Where Love Collides

Chapter 2

"Ares," I heard a soft voice calling to me. At first I thought I was dreaming but then I felt a hand on my shoulder shaking me slightly. "Ares, wake up. It's me Amara."

I opened my eyes to find myself staring into those eyes again. So calming. So mesmerizing. I had to remind myself to focus and not get lost in her gaze.

"You came back." I managed to finally say.

She smiled at me, "Of course I did." She looked behind her at a guy who had been standing back listening. "This is my best friend Arlin. His father will be here with the carriage in a moment, okay?"

I nodded at Arlin. "Thank you."

"No problem." Arlin replied. It was hard to get any kind of read on him.

But any further conversation was halted when we heard the carriage being manuerved in as close as it could get to us. I finally felt myself relax. I truly had thought I was going to die in this forest till Amara had come along. I watched her run over to the carriage and say something to an older man who I presumed to be Arlin's father. Leaving me alone with her best friend who was watching her in a way that certainly showed he didnt feel that way about her. If I were to guess I would say he was in love with Amara. He must of felt me staring because he turned my way and our eyes met for a moment.

"Ares, this is Nathenial Bray. Arlin's father." Amara's sudden introduction interrupted anything Arlin and I might of thought to say.

I held out my hand the best I could, " Nice to meet you Sir."

He laughed good naturedly. " Sir, huh? Well I dont know about that. But yes, nice to meet you too." He shook my hand and I winced in pain. " Maybe even better if you were not so injured. Lets get you back to the house and take a look. Shall we?"

He called to Arlin and together they supported my weight till I was nearly standing. I bit the inside of my cheek to refrain from crying out in any more pain. Everytime she looked at me I felt myself slipping under some spell. It was like she was the drug I needed but knew I couldn't have. This is why I must distance myself and not show any emotion. The sooner I get healed the better because whether she realizes it or not she is dangerous. At least for someone like me.

"Are you alright?" Amara asked me as they helped into the carriage.

I grimaced but managed to respond with a simple yes. She smiled at me and whispered, "I'm glad."

To Arlin and his father she called out, "Meet you guys back at the house." As she climbed back onto her horse with ease and began to ride off. And for a second I wondered what it would be like to be on the horse and have her arms wrapped around me. I shook my head what was wrong with me? I just met this girl and I was thinking of her in a way that surprised even me.

As we traveled back to the Bray's house I tried to get composed. To remind myself that I was only going to be around long enough to get healed and then I would move on. Maybe onward to Thule. It was far enough away that it would put some distance between me and these unseemly feelings I suddenly had about a girl I barely knew. One I could never have a future with.

"Okay we are here. I have made up a guest area for you in the barn. And I have called for the doctor. He will be here in the morning ."

"Thank you Mr. Bray. I really appreciate this. I didnt think I could survive one more night in the forest."

"Well any friend of Amara's is a friend of ours. So welcome, okay?"

I smiled a real smile. Just as Amara approached. Her golden hair now wavy and free from the braids. She was breathtakingly beautiful.

"Are they getting you settled?" She asked coming to sit next to me.

"Yes. Thanks to you."

She laughed. " Well you are very welcome Ares." She blushed as she looked into my eyes and abruptly stood up. " I better head home. I'm late as it is."

I felt disappointed at the thought of her leaving although I knew she was going to be leaving sooner than later. But suddenly was wishing we had just a little more time to talk.

As she neared the doorway she turned, "When you said it was a long story why you were hurt and lost in the forest do you think you would ever tell me about it?"

I thought about it for just a moment before answering, "I think I could be convinced to talk about it with you."

"Good. Because I would like to know." Her expression soft and caring. "So I will come back tomorrow and visit you."

I watched her leave and realized I had agreed to tell her things that may lead to nothing but more questions. That I couldn't really answer. Because there was only so much I could tell her of my past without everything about me being exposed. Why had I said I would tell her. If it wasn't for the way she made me feel inside whenever she was near. It trifled with my feelings. Part of me longing to be around her and part of me wanting her to not come back anymore. Fearing what would happen if she were to discover what I was hiding from everyone. The real reason I had been exiled. No. I couldn't risk her finding out. I had to harden my feelings and get myself well enough so I could leave. To put great distance between her and I. It was what was for the best. Even if it wasn't what I really wanted.