“Sebastian,” I prod. His eyes flick to me, but they are immediately drawn away again, and I watch as his eyes land on the far wall that exhibits the sword that I have carried with me for as long as I can remember. It was passed down to me by my father, who I have not seen since leaving Grandor and the memory of receiving it flashes through my mind.
Chapter Fourteen
Sebastian
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I stepped into Jack’s room, but it wasn’t the sight that is now before me. Never in all my years have I seen so many crystals in one place. My eyes wander around the room, trying to take it all in and I get so lost in what I’m seeing that I forget Jack is there until I hear him call my name. I look over at him briefly but am immediately drawn away again when I spot a beautiful sword displayed on the far wall. It calls to me to touch it and I almost involuntarily move toward it, intent on feeling its energy run through my fingers, but a hand snags on my right bicep, stopping me. I turn and find Jack’s angelic lagoon eyes watching me.
“Please do not make me move it, Sebastian. It has hung there for a hundred and fifty years, and I would like it to remain there,” he explains, flicking his glance to the wall then back at me, before releasing my arm. He returns to the far side of the room to collect another two stones. They’re incredibly heavy and I wonder where he got them. Jack then waits for me at the door, clearly wanting me to exit first. I manage to get another hard look around, wishing I could poke about for a day or so. The ever-elusive mystery that is Jack. He has more secrets than any of us will ever know.
I reluctantly make my way out of his room and down the corridor, taking in the various paintings we’ve all collected over the years. The dark solid wood flooring and the low light keeps the large house feeling more like a home than the mansion that it really is. Heading back to Kia and Rolland, my thoughts are drawn back to the sword that hangs on Jack’s wall.
“You are right again, Sebastian, and I would like to thank you for keeping a rational mind when I did not. I cannot protect Kia if I do not know who, or what brought her here.” Jack’s modulated voice comes from behind me. “Those that know she is here, will not give up easily in tracking her down.”
I stop in my tracks as we reach the entrance hall to the house. The space is a large, open area. Light fills the hall from the large windows behind us on the landing of the stairs. As Jack joins me on the landing, the light from the window causes his hair to shimmer to a near silver tone.
He doesn’t meet my gaze where he stands beside me. Compassion and empathy aren't emotions I’ve ever felt in regard to Jack, but knowing he feels just as helpless as Rolland and me, eases some of the hostility I have toward him.
“She’s going to be fine, Jack,” I assure him, trying to ease his worries, but he still doesn’t lift his gaze. “Isn’t she?” My gut begins to twist at his lack of confirmation.
Some of the composure that never seems to leave him, drops, along with his shoulders. “You asked for me to be more open with you, and in light of Matt holding back, I agree. We need to have more trust in one another.” He takes a visible breath and finally looks up from the stones. His crystal blue eyes that usually seem so cold, appear almost as warm as Rolland’s, though the look in them unsettles me, and I feel like he’s about to tell me something dreadful.
“You are not the only people who have gifts, as you know, but there are many more of you all over this plane. In small groups your energy goes unnoticed, but in groups of a dozen or more, your energy becomes like a beacon, and it can be felt from miles around. A few of my own kind, and others with similar powers, agreed to keep you apart and in small numbers. Big enough to keep each other safe, but not large enough to draw the attention of those who wish you harm. Most of my time is spent either coordinating with the others who safeguard the groups, like I do with you all, or looking for others that are stranded here. There are very few of us and they hide deep within caves, mountains and the furthest parts of these lands.”
Jack returns his gaze back to the stones. “When we have shared this information in the past, the groups have always sought each other out. So many lives have been lost because one of us gave in to the temptation of revealing the truth.”
I turn to him fully and it looks like so much weight has been lifted from his shoulders. Yet, sadness still runs across his face when he looks up at me again. He’s carried this for so long and not being able to tell any of us must have been slowly eating away at his conscience. A small amount of annoyance simmers through me, but understanding his need to keep us safe helps to ease more of the hostility I usually feel toward him. The question remains, what does this have to do with Kia?
“What else are you not saying, Jack?” I inquire cautiously. He lifts a perfectly plucked eyebrow. Most likely at my quick thinking.
“Ayran’s are stronger than all of us put together when they are not drained and shut off from their own minds. As Kia gets stronger and regains her powers, it will be like having ten, if not more of you, under one roof. We will need to be ready for when she is fully recovered to move her somewhere that is less populated or find somewhere that can mask her energy. Very few places like that remain and even then, I have no idea if that will be enough.” Jack starts off in the direction of my room and I’m left with the puzzle of how we will keep her safe, and with us.
Following Jack back to my room, I find he has stopped outside my door. Fuck, what now? Surging forward fast and preparing to hit whoever is threatening Kia over the head with these heavy lumps of stones, I discover a completely different scene than what I was anticipating. Kia is sitting on the window seat, looking out over the grounds and the forest surrounding the house. Both windows are open and the bird’s morning songs are spilling in on the gentle breeze as it is blown around the room. Rolland sits behind Kia with his arms draped loosely around her stomach, looking incredibly puzzled and almost lost. Jack paces forward and sets his stones in two corners of the room, so I place mine in the remaining two. Taking a seat in one of the cushioned chairs by the bed, I turn it so I can watch Kia. As I do, Jack goes over to Kia and kneels by her legs. The bright sunlight is pouring in through the window like a spotlight, highlighting every one of her bruises, cuts and burns. Moving my study back to Jack, I see more emotions play across his face. What’s up with him now?
Kia has tears falling silently down her cheeks as she looks out the window. Such sadness clouds her eyes that you would think she was watching the world being destroyed right at that very moment. I’m puzzled as to what has got her so upset. Jack says something in his own language to her as I flick my eyes over to Rolland, but he looks just as confused as I feel.
Jack rests his head on her knee gently and says something else. Kia’s small hand lifts up and runs over his hair, but she doesn’t take her eyes from the view. Jack captures her hand, bringing it to his lips before Kia pulls her gaze from the window to finally look down at Jack. She opens her mouth to speak, but frustration falls over her features as she screws her eyes shut. The need to heal her throat and vocal cords overwhelms me to the point of near suffocation. But her body still needs time to recover from what I pushed it to do just a couple of hours ago.
A small robin lands on the window ledge and chirps quietly. Kia turns sharply, but the bird doesn’t fly off like I expected it to. Instead, it hops forward a few steps and chirps again. Kia’s face lights up and she smiles for the first time since we found her. The robin flies off and Kia moves to follow it, causing Rolland to grunt from her fast movement. He eases her back to his lap as she continues to smile gently and inquiringly. When she looks back at Jack again, the smile that continues to play across her heart-shaped face feels like it’s soothing every inch of the worry that Jack’s words left within me.
“Maybe some more food and rest are in order so that Sebastian can do a little more healing?” Jack offers with a smile playing at the corner of his own mouth. Which is really strange to see.
“What do you suggest?”
I ask, sitting up straighter in the chair.
“Some more fruit, perhaps another bowl of your vegetable soup. Keep it simple and carry on using the Brondroll stones for washing and cooking. I have left some more on the countertop,” Jack directs as he moves to sit on the window seat beside Kia.
I take another glance at Kia and find she’s looking back out the window but with more curiosity now. Thankful she’s not crying anymore, I make my way out of the room and head for the kitchen, feeling slightly more at ease than I have since we found her.
Chapter Fifteen
Rolland
Kia’s emotions are a jumble of loss, sadness and hope. I push some comforting energy into her to help settle the swirling emotions, while feeling hers reflecting back. From Jack’s spot on the other side of Kia, he studies the cuffs still in place on her small wrists. There’s no lock or seam to be found. His gaze moves up to her face, but her attention is still focused outside, watching the birds flying past. I’m pretty sure if her body was in better shape, she would be trying to climb out of the window to follow them. The thought brings a smile to my face, which catches Jack’s attention.
“I shall see if Brad has risen yet. It may take him a few hours, but I have no doubt he will be able to make something strong enough to cut through these,” Jack assures, running his thumbs absently over the cuffs. He lifts Kia’s hands again to his lips, kissing them gently and more hope swells through her as she turns to him.
Affection and desire run through her, finding their way into my own body and waking up feelings I’ve been trying to push down for the last couple of hours.
Kia leans forward and places a soft kiss on Jack’s cheek before returning her attention back to the view outside. Jack’s eyes are wide with puzzlement and worry, yet the underlying look of desire is unmistakable. How has she brought so many emotions out from someone so stoic as Jack?
As I watch, Jack’s eyelashes slowly lower to his cheeks, and I can see he’s trying to shake himself out of his daze without actually moving. Taking a deep breath, he stands and steps into the centre of the room, keeping his head bowed for a couple of seconds more. I assume he’s doing something with the stones he and Seb placed in the corners of the room, as I suddenly feel energy pulse through my arm from where it’s touching the wall. Jack’s head comes up and without a word, he walks out of the room.
Looking back at Kia I see a luminous smile appear on her pink lips and I’m struck with the knowledge that I would do anything to keep it there. “You, little minx, are a heap of trouble and I’m never going to get enough of you,” I tell her through a deep chuckle. She turns her gaze fully to me and I find her eyes swirling with those beautiful silver white specs. Her heart-shaped face is enchanting and is perfectly accentuated by her ebony hair falling down over her shoulders. I bite my lips to keep myself from sealing them to hers and the action catches her attention. Desire slams through me again, and I can’t tell if it’s mine, or hers. Like a magnet, her lips pull my attention to them and it takes tremendous effort to bring my focus back up to her eyes.
Trying to think of something to distract her before this turns into another battle of wills, I drag my eyes away from her face to look out the window. “This is my favourite time of year. Everything is in full bloom and the morning skies are so beautiful.” Her desire is still vibrating through my body and I know that if I look back, I won’t be able to stop myself from claiming her. My hardness is growing every second, and I’m in desperate need of a piss, which really isn’t helping.
Kia turns away to rest her head against her arms over the window frame. I let out a harsh breath in relief, but it doesn’t help to alleviate my hard cock that’s still in desperate need of release.
A few minutes later, Seb stalks back in carrying a tray of food. “Seb, I seriously need a piss and I can’t hold it any longer.” He stops in his tracks, pulling his lips tightly into his teeth to fight his laughter then continues into the room, placing the tray down on the bedside nearest the door. If I wasn’t so worried about her reaction to seeing me rock hard, I might have asked her to just come in with me into the bathroom. After helping her relieve herself and wash up after, I don’t think boundaries are an issue between us. But the boner between my legs is another issue that I’m not sure I’m ready to explain.
“Kia, Rolland needs to freshen up really quick. He will only be gone for two minutes and will come right back. Do you think you could sit with me whilst he’s gone? He’ll just be in the next room,” Seb asks softly as he gestures to the en-suite. Kia gives a nod and goes to stand.
“Woah there, little minx, no one said anything about you walking anywhere,” I jest, scooping her into my arms. Stepping over to Seb who’s waiting on the other side of the bed, I place her in his arms so she doesn’t get an eyeful of my hard cock jutting out.
Seb pulls his lips into his mouth again. “Rolland, do not come out of the bathroom until THAT is taken care of.”
“HA, HA, I’d like to see how you fair with her desire slamming through you randomly, especially after not having taken a piss for ten hours!” My hand is still resting on Kia’s lower back, so I’ve still got full control of her pain. But when I look down to her, I find she’s watching us both, as though she knows we’re having a silent conversation. As if in confirmation, she narrows her eyes a fraction, then looks directly at me. “You ready for this, sweetheart? I’ll be as quick as I can,” I assure her, preparing us both. I see Seb look to the ceiling, his eyes full of mirth.
Fucker! That snarky smile will soon be washed off his face when he sees the pain return to her. Removing my hand slowly, I make sure to keep eyes locked with Kia. Her breathing starts to increase, and Seb lowers his head to watch her, his face losing all trace of humour. “I’ll be right back, sweetheart,” I repeat, then move quickly into the bathroom, cursing my body for needing such inconveniences… and I’m not sure if I’m referring to the need to piss or to the need to relieve the painfully hard cock in my pants.
Chapter Sixteen
Sebastian
Kia stares at Rolland’s back as he walks into the en-suite. Her breathing picks up and my heart hurts hearing it. Knowing the worst of her pain is probably coming from her back, I decide to move her into a position that will ensure there isn’t anything pressing against it.
“Kia, put your arms around my neck. I’m going to move your body so my arms aren’t pressed against your back. Sound good?” I explain, running my eyes over her round cheeks and glistening lips. She nods, then takes a deep breath as she moves her arms up and around my neck. As she does that, I begin to lower her legs, moving my hands so that they’re supporting her weight under her bum. Kia takes another audible breath, and I take one myself, both of us relieved that part is over. Her head is about level with my chest and her feet dangling above the floor. Her eyes find mine as I study her, and I desperately wish I could take the pain away.
I turn so the backs of her legs are against the bed. The movement tugs at the shirt she’s wearing so my fingers feel the softness of her skin which sends heat up my arms. Kia’s eyes intensify and tiny specs of silver appear around the outside of her irises. The blue of her eyes deepens, along with her breathing, which seems to have calmed slightly. It’s as if she’s falling into another trance again and all her focus is on me. I feel myself falling with her.
A door slams from somewhere in the house and I’m certain it’s Gerry coming home. Kia’s eyes begin to darken as they stop swirling and the silver specks disappear. At the same time her hands tighten on my neck and I feel my stomach drop out. Shit. Not again.
Heavy steps can be heard making their way through the house and the sound of Rolland flushing the toilet is quite loud. Kia’s eyes seem to widen even more in response and her fingers dig harder into my neck. Shit! Mentally I shout,
“Rolland! Whatever you do, do not come out of that bathroom yet!” Hoping he will hear me before it’s too late, I scream, “MATT! STOP GERRY FROM COMING IN MY ROOM! NOW!” Louder st
eps pound through the house and Kia’s hands slip from my shoulders, but I don’t let go of the grip on her bum. Neither of us has blinked and my eyes are starting to sting.
“Seb, what’s going on?” Rolland asks in a tentative whisper from the bathroom.
Voices come from the hallway and I know Kia’s about to lose it. Whatever the rage is that takes over is out of her control. Suddenly, a thought sparks, and I jump on it. Not moving fast, I lower my head to hers, touching her lips with mine. She doesn’t react at first, so I press firmer. When I feel her breathe slightly, I take that as a good sign and I run my tongue along her lips, kissing her again, coaxing another breath from her. I feel her relaxing more so I continue kissing her, until she opens her mouth and starts kissing me back. Her hands work their way back up my chest and then around my neck, tugging me closer to her. Her mouth and tongue become demanding, as if they’ve been starved for far too long.
A sound from outside the room pierces through our invisible bubble like a pin. Kia pulls away from me and takes a deep breath as realisation washes over her face of what just happened. Tears begin to fill up in her eyes and she tries to talk, but all that comes out are scrambled noises.
“Hey, shh, it’s okay, Kia, it’s okay,” I reassure her gently. She looks away and starts to pull herself from my arms. “Kia, you’re okay, sweetheart, please don’t panic,” I try coaxing again as I encourage her to stay with me. But she just keeps shoving at me, as she takes in big gulps of air and the tears that were building begin to run down her cheeks.
“Rolland!” I call, hoping he’ll be able to calm her. Kia continues to push at my chest with her right hand, trying to make a grab for the bed with the other. Rolland yanks the bathroom door open hard, which bangs against the wall, causing Kia to startle. She gives up trying to push off of me and tries to throw all her weight onto the bed. I pull her back against me as Rolland appears in front of us.
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