“Shit…Mako, he’s okay! Midnight didn’t do anything to him baby, stop.” Marcus attempted to soothe me, his words not registering in my muddled mind. I pressed my hands against his chest as I peered up, wondering if he understood my distress.
“No, no, I saw him! He was across the lake! He’s not here, I killed him! I – mhm?” I blurted out, unable to finish as his lips crashed into mine.
I struggled to pull away, his left hand, leaving my face to securely wrap around me, holding me in place. I felt his chest become uncomfortably warm, a blue glow emitting off his chest, catching my attention.
A stream of calmness flowed through me, my once distraught mind clearing as the calm sensation consumed me.
My eyes began to close as I pressed against his lips, my hands flowing down his chest, relaxing at his waist. He kissed me slow and deep, holding me securely, our bodies pressed together, as my heart slowed from its frantic pace caused by anxiety and fear.
He pulled away slowly, allowing us to catch our breaths. I opened my heavy eyes, glancing up at him as I tried to hold back the tears that threatened to spill.
I heard the door open behind me, closing softly as footsteps approached. My body tensed up, closing my eyes. I cringed, waiting for my punishment for my wrong doings.
Instead, I felt a soft rub against my back; the soothing sensation eased my fears, prompting me to open my eyes to see who entered. I turned my head to see Elias figure standing next to the bed, his eyes filled with worry as he frowned.
“Elias…you’re okay? Midnight didn’t –” I began before I pulled myself out of Marcus’ embrace to face him.
I reached out to pat my hands against his chest, calling upon Hope’s power as I searched his body for any wounds. His hands grasped my wrists, stopping me from continuing my assessment.
“Mako babe, I’m okay. Midnight didn’t do anything to me. She figured out who I was courtesy of Rose. I’m O.K.” He stressed before hugging me.
It took a moment for his words to sink in; a wave of relief hit me at the realization that he was hugging me, his head still attached to him. He was still alive. Midnight didn’t hurt him. I broke down sobbing, my body trembling, the fear still lingering in me. If anything happened to any of them, I wouldn’t survive it.
“I can’t afford to lose any of you. What if the Owner finds us? What if he tells Midnight to kill you all? I can’t- please, just abandon me. I’ll just bring misfortune to you like everyone else who gets close to me. I don’t want to lose another person I love. I won’t be able to handle the pain – the void that haunts me every bloody day. I don’t want you all to be in danger.” I confessed as I sobbed in his arms.
He swore under is breathing before lifting me into his arms, cradling my body in his as I continued to cry on his shoulder.
“Marcus, get Ryder now.” I heard his command, the bed squeaking as footsteps faded away.
I didn’t care; I just wanted to run away. I didn’t deserve such acts of kindness; I didn’t deserve to be here.
The risk was too high. I couldn’t sacrifice anyone else I cared about and I knew now that these boys were more than just knights or my saviours. I loved them and wanted the best for them. Me staying would only put their lives in jeopardy.
I should return to the facility, where no one I care about gets hurt. Yes, The Owner will leave them alone; Jeffrey won’t come searching for anyone. Just punish me and go back to the daily routine of experiments and training. No one gets hurt but me.
“Mako, you’re not going anywhere. You’re not returning to that isolated prison. You belong here with us and your family back in Heila, surrounded by people who love you and cherish your worth. I won’t let you leave me. You’re our Firefly, no one else can have you.” He soothed as he rocked me back and forth.
I tightened my grip as I pressed my face against his shoulder, my tear stained cheeks rubbing against his soft warm skin. I felt like a fool, crying over my broken reality.
The footsteps returned, the sound louder than before. I felt something brush against my hair, the soft soothing touch made me raise my heavy head to see those tranquilizing eyes I adored.
Ryder still looked exhausted, sleep still evident in his Tyrian eyes, but they also reflected a sign of relief as he stared down at me with a weak smile on his lips.
“Mako love. You’re not going anywhere. You're safe with us no matter what okay. Well, protect you. I can swear that by the Starlight gods.” He reassured me, leaning down to kiss my forehead, his hand brushing through my silky hair.
“You still…want me?” My voice barely a whisper.
I was afraid of being abandoned. The same fears I experienced when I woke up in that car with my teddy bear in hand, arriving at the facility with the revelation no one wanted me. I feared to being thrown away like a rag doll.
He nodded, his hand sliding down the side of my face to press against my cheek before he leaned down to press his lips against mine.
His reassuring kiss, those smooth, soft lips, calmed the storm raging within me. He pulled away to face me, his smile widened as relief filled his features.
“We claimed you. You’re ours now.” He reassured me.
Marcus walked towards the bed to sit on my left, rotating himself so his hand could gently rub my back. I allowed my head to rest on Elias’ shoulder, unlocking my right hand that was wrapped around his neck to reach for Ryder’s hand. He grasped it firmly, squeezing it if to encourage me that his words were true. I could sense the sincerity in them, not an ounce of deception in his soothing voice.
“Sleep Makoto, we won’t leave your side, okay? Everyone’s fine and Midnight did no harm.” He whispered. I allowed my body to relax.
Everyone was safe and Midnight didn’t hurt anyone. Thank you, Starlight.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
A low noise stirred me awake, my body feeling hotter than normal. I relentlessly attempted to open my eyes, a broad chest with markings forming as my vision cleared, Marcus snores lightly next to me. I smiled, my eyes blinking slowly as I tried to fight off the urge to go back to sleep. It was way too hot and my body felt stiff.
I rolled over to my other side, expecting to see the doorway of Marcus’ room, but faced a body covered in a blue blanket. I allowed myself to stare at the figure lying next to me, blinking slowly, wondering if my eyes were playing tricks on me. They trailed upward, resting on the messy blonde strands that poked out of the human cocoon. I took a deep breath. Mint…Elias.
I lifted my head as the smell of roses and lavender hit my nose, my eyes landing on the two other shifters in the room. Ryder was on my left, his sleeping figure resting in the blue velvet chair in the corner. His hands were crossed against his chest, his legs stretched out as his head laid back against the top part of his chair. I could hear his soft exhales, his mouth slightly open as his chest raised up and down in a calm rhythm.
I looked down to see my angel shifter on the floor. He was sleeping upright, his gold rimmed clear glasses placed on the brown wooden desk located an inch away from his sleeping body. He looked relaxed and peaceful, his arms stationed to his sides, the pillow beneath his head supporting him. The others were right, he could literally sleep anywhere.
I slowly sat myself up, my hands pressing against my face as my tangled, dark brown hair fell forward. I peaked at its length, realizing it had grown significantly; my original elbow length hair probably reached my lower back now.
I’d definitely had to get it trimmed after the exam, tomorrow. I opened my eyes at the feel of something soft rubbing against my leg, my white ball of fur sitting at my feet, her long, fluffy tails waved slowly as she stared at me quietly.
My eyes wandered around the room, taking in the scene before me. My heart swelled with appreciation, my eyes pooling with tears. I never would have imagined being here two months ago, when I woke up chained to a stone-cold wall, awaiting to be dragged off to start the day that would surely leave me helpless and broken. I’d cried myself to sleep
as I prayed to the gods, only to be startled awake by those heart-breaking nightmares that haunted me. I was a caged bird, unable to spread my wings and fly.
Now, I was surrounded by these four men who’ve dedicated their time and effort in training for cycles. Their sole mission was to find and rescue me from my confined solitude.
These men who had their own problems, struggles and issues, focused on finding me. Even my familiar, the Goddess of Destruction who hid herself among us shifters, sat quietly at my feet to ensure my safety and wellbeing, even though she could be doing anything else far more important.
She always sat next to me during class, falling asleep with me in bed at night. She would apparently follow my sleep walking self on her subconscious missions and accompanied me during our late-night walks.
She was the best partner and cuddle buddy, I could ever ask for. I closed my eyes, unable to hold back the flow of tears as I took a moment to ponder.
They all love me, showing affection in so many ways. Ryder’s forehead kisses, Daniel’s healing hands, Marcus’ hugs, Elias’ hand holding and Nightmare’s shoulder cuddles. Oh, Starlight gods, in this very moment…I can only give thanks and praise to you. I know I was lost, unable to comprehend why my life was what it was. I sometimes still question why I had to face such agonizing trials in my sixteen cycles at the facility, but I now can admit that it was worth it for these last weeks. I’ll embrace this joyous moment, this image forever engraved in my healing soul. Thank you…in stars we trust.
“Mewry.” Nighty walked into my lap, purring as she snuggled into me.
I stroked her, from her head to her back, her tails curling up as she relaxed. I looked around one last time, an idea popping into my head as a weak smile formed on my lips.
I glanced down to Nighty who raised her little head to meet my gaze. She jumped up happily, as if picking up on my thoughts. Let’s give it a shot and not burn the house down.
I made my way out of bed, my awesome stealth skills coming in handy as I exited the room without making a sound. I had to pat my sleep walking self on the back for perfecting such skills.
I headed towards the library, upon entering, made my way towards the black bookshelf on my left, my eyes landing on the book I needed. I quickly pulled it off the shelf, and tiptoed towards the kitchen.
I placed it down on the kitchen island, opening it to the marked pages. I smiled, excitement blossoming in me as my plans came together. Nighty hopped on the island, walking up to the book to stare at the colourful entrees. This should be interesting.
“Elias, what are you –”
A husky voice questioned, the sound of shuffling against the floor coming to a stop as silence followed. I pulled out the muffin tray, the pink and yellow flowered mittens protecting me from the burning heat of the tray as I turned to lay it on the counter top to cool.
I looked up to see a stunned Ryder, his wide Tyrian eyes blinking in shock as his raised hand stilled in place. I tilted my head as I pondered why he looked at me that way. Do I have something on my face?
I looked down at my attire. My black pajama shorts and maroon over size shirt, the one I secretly stole from Ryder without his knowledge was underneath the yellow coloured apron Elias always used. My hair was tied up neatly in a bun, my cute, fuzzy dragon slippers comfortable on my feet, courtesy of Marcus’ shopping spree for me, down on Earthala. I didn’t notice anything peculiar, unable to understand his shock.
“Elias, what’s that amazing smell. I want seco –” Marcus appeared at the door, the hand that was outstretched, as he stretched, stilled as his half opened sapphire eyes widened. His body stopping in place as he gaped at me.
Oh c’mon, I must have something on my face! I wiped at my face hoping to get off whatever had them gaping at me.
I heard the timer beep, informing me the bacon was ready. I moved my attention back to the dual oven, opening it, revealing the intoxicating, orgasm inducing, smell of heaven crashing into my nose. I took a minute to enjoy such bliss before pulling it out to cool next to the muffins. The eggs were on their last minutes of boiling on the stove and the two kettles were whistling away, enough water for Daniel’ and Elias’ servings of green tea, two cups each.
The smell of coffee made its entrance as the last drops poured from the machine, the bowl half full of fresh brewed coffee. I headed to the fridge, opening it up to pull out the carton of milk and a bottle of grape juice, placing it on the island to level out to room temperature. Perfect.
“Ryder, what in Starlight’s name has possessed you into cooking something that surprisingly hasn’t burned to a crisp ye –” Elias entered the room, rubbing at his eyes.
He stopped next to the others, his eyes locking onto mine. They slowly grew in size, his confusion surfaced as his eyes roamed my body from top to bottom, his tongue licking his bottom lip. I felt my cheeks heat up as their intense, shocked expressions continued their examination.
“Okay, seriously, am I naked or something? Why the hell are you three gaping at me like I’ve sprouted another head?” I barked, my mitten resting on my hips as I glared at them.
“Firefly…when did you learn how to cook?” Marcus questioned, his voice filled with admiration.
“Um...I read the book from the library. It’s not rocket science.” I replied, confused as to what the big deal was.
You could learn anything from a book; the trick was applying it in real life. Cooking…not that hard.
They stood there silently, looking at one another as their expressions softened. Ryder walked up to me, giving me a hug. I didn’t do anything, why he is hugging me?
“I’m hugging you because I’m happy. I woke up to the smell of those rich carrot muffins, bacon, and hazelnut coffee. The fact that you got up to make us breakfast. It makes me love you more.” He confessed, his cheeks growing red. My jaw dropped as I looked up at him, my eyes clearly deceiving me. Was Ryder blushing? Like, ACTUALLY blushing.
“Well, would you look at that. I guess the saying is true; food is the way to a man’s heart.” Rose mused, her voice rich with amusement.
She was clearly enjoying this. I took a deep breathe, my mind clear as I summoned my courage to do what I was thinking.
I stepped on my tippy toes, gently pressing my lips against his in a soft, gentle kiss. His body tensed up at first, relaxing as he pressed against mine. I pulled away before stepping out of his embrace.
There was no denying my feelings for the four guys had grown over the past two rotations. Now, I didn’t feel like such a fool each time they showed affection, and for once, I didn’t mind showing them a little.
I walked towards Marcus, giving him a hug. His bulky biceps pressed me against his chest as I tilted my head up, before leaning upward to kiss him too. He let go after a few seconds, allowing me to step back and step towards Elias.
I stopped in front of him, allowing my hands to slide up his chest to his shoulders as I went on my tiptoes. I closed my eyes as I laid my lips softly on his. I could feel the tension in his shoulders drop as I kissed him softly.
I was ready to push away, but his arms encircled me, pulling me against him as he pressed his lips firmly on mine, deepening the kiss. I let out a moan as we kissed passionately, forgetting about Ryder and Marcus who were still standing there, watching our display quietly.
I forced myself to pull away, as I struggled to calm my heart. His eyes danced with amusement, clearly pleased with his extended display of affection. I pulled out of Elias’ hold, stepping back to face all of them before giving a deep bow. I rose, my eyes meeting their confused expressions.
“Thank you all for loving me. You’ve shown me levels of compassion I’d never dreamed of getting the privilege to receive. Thank you for not judging Midnight…or treating us differently. I know I’m still struggling and have a lot to learn, but I’m ready to fight for what I want. I may not know what exactly Midnight wants, but I have a feeling deep within me that she’s happy to be accepted. So, I wanted to show my a
ppreciation to all of you in some way.” I admitted softly.
“MewMewwww!” Nighty jumped on the island, wagging her tail furiously. I laughed at her little rebuke.
“Even you Nightmare. Thank you for being the best cuddle buddy ever.” I praised, the bundle of fur jumping in place excitedly, causing the others to chuckle.
“Thank you, Princess.” They said in unison, Elias moved around me to join the others, the three of them bowing before me.
When they rose, Marcus pointed at Elias accusingly, annoyance forming on his face.
“You kissed her for a lot longer than ten seconds.” He demanded.
“You kissed her in the training room the last time I heard; you didn’t see me complaining.” He retorted rolling his eyes as he headed towards his yellow stool.
“OI! How did you hear about that? Don’t give me that excuse. Ryder’s been having make out sessions with her at school!” He argued back, pointing at Ryder, who was pouring himself a glass of coffee, creamer in hand as he looked over his shoulder at the mention of his name.
“I get special privileges. Leaders always get extra benefits.” He pinpointed, returning to making his coffee.
“Smart ass.” Marcus huffed, walking over to grab a glass of his juice, giving Nighty a quick pat on the head. Men.
Myself and my spirits sighed within my mind, shaking my head at the scene that unfolded. I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness.
Daniel was missing. I didn’t want him to miss out on this, but he’d been so exhausted lately, and we needed him for the exam tonight. I truly miss Daniel. I wish he was here.
I felt a warm body press against me from behind, a light weight leaning onto my left shoulder as I was submerged in the strong, rich scent of lavender.
“I missed you too.” His sleep filled voice admitted, as he placed a gentle kiss on my cheek.
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