"It's not that easy," she began to say, looking more nervous than before.
"Do you think any of this has been easy?" I asked, feeling like I was going to lose my temper. "It wasn't easy finding out you were my mate from someone else. It wasn't easy finding out you'd left me even when you knew who I was."
I stilled, taking a deep breath, trying to rein in my overwhelming feelings.
"It was absolute hell wondering where you were. Whether you were still alive or lying dead somewhere. You have no idea how difficult it has been to wake up every day not knowing if I was ever going to find you." I paused for a moment. "That was hard."
Crystal
I had never seen him so angry but I couldn't blame him. It would be impossible for someone to understand my actions without knowing my secret and what that meant for me.
The adrenaline that had kept me going through my exhaustion was waning and I felt so tired I could barely stand. I put a hand to my forehead and I swayed.
"Sit down," he commanded gruffly, helping me to the nearest chair. "When's the last time you ate?"
I tried to remember but couldn't. Briefly his eyes left mine and I could tell he was talking to someone through the mind-link.
"Someone is going to bring you some food."
I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to delay the inevitable, but he was still there when I opened them, studying me.
"Thank you," I murmured while trying to think of what I could do to avoid this conversation.
His forehead creased as he bent down beside me.
"Are you okay?" he asked, the concern taking over from the anger that had been evident only a few moments ago.
It gave me an idea.
"No…I'm not okay."
For the first time in a long time I allowed my feelings of fear to take over. I was so used to being in control, making sure I didn't make a mistake, keeping a tight control on my inner emotions. I knew there would be severe consequences if I did. I felt the tightness in my throat as Kyle's features softened and he reached a hand to my cheek.
"I'm sorry," he said. "You've been through so much."
I nodded as I felt my eyes sting. A tear slid down and he brushed it away. "You're exhausted."
I was. More tears fell and I began to sob.
"It's okay," he murmured, helping me to my feet. I leaned into him and he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close.
Feeling the tiredness seep through as I cried, my legs buckled slightly. Kyle shifted, picking me up with an arm under my legs.
"You need some sleep," he murmured, pressing a kiss to my forehead as he began to carry me out of the study.
I held on to him tightly, allowing him to take control as he carried me to his room. I had only ever been inside it once before. It looked the same. It was neat, with a big bed with dark blue linen. He set me down on the covers. It felt so soft and comforting. I wiped my tears as he removed my shoes carefully.
Someone knocked at the door before they entered, carrying a tray. Kyle took it from the young girl.
"Thanks," he said before she left, closing the door behind her.
He set the tray down on my lap.
"You need to eat."
He didn't have to tell me twice. My stomach grumbled at the smell of the meat stew.
Kyle sat beside me while I ate. The more I ate, the more tired I seemed to feel. When I was full he took the tray away. I lay down, allowing my aching muscles to relax.
