Page 23 of Tainted Rose
He didn’t want to scare them awake, concerned they would jump to the conclusion something was wrong with me, but I was anxious to see them, to feel their warmth.
I still struggled to rid myself of the memories that followed me when I attempted to close my eyes.
I felt like a tainted rose – a flower once pure and white.
Now, I was darkened by the evil that held me captive. The evil I successfully escaped only to meet face to face in a ruthless battle of life and death. Blair Aspen had taken so much from me in all my cycles.
I thought I had come to terms with having to endure the events he had put me through. Constantly pushing myself, pushing me past what I thought was my limit. I had watched so many other shifters die because of being pushed that far. I guess I should be grateful to still be alive and breathing.
“Do you want to go back there? Would you feel more comfortable? I’ll make sure it’s just our group until you’re strong enough to deal with the other students. Just in case anyone thinks it’s a bright idea to try and challenge you,” Ryder suggested.
I pressed myself against him as I tightened my grip around his waist.
“I’d teach them a good lesson if they even attempted to challenge you.”
I smiled against Ryder’s skin at Rose’s statement.I’ve missed your sassy self.
“I know. We missed you dearly, Makoto.”
I could sense the sincerity in her voice, the sound so far away from her usual toneless voice.
“Ya. If it’s just us...can we go back? I don’t like medical centers,” I whispered.
The white walls reminded me of that perfect white suit, those piercing red eyes stared at me with rage. I shivered at the thought. Ryder tightened his grip around me; his lips pressed against my forehead.
“It’s okay Mako. You’re safe in my arms, my love. We’ll get everything set and we can head back to our little home in Knightwood. Okay?” he soothed. His lips brushed my skin as he spoke.
“It’s not little and okay. Just don’t leave me, okay?” I just needed to be with him for a while longer.
“I’ll hold you in my arms the whole way if I must, my princess,” he declared.
I lifted my head to stare up at him.
He looked so different, especially with his recent unshaven, medium length beard. I could see the dark circles under his eyes, those usual vivid Tyrian eyes I loved were losing their light.
Hmm...he looks like he just survived two weeks of living on an island with only the primary essentials of food and water.
A genuine smile formed on his lips, before he lowered his head to kiss me gently. He was still hesitant in his kisses, not allowing his lips to linger longer than five seconds. I didn’t care if I almost died; I wanted more of him – to taste more of him.
“I feel like I was left on an island with only the fear of losing my true love that was miles away,” he admitted. The pain still lingered in his voice, but he looked amused at my outspoken thoughts.
“Sorry,” I whispered pressing my lips against his neck; my action of affection rewarded me with a deep moan.
“I’ve missed your kisses,” he whispered, allowing me to continue kissing his warm rose scented flesh.
“I’ve missed you, too,” I replied, returning my gaze up at him.
I unhooked my left hand, my other buried beneath him as we continued to lay side to side in an embrace, to caress his beard, the hair feeling smooth given its rough appearance.
“You don’t like it?” he questioned with an amused smirk on his lips.
“I never said that.” I continued to rub my thumb against the fine hairs.
“You don’t need to with your facial expression.”
“Hmm...well, if I have to be honest...you do need a trim,” I admitted.
“A trim or a shave, sweetheart?”
