hours ago. Julian and Michael were walking me to my window. I put a cloaking spell on us so no one would see us. They both opened their hands so I can step up and reach the ledge to get to my bedroom quickly. I put my foot in their hands, until I realized I didn’t know when I would be able to see my brother or Julian again. The anxiety began, but I needed to remain calm before Julian sensed it. 

    “No no no. Ava you listen to me right now. We don’t have time right now. You need to get in and we need to get out.” Julian ordered before I even had a chance to say anything. I stepped down from the step they made. 

    “I know, but I can’t wait another 15 years to see you again.” The tears threatened to fall down my face. My eyes had pooled. I looked down at the grass under my shoes. I felt his sadness and I saw the sadness in Michael’s eyes. I wasn’t sure when I would be able to escape. I wasn’t sure when I would be able to get to speak to either of them again. The spell limited my abilities to connect with my wolf, and for that I would never be able to link with Julian. I know we are running out of time and any second longer we may be caught. 

    “Kiss me, Julian.” I stated. It wasn’t a question. I needed him to kiss me. I wanted to savor the taste of his lips, remember how his hands felt on me, and never forget that he is mine. He took a step closer, his purple eyes a shade darker with desire, then kissed me like I was his last breath of fresh air. I roamed his muscular body with my hands and I felt the need in his touch, but I had to go and that truth weighed heavy on my heart. 

    I let go of him. I imprinted this moment in my mind. I turned to Michael who was looking in any other direction other than mine to allow us a moment. I wrapped my arms around him and held him tight. “I’m going to miss you big brother. Please be safe and try not to claw at anyone else’s doors.” I laughed as I stayed in his embrace. I could feel how body his tense was as he was holding back the tears. 

    They formed the step with their hands again to lift me to my window. I had to go. 

    “Goodbye. For now.” I said as I looked up to reach the ledge of my window. I couldn’t bare to look them directly in their eyes. I feared I may not be able to leave. 

    “For now.” They both said. 

    I got in through my window and turned around to close it; looking down at both of them and their beautiful faces. Andrea was near my bed and she was getting impatient. I nodded before I turned around to give them the okay to leave. They ran away in harmony to the distant forest; never turning around to look at the distressed princess in her window. 

    Andrea came closer to me. She watched me with sad eyes and pulled me into her arms. “You need to put your pajamas on and get into bed. This bottle is to help you sleep so it looks like you’ve been sleeping all night and day. Quickly, Ava. They’re eating breakfast and their going to come in and check on you soon.”

    I nodded my head to her and quickly drank the potion she gave me to help me fall asleep fast. My pajamas were on and I washed my face to get off any makeup. I hopped into bed and Andrea followed. We needed to make sure this looked real. I didn’t want the Queen to suspect anything. 

    “Ava, one more thing, drink this so that it hides the bite and the smell of Julian. Tristin will notice right away if you do not.” She said, before my eyelids grew heavy and I drifted off to sleep. 

    “This…why..you…my.. bestest….” I tried to say, but I fell asleep cold and numb to the events that brought me to this moment now. 

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    “Ava, you’re running a fever my dear. I need to call the doctor in.” I was struggling to keep my eyes open. They were opening enough to see Queen Vivian sitting next to me on my bed; the back of her hand on my forehead. I did feel a little hot, was this part of the potion Andrea gave me? I closed my eyes again and tried to move, but my body would not let me. 

    I fell back into my deep slumber.

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    I woke up to the sound of Queen Vivian again with a doctor. He sat next to me to check my heart rate, but I was still unable to open my eyes. What is going on with me? I was burning up from head to toe. I wanted to scream, but I lacked the energy. 

    I heard Queen Vivian leave the room and that made me relieved. 

    “Ava, common Ava, you need to wake up please.” The doctor said while gently shaking me.

    “I can’t open my eyes, but I hear you.” I weakly said.

    “Ava, it’s Andrea’s father, I need you to try and sit up for me.” He had worry laced in his voice. Am I dying and I don’t know it? Oh goodness, no no. I don’t want to die. I gathered my strength and opened my eyes. I did my best to sit up, but I ended up kind of lopsided on the pillows against the headboard. Andrea was sitting next to me, looking at her father. 

    “Common child, how could you do such a reckless thing?” Andrea’s father spoke with disappointment. I stared at him in confusion, not understanding what reckless thing I have done. He put his hand to his forehead with his eyes closed, shaking his head. 

    “You mated, if I am correct, which I know I am. Now you’re burning up, but do you know why? Of course you don’t otherwise, you would have thought it through.” He was clearly panicking over some…thing…I did and I need him to elaborate because I am genuinely confused. Based on his reaction, however, I think it is safe to assume that I am in fact not dying. 

    “You’re in heat.” He stated and I gasped.