“It’s okay,” he whispered.
I nodded, and pressed my lips back to his. He rolled over, pinning me under his weight. His hands steadied my head as he continued to deepen the kiss.
His knee pressed between mine, pushing my legs apart. Then, he settled his body on top of mine. It felt so right, like we were a perfect fit.
His fingers found their way under the hem of my shirt, tracing patterns along my sides. I felt a moan escape my lips, and Kade pulled back.
“What’s the matter?” I asked, wondering if I did something wrong.
“We can’t get too carried away. I made a vow to Samuel and Alaine,” he sighed.
“A vow? What vow?” I questioned.
“Not to defile you.”
“Did they force you take that vow?” I asked.
He shrugged. “Maybe. Still, it’s something I take seriously. But believe me, it’s taking everything within my power to stop.”
I sighed. “I know exactly what you mean.” We both looked longingly into each other’s eyes, then broke out into laughter.
“We’re a mess,” I said, hugging him again.
“A hot mess.” He chuckled. “How the hell did we end up here?”
“I don’t know,” I replied, shaking my head. “But I’m glad you’re here with me.”
He leaned forward and kissed me again. “I am too.”
“Do you think everyone’s alright?” I asked. “I can’t hear anything.”
“That’s because this room is completely secure and heavily protected. All we can do is pray they all make it safely. At least they’re only dealing with the Darkling, so I think they’ll be fine. It seems as if Lucian is still testing our strength.”
“Why would he keep testing it?”
“He’s finding our weak spots and trying to wear us down before he attacks. His goal is to make sure when he does attack, he wins.”
“Do you think it’ll be soon?” I questioned. I still had a ways to go before my transformation.
“I don’t know. But we need to take extra careful measures. You can’t be alone anymore. Especially knowing the Darkling can scale these walls.”
“I know. Just the thought of it makes me terrified. I don’t think I’ll ever feel safe being alone again.”
“As long as I have breath, I’ll guard over you.”
“Thank you,” I said, wholeheartedly. I knew he meant what he said. His eyes never lied.
Voices echoed from down the hall. One of them was Alaine’s, and the other sounded like Courtney. Alaine entered the room first, her brow was furrowed, her eyes red, and she was spattered with black blood. As soon as her eyes found mine, she sighed in relief.
“Thank God you’re here,” she said, rushing over to me, wrapping me in a hug.
“Yes, Kade brought me here after I was injured.”
“You’re injured?” she questioned.
“Not anymore. He gave me the healing potion and I’m good as new.”
Thomas entered next, carrying Courtney in his arms, and Caleb right behind him.
“Set her on the bed,” Alaine said, heading to the sink and washing her hands. “Kade, are you injured?”
“No. I’m fine,” he said, glancing over to me with a grin.
We quickly shuffled off the bed to make room. Courtney was whimpering, and her hands, clasped tightly over her right eye, were covered in blood.
“What happened?” I asked, very concerned.
“My bag, please,” she noted to Thomas before answering me. “She was hit with a stone thrown through the downstairs window.”
“Oh my God,” I gasped.
“Let me see darling,” Alaine spoke softly, trying to coax Courtney to settle down and let her see the wound. After a few moments, Courtney slowly let Alaine take her hands away.
When she revealed her injury, I held my breath and turned into Kade’s arms.
Her right eye was badly bruised and was swollen shut. Right above her eye, a large piece of skin was missing, and I noticed it hanging off her forehead.
“Is there anymore potion left?” Alaine asked calmly.
I turned and handed Alaine what was left in the vial. There was still half a bottle, which was more than enough. She slowly lifted Courtney’s head and made her drink. She moaned as the liquid took effect. Alaine then poured some of it on the hanging flesh and the wound, placing them back together. I assumed the liquid would knit the skin back together.
Courtney was still whimpering, but not nearly as bad as when she first came in. The potion was taking effect.
Alaine dug through her small medical bag and pulled out a small plastic bag. She ripped it open and pulled out a blue pack, then crushed the contents inside of it, and instructed Courtney to hold it over her eyes.