The House of Fire

by M. Goldsmith

  The rapid blinking subsided. Laurel’s eyes remained open and fixed on Kai’s. A faint smile emerged. She anchored her gaze up at him as he checked her pulse rate. The machines were monitoring all of her vital signs, but he couldn’t resist the chance to touch her. Feeling the warmth of her skin, seeing her eyes open for the first time in days, Kai breathed a sigh of relief.

  Zarina and Canyon wedged in together to see for themselves that Laurel was truly awake. Canyon sagged with relief and Zarina’s eyes filled with tears as she spoke, “Laurel, sweetheart, can you speak?”

  “M-m-mom,” she said, in a barely audible tone.

  Canyon pulled Zarina in close to his side. “Thank the God and Goddess. Our baby is back.”

  Reaching for the electronic controls, Kai elevated the head of Laurel’s bed. Her gaze darted around the room, and Kai wondered if she was trying to make sense of the situation. “How are you feeling? Any headache? Nausea? Dizziness?” Kai questioned.

  “I feel weak. A little light headed, too,” she replied groggily, “my headache feels better, not so nauseous anymore.”

  “We tested the medicine on Quill, and he felt the same way. With a little time and rest he was good as new. You will be, too, you’ll see,” Kai reassured.

  “Hey, Laurel, I’m so glad you’re back with us. Do you feel up to talking about what happened?” Hawk probed gently. “It’s all right if you need some time. We’re just all very worried about Ashlyn. We were hoping you could tell us what happen to her.”

  “I know everyone is worried.” Laurel took a deep breath and continued, “I couldn’t open my eyes or move, but I could hear and feel. It was so strange.”

  Canyon held up his hand, halting her. “It’s all right, honey, we can talk later when you’re feeling stronger.”

  “It’s fine, Dad. I know Ash was taken and I want to help. I’m really starting to feel better, truly.” She turned to Kai with warmth and gratitude in her expression. “Thanks to you, Kai. You saved me. I was so scared. It was the most frustrating feeling not being able to speak or move. It made me so angry that I couldn’t communicate. There was so much I wanted to say.”

  “Yes, I bet there was quite a lot you wanted to say,” Quill chimed in.

  Simultaneously, Hawk and Kai sent Quill a silent reprimand. He backed off and smirked. Thankfully, nobody else picked up on Quill’s little innuendo. Kai knew he wouldn’t be able to avoid a conversation with Laurel, but he certainly didn’t want it to take place in front of her parents and his dad.

  “If you feel up to it, can you tell us what happened to you and Ashlyn the other night?” Kai asked.

  “We were walking in the forest, like we do sometimes. It wasn’t that late maybe ten or eleven. I’m not exactly sure. We walked for a long time, and the night was very still. We realized we’d traveled deeper into the woods then we usually do. We stopped to talk, and we both heard some rustling. I assumed it was an animal, but Ash was worried, so we headed back toward the house. It started getting louder and louder and closer and closer—” Tears ran down Laurel’s cheeks.

  Canyon held her hand tightly and interrupted her. “You don’t have to talk about this now, honey. You need rest. This is too much, too soon.”

  “No! I’m okay, Dad. It was just so terrifying. Of course I’m upset. But those assholes took my best friend, and I’m going to do everything in my power to help find Ash. She’s been looking out for me since we were kids, and now it’s my turn.” Laurel’s voice broke as she recanted the details of her horrific night.

  She was weeping now, and Kai took her other hand not stopping to think about anyone’s reaction. His need to comfort her was instinctive. “It’s all right now. You’re safe. No one can hurt you here. The Protectors have double shifts guarding the forest night and day.”

  “I’m not worried about myself, it’s-it’s Ash. She led the other three away from me. She was so brave. I saw a bright flash, and I knew she must’ve done something with her Fire to save me. I can still hear Ash’s voice in my head telling me to run and get help. So I did. A man shot me with one of those darts, but I just kept running and falling. I was so weak. I don’t remember much after that. It was dark and cold when I woke up. I couldn’t move, and my head was pounding. Everything was spinning, and I felt like I was going to throw up. I’m not sure what happened after that. I just knew I needed help. The sun was just beginning to lighten the sky, and I was freezing. I so scared no one would find me.”

  Laurel whimpered, and her tears flowed unreservedly. She looked at Kai and squeezed his hand, trembling slightly. Kai couldn’t resist the urge to put his arms around her. Stroking her back in slow circles, he offered her silent comfort. With a deep shuddering breath, she turned to Hawk. “You have to find her, Hawk. I can’t imagine what they might be doing to her. Please, I know you and the other Protectors can do it. You need to find those Renegade bastards and get our Ash back.”

  “Don’t worry, Laurel, I intend to do just that. Quill and I are going to talk to my grandfather and the other Elders right now. We’re going to find Ashlyn and bring her home.” Hawk approached Laurel, bent down, and placed a kiss on her forehead. “You rest. We’ll be back soon to give you good news.” Hawk and Quill left the room and headed over to the Council Chambers.

  “I’m sorry, Laurel, but I need to draw some blood and take it to the lab. We want to make sure all your levels are normal,” Rayne said.

  “It’s fine, Rayne. Compared to everything I’ve been through, it really seems like nothing.” She extended her arm to him.

  “I’m going to need to do a full exam on you when my dad is done,” Kai added.

  “We’ll let you do your tests. You make sure my baby is all right, Kai. We’re going to run home, shower, and change. Then we’re going to see Rowan and Mica. They’re worried sick about you, Laurel. They’ll want to come back and see you. Anything you can tell them about Ash will be helpful. They need something to hold onto right now. Hawk and Quill will keep us posted on the plan to find Ash and bring her home. Let’s move it out people,” Canyon ordered.

  Chuckling at her father’s bossy alpha male nature, Laurel said, “Take it easy there, Dad. I know everything is going to be all right. Hawk will bring Ash back to us. I just know it.”

  With that little statement, everyone left the room. Kai and Laurel were finally alone. Their gazes met, locked, and they continued to stare at each other without saying a word for several minutes. Kai knew he needed to address the elephant in the room, but he wasn’t sure where to start. When he looked down he realized he was still holding Laurel’s hand. It felt warm, soft, and right, touching her, but he started to pull back loosening his grasp. Laurel held tightly to his hand as he tried to release hers. “Don’t let go, Kai.”

  “I won’t.” He looked deeply into her eyes. “You heard everything, didn’t you?” Laurel simply nodded. “I should have told you how I still felt about you a long time ago. I guess I spent so much time using my logic, my science, and my skills striving to keep the people of Aether healthy, I forgot how to just feel. I know I pushed you away with my anger and grief and I’m so sorry I hurt you, Laurel. When I thought I might not be able to help you, something inside me snapped. You’ve been through so much these last few days, but I need you to know one thing… I still love you, Laurel, that’s never changed, and it never will.”

  Laurel started to speak, but Kai gently put a finger to her lips. “Please don’t say anything yet. I need to finish, or I’ll never get this out. You are so beautiful, smart, and kind. I know you could have any man in the village you want, but I hope you’ll give me another chance. Let me make this right. I know this may seem like it’s coming out of nowhere, but it’s not. I’ve longed to get back the connection we once shared.” He released a heavy, breathy sigh. “Okay, please say something now.” Laurel smiled up at him and stroked his cheek with her free hand. He couldn’t imagine what she was staring at, probably the dark circles he knew were under his eyes or his scruffy unsha
ven face.

  “If you think I’m going to make it easy for you, you’ve got another think coming. There will be plenty of time for fighting later, but for now how about you kiss me instead?”

  Kai’s eyes widened taken aback, but then a broad grin broke out across his face. He bent down and pressed his lips to Laurel’s. The kiss was tender yet passionate, just like the woman. Taking the kiss a bit deeper, Laurel responded, matching each stroke of his tongue. Her hands were gripping his shoulders tightly, pulling him closer, seeking more of him. His hands fisted in her hair positioning her right where he wanted her. They were both breathless when he finally pulled away.

  “I knew kissing you would still be as amazing as it always was. You taste so sweet just like I remembered. But we can’t do this now. I really do need to check you over. Medically, I mean,” he said, with a laugh.

  Laurel was practically panting when she responded, “Okay, Doc, check me out, I mean check me over. More kissing later, I hope?”

  Kai smiled. “You can count on that, baby.” Then he turned serious. “But I have to admit I was pretty scared about what your reaction would be when I realized you could hear what was being said. I thought you were unconscious. By that kiss, I hope that means you’ve decided to forgive me.”

  “The jury is still out with regard to forgiveness, but the kissing verdict is definitely in, and it was a resounding yes. Kissing you was…electric. I’ve missed you, Kai. I miss what we had between us. I’m looking forward to exploring where this takes us, but I feel like I’m dreaming. The only thing missing is my best friend. Ash would be thrilled by this…development between us.”

  “We’ll find her, and you can tell her everything.” Kai gently ran his finger down her cheek to her neck. A delicate blush rose in her cheeks. He loved watching her respond to his words and his touch. He couldn’t wait to really let go and hopefully be with Laurel the way she deserved. He vowed this time he would do everything in his power to cherish her and never hurt her again. Kai needed to find balance in his life, and he knew in his heart that Laurel was the key for him.

  ****

  Laurel

  Laurel was alone for the first time in days. Kai had barely finished his examination when her parents barged into the room with Rowan and Mica on their heels. With great difficulty, Laurel once again recounted the details of her evening with Ashlyn and the subsequent attack. She was certain Rowan and Mica were disappointed she couldn’t provide much information, but they didn’t show it. This had been so hard on her loved ones, Laurel realized, as she offered comfort to them. “Hawk is going to find Ash. He promised. And I believe him. Kai is going to release me in the morning, and I’m going to help. You guys all need to go home and rest. You’ll be of no use if you are falling down on your feet. I love you guys, but please, go home. I’ll see you in the morning.” Those were Laurel’s last words to them as they left, and she was alone at last.

  Deciding a shower was in order, she grabbed the small duffle bag her mother had packed for her and headed into the bathroom. Laurel nearly shrieked with fright at her reflection. She reached out and touched the smooth surface of the mirror. “Oh my God, look at me!”

  As she ran her fingers through her normally sleek hair, they kept getting stuck in the bird’s nest of knots she bore. Her eyes drooped with dark circles. Her knees were covered with antiseptic looking white bandages she hadn’t noticed before. Broken, chipped fingernails, small scrapes, and cuts highlighted the damage to her hands. She examined the rest of her body. Laurel’s fingers wandered down her legs inspecting the fading bruises which remained tender to her light touch. Slowly, she unwound the bandages, releasing the smell of eucalyptus ointment. Her torn flesh already healing, itched and stung.

  The hospital gown fell to the tile floor as she reached back and loosened the ties. She pulled shampoo, conditioner, and soap from her bag and placed them on the bench in the shower. Steam filled the tiny stall. Laurel stepped in, and the warm spray seeped into her body. Inhaling deeply, she let the familiar smell of her shampoo soothe her. Her jagged fingernails scratched along her scalp. She rinsed, moaning as the rush of hot water cascaded over her head and down her back. Her favorite vanilla scented body soap sat on the bench untouched. All the scrubbing in the world wouldn’t be enough to wash away the memories of her attack. She grabbed the tube and squeezed it into her hands; it dripped down her arms, and pooled by her feet. She covered every inch of her body cleansing away the physical evidence of her experience.

  She wished she could wash away her thoughts as easily. Oh my God, where is Ashlyn? What are those animals doing to her? She held her head beneath the forceful spray. I have to help Hawk and the other Protectors find her. Clearly, Hawk had some serious feelings for Ash. The distress and concern was written all over his face. If Ash could see how worried Hawk was, Laurel wondered what her best friend would think now. She knew the two had been dancing around their feelings their entire lives.

  For that matter, what would Ash think about Kai and his apology? She was extremely protective of Laurel. Although Kai was her friend, too, Ash had never quite forgiven him for hurting her best friend. Laurel was still processing the gravity of Kai’s words herself. She hadn’t known how to respond, so telling him to kiss her seemed like the right idea at the time.

  Talking to herself aloud, Laurel worked through her feelings. “I can’t believe he still has feelings for me after all these years. The truth is, I never stopped loving him not even for one day. When Kai’s lips met mine, it was as if the past, our history, didn’t exist.” His renewed passion made her question everything in her life. Why had she never gotten serious with anyone she had dated? Was she secretly hoping Kai would come back to her some day?

  Fantasizing about a rekindled romance with Kai was one thing, but she never imagined she could have a real relationship with him again. Kai was so focused, so serious, always working. She rarely saw him out in the pub or at the café in the evenings unless Hawk and Quill were dragging him along. Laurel wanted romance. She wanted things to be the way they were when she and Kai were young, but he had changed, and so had she. Kai seemed like he was in love with his job, and she couldn’t imagine the brilliant, logical, doctor letting go of his heart ever again. Her palms tingled with nerves, and Laurel wondered if she had changed too much as well. No longer a naive young girl, she had hardened her heart to protect herself just as Kai had. They were definitely going to have to talk and not just kiss if they had even a small chance of something working out between them.

  The skin on her fingers and toes wrinkled from being in the water too long, so Laurel turned off the faucet. She pulled a couple of towels off the rack next to the shower, twisted her hair in one, and wrapped a second one around her body.

  She found her favorite PJ bottoms, a tank top, and fuzzy slippers as she dug through her bag. After dressing, she found her toothbrush and toothpaste. She gloried in the familiarity of doing something so normal. When she felt fresh and clean, she brushed the tangles out of her long thick hair. The repetitive motion lulled her into a trancelike state.

  A knock on the door pulled her out of her daze. Refreshed and feeling much more like her old self, she went to the door and opened it to find Kai standing there. The adorable dimple in his left cheek winked at her as he smiled, lighting up his masculine face. Laurel’s heart skipped a beat. He made her feel too much when he smiled at her.

  Flirting, she gently and oh so slowly ran her finger from his dimple to his full lower lip. “I like seeing you smile. You should smile more. That dimple is too cute for words.”

  Kai leaned in seemingly unable to resist touching her. He rubbed his hand up and down the length of her arm. “I’m happy to see you. You look like you again, and you smell amazing, too.” He moved even closer bending to nuzzle her neck.

  Laurel shivered in the best possible way from the contact. “Kai, we need to talk. I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by everything that’s happened. I can’t deny the spark between us sti
ll exists, but where did this come from after so long?”

  Pulling back to look into her eyes, Kai choked up as if he were trying to find the right words, “I’ve wanted you back from almost the first moment I let you go. I know I hurt you, and I’m so sorry, but I’ve always loved you, Laurel.” He took hold of both her hands in his. “I was young, angry, and stupid. I didn’t think I deserved to be happy with Storm gone. Even after all these years, you’re the only woman I’ve ever loved. I wish I had the courage to tell you sooner, but I was afraid you hated me. But now, all I can think about is the kiss we shared.” Kai took her into his arms and lightly touched his lips to hers.

  “Kai, I can’t concentrate when you do that… Ahhh. Kai, please.” A moan escaped her lips.

  “What is it, baby? Anything you want. Just tell me,” he whispered in her ear. Then he took her lips again, giving all of himself in the kiss. His tongue delved deep into her mouth. Her legs shook slightly as her core ached for Kai’s touch.

  Laurel thought they should be talking not kissing. But with Kai’s big body pressed up against hers, she could do nothing but surrender to the feeling inside her. Laurel reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck turning up the heat between them. Kai’s hands dropped down to grasp her bottom and pulled her closer to his arousal.

  They were so lost in each other that they apparently did not hear the knocking on Laurel’s door. It wasn’t until Hawk and Quill stood in front of them coughing and clearing their throats over and over again that the couple finally broke apart. Laurel was breathing heavily and felt completely flushed, from both embarrassment and passion. She attempted to straighten her clothing while Kai barked at his friends.

  “What the hell are you two doing in here? Don’t you believe in knocking?”