“So is yours,” Conn snarled before groaning inwardly when he saw her wince. She’d hinted more than once over the past few weeks that she’d felt hideous looking. He should have known better.
He stood and sat on the edge of her bed before grabbing her hand. “Look beautiful, I’m not going to apologize for what I did to Remy because I don’t regret it. He deserved what he got and he’s lucky I stopped when I did.” When she dropped her eyes to stare at their hands he grabbed her chin to force her eyes to meet his. “If it’s any consolation, I did keep my promise. You made me promise not to kill him and I didn’t. I’d only keep that promise for you Aries.”
She huffed out a breath then pulled her hand from his to lock her fingers around the halo at her neck. “I suppose it’s time. I should give this back to you now shouldn’t I? You don’t have to keep coming everyday Conn and you certainly have nothing to feel guilty over so if that’s why you come…” she let the sentence die off before starting again, “I’m sure you have missions or something better you could be doing than babysitting me.”
He watched her pull her bottom lip between her teeth then he lifted a hand to tug her fingers away from the halo. “Keep it for now, we’ll discuss it later.”
A light knock sounded on the door and both Aries and Conn turned as Dr. Jenny Arkinson entered. Jenny smiled warmly at Aries before shooting Conn an icy look. “Commander Drago, may I have a moment alone with my patient?”
Conn stood and winked at Aries before he left without looking at the Doctor. He only permitted the audience because he knew the two women had become friends during the course of Aries’ stay in the infirmary.
Jenny waited several moments before she approached Aries. “How you feeling today?”
“Better,” Aries admitted, “is the cast coming off today?” Her tone was hopeful, but she knew better.
“No,” Jenny smiled, “I told you it’ll have to stay on for about another four weeks.”
“Four weeks! Come on Jenny. Work with me here.”
The two women had become exceedingly close over the past few weeks and Jenny often spent her lunch hour eating in Aries’ room so the two could chit-chat. She’d taught Aries about Skin Walkers, their anatomy and genetic make-up, and Aries reciprocated by speaking freely about her life and childhood with Jenny. The Doctor was fascinated by the fact that Aries was a halo-less Walker, but what truly shocked her was the fact that Aries had never shifted until Remy had taught her.
“Have you told Conn yet?”
“No,” Aries gasped. “I saw Remy today and he looked like he’d tried to stop a freight train with his face. I couldn’t imagine what Conn would do if he knew.”
“Yeah,” Jenny nodded, “it’s probably best for the sake of his health that you don’t tell Conn you shared your first shift with Remy. I don’t know what it is with Walker men but they take it extremely personal. Christ, it’s not like you lost your virginity to Remy, but that’s how they act.” She waved her hand absentmindedly toward the wall, “Hell, I’ve got enough Walkers coming through here for legitimate reasons. I don’t need Remy taking up space because Conn can’t get over his jealousy.”
“I wish I’d have known I was actually a Walker. I would never have even tried to shift, but I honestly didn’t think it was possible. I know Conn’s going to be hurt.” She reclined back on the bed feeling deflated.
“Hey, don’t get all upset over something you had no idea about. Remy should have warned you.” Jenny smiled then, “Well, if he thought you were Mason’s sister I guess it makes sense that he wouldn’t.” Her brows hiked, “Did Remy try anything else with you?”
Aries felt her cheeks flush. “No!”
“Then why the blush?”
Sitting up straighter Aries fidgeted with the bandage still wrapped around her arm. “I told you there wasn’t anything sexual between us. I don’t think of him like that I’m only interested in…” Her words died off and she felt her cheeks singe.
Jenny giggled, “I can’t believe there’s actually a woman in the world that’s interested in Commander Conn Drago.”
Aries frowned at her friend. “What are you talking about? He’s absolutely gorgeous.”
Jenny’s slim shoulders lifted then fell, “He is handsome, but his horrendous attitude and ill temper hardly seem worth it.”
“His attitude and temper are fine when he’s around me.”
“Well of course they are,” Jenny stood smiling down at her friend, “he’s mated you, which means he’d rip off one of his own nuts if it’d make you smile.”
Aries rolled her eyes, “Hardly.”
“Hardly!” Jenny scoffed, “Look at this place.” She made a sweeping motion of the room and Aries smiled. Every table, every corner, every chair, every crevice was covered in flowers. Fragrant long-stemmed red roses in beautiful vases, long white boxes, simple jars, and wrapped in decorative tissue paper. “Christ it’s a good thing no one in this infirmary has allergies!”
“They are beautiful aren’t they?” Aries let her eyes rove the room as she took in the sight. It was more thoughtful and romantic than she bet Conn even realized. Certainly a more romantic gesture than any man had ever bestowed upon her.
Jenny smirked, “Yeah they’re beautiful.” She checked her watch, “I’ve gotta make my rounds, but I’ll be back to see you.” Her brows knitted, “I don’t know if he’s told you or not, but the Commander is pressing to have you flown to Apex in two days. Do you think you’re up for that?”
“Apex? What’s that?”
“Okay, he didn’t tell you. Apex is a ranch that belongs to Tyce Steele, the Commanders…well, commander. Have you met him?”
“No, he arrived just as Conn took me away from StoneCrow the first time I was here, but I didn’t meet him.”
“Think of a blonde haired Monroe but with slightly less attitude and that’s Tyce. Anyway, Conn and his men simply refer to Apex as base. It’s close in size to StoneCrow, but with fewer Walkers, mostly mercenaries, soldiers, and a few medical staff. It’s where Conn and his team reside in their down-time. ”
“But what about Conn’s bunker?”
“Walkers have a pack mentality. We prefer to live together. I’m sure Conn uses his bunker infrequently. I know for a fact he and his men reside at Apex with Tyce.”
“Why don’t they just live here?”
Jenny shrugged, “I think Tyce and Monroe are too similar. You know a pack can only have one Alpha.” She grinned, “Anyway, if you’re up for it I can clear you for flight. Conn’s arranged for medical at Apex so you won’t have to worry. They’ve got their own infirmary, it’s quite similar to this one.”
“Oh God!” Aries let her head fall back and closed her eyes.
“W-what’s wrong? I thought you’d be happy, you’re finally getting out.”
Aries opened tear-filled eyes. “I don’t want to be a burden on anyone.” She lifted her good arm and waved it at the room, “Hell I don’t even know how I’m going to pay for all this!”
Jenny crossed to sit on the bed near Aries’ hip. “You don’t have to worry about that Aries. Walkers take care of our own. You don’t have to pay for the services you received here. Monroe takes very good care of his people.”
“I’m not his people.”
“You’re a Walker Aries, and that makes you one of us.” She reached up and rubbed Aries’ shoulder, “And if there’s anyone who has more money than Monroe StoneCrow, it’s Tyce Steele. He too takes excellent care of his Walkers. You belong to Conn; therefore, you’re one of Tyce’s Walkers. Besides, Conn and his men don’t work for free. They’re paid extremely well for their services and they all reside at Apex, which means no mortgages, no vehicle loans, no living expenses. I’m sure the Commander has quite the nest egg built up.”
“Well if he does, he’s certainly not spending it on me.” Aries turned imploring eyes on Jenny, “Can’t you find a woman’s shelter that would take me in?”
“What?” Jenny sounded agha
st, “Aries, you’re his angel. It’s his duty and honor to take care of you. He’d never…” She stood up and shook her head, “I can’t believe we’re even having this conversation.” She turned to study her friend. “Why do you think he wouldn’t want to take care of you? What’s going on?”
Her shoulders slumping Aries decided she needed an ally. “I’m not Conn’s angel.” She slowly lifted her eyes to stare at Jenny.
Placing her hands on her hips, Jenny frowned down at Aries. “Um, the halo around your neck proves otherwise.”
“Please don’t say anything to anyone.” Aries eyed the door then continued. “We were at his bunker and he still hadn’t eaten or slept. I knew I needed him strong to,” she looked down feeling sheepish, “well, to protect me.” Her next words came out in a rush as if she feared she wouldn’t get the chance to explain. “He was getting weak fast and it had been so long since he’d rested. He was literally growing weaker by the minute and we were on the run.” She stopped and took a deep breath as she studied her fingers. “We had sex hoping it would ease his affliction, but it didn’t work.” She exhaled and looked up slowly, pinning Jenny with her weary eyes, “We agreed that he’d gift me his halo but he’d take it back once he was able to rest and build up his strength.” She blinked back tears, “He’s not in love with me Jenny. We’re not mates. We did this,” she clasped slender fingers around the halo she wore, “to survive. It was an agreement, not a relationship.”
Jenny’s mouth fell open and she stared at Aries for long minutes before she crossed blindly to the bed and dropped down on it near Aries’ feet. “You mean he…you…”
Aries nodded sadly.
“But you’re in love with him.”
Jenny’s words had Aries’ eyes snapping to hers. She felt herself pale visibly, “N-no. I’m…no. That’s not what...” She’d already admitted it to herself and Remy, but didn’t necessarily want anyone else finding out.
One of Jenny’s perfectly manicured brows hiked as she pursed her lips. Crossing her arms over her chest she frowned at Aries. “You may have fooled Conn with the false binding story, but you cannot sit here and look me in the face and tell me that you’re not in love with him Aries. It’s so obvious.”
Aries reached for Jenny, but was too far, leaving her hand outstretched in mid-air. “Please don’t say anything. He’s already sticking around out of pity and if he finds out I’m some love-sick moron it’ll only make things worse. Please Jenny?”
“Fine,” she uncrossed her arms, “but just so you know I don’t believe it was a false binding. If it were, he’d have taken his halo back by now.” Her eyes dipped to her watch, “Shit, I’m late!” She stood and crossed to the door, stopping to turn back to Aries, “I’m going to arrange for your travel to Apex. I promise not to tell Conn your true feelings if you promise to go and stay there until you’re fully healed.”
“But Jenny, I…”
“Do we have a deal or not?”
Aries growled her full lips twisting in a sneer. “Fine.”
Jenny laughed, “Christ, you’re starting to growl like him. I gotta go, but I’ll come see you off.” She stopped halfway out the door, “Oh I almost forgot I have a theory on why you’re lacking your own halo. I’ll have to share it with you later. See you tonight.”
Chapter 27
Her first week at Apex had been miserable. Whether he’d overheard her conversation with Jenny or was just finally sick of her, Aries didn’t know, but Conn avoided her like the plague. He only showed up when she had a doctor’s visit or when other men were around. It was like he didn’t want to talk to her, but didn’t want other men to either. Conn also demanded to be in charge of her hygiene, which meant he appeared nightly to give her a bath. Aries hadn’t had a say in the matter as Conn refused to allow anyone else do the job.
Aries heaved a heavy sigh remembering Conn’s visit the first night they’d arrived at Apex. He’d come to bathe her and seemed taken aback when Dr. Ames had informed him that he could take her to bathing pool.
The morning Aries first arrived at Apex, she’d had a male doctor, but hadn’t seen him again once Conn discovered that Tyce intended for the man to be her primary provider. Dr. Pyper Ames had taken over her care, and the woman was as cold as the Montana winter that raged outside Aries’ window.
Unfortunately, Aries couldn’t seem to find occasion to tell Dr. Ames, Tyce, or anyone for that matter that she had been claimed by Conn out of their need for sheer survival. As such, everyone believed that the two were truly mated.
Aries swallowed remembering how Conn had frozen at Dr. Ames’ words.
“Why don’t you take your angel down to the bathing pool? I’m sure she’d appreciate a proper cleansing.” Dr. Ames didn’t even look up from her e-tablet.
Aries saw Conn pale at the suggestion. Up to that point he’d only washed her by hand with a wet cloth at StoneCrow. At first, when she’d been really out of it and hardly able to move, he’d washed her thoroughly. The process was slow and Conn was painstakingly meticulous. Even now Aries’ cheeks flamed at the intimacy. Why he’d gotten so nervous over taking her to the bathing pool she didn’t know, until he’d actually agreed and wheeled her down the hall.
The room that held the bathing pool wasn’t as big as Aries had expected. For some reason the term ‘bathing pool’ conjured up visions of a swimming pool, but what she got instead was more akin to a cool water bath about the size of a hot tub only much deeper.
Conn had helped her undress and before he removed her underwear, he placed a towel over her to afford her some modesty. When he began removing his own clothes Aries had been shocked.
“W-what are you doing?” she’d asked.
Conn’s hands were unbuttoning his shirt and didn’t falter as he replied, “The bathing pool is designed for a Walker to share with his injured angel. I’ll have to carry you in.”
Aries’ belly had instantly knotted. She didn’t know how to respond, so she said nothing letting her eyes soak in the solid lean frame of Conn as he stripped down to his tight black briefs. His body was covered in scars that Aries knew had come from the many battles Conn had endured. Her eyes barely noticed them, instead she drank in the thickly corded muscle of his arms and legs, the lean belly that led up to six-pack abs. The deep tan of his skin seemed warm and inviting and when her eyes snagged on the dusky discs of his nipples she had to drag her eyes away.
Wordlessly he worked to cover the cast on her leg and the bandage on her arm in some strange adhesive plastic. The cast on her leg rode high on her thigh and his knuckles brushed her sex as he secured the plastic in place. Aries forced back a moan at the contact and bit her lip so hard she tasted blood.
“Ready?” His eyes met hers and she quickly released her lip to nod dumbly, too afraid to speak for fear he’d hear the brittleness of her voice.
He carried her down the steps that led into the pool and the water lapped up over Aries’ flat belly. She inhaled sharply at the coolness of the water and Conn stilled to look at her. She took a moment to adjust then nodded once and Conn slowly sat on one of the steps until the water covered Aries’ chest. He settled her on his lap and asked if she was comfortable. Again, she nodded.
Conn’s body was warm in comparison to the cool water and Aries couldn’t keep herself from throwing her good arm over his shoulder to hold him tighter.
The look on Conn’s face was pained.
“Am I too heavy? You can set me down if…”
“No,” his reply was terse. “You’re fine.”
She tried to ignore the fact that he refused to look at her again. She’d decided she too could be cold and disinterested, but her bravado died when he began to clean her.
He started with her hands and spent long moments lathering soap over each one of her thin digits before he dunked them under the surface, using his own fingers to gently rub hers clean. Releasing her fingers, his large calloused had rounded over her shoulder, ignoring the portion of her arm that was bandage
d and now covered in the strange plastic. He didn’t just wash her, but massaged her sore muscles and it wasn’t long before Aries melted against his frame. Soft moans of pleasure escaped her lips as his hands worked over her throat and down her back.
When he started on her toes, Aries jerked her foot away and tried to suppress a grin.
“Ticklish?”
She nodded, “Mmhmm.”
He reached for her foot again and this time she let him take it. He worked soap between her toes, and up the overly sensitive sole, which had Aries sucking in a breath and arching her back. Her eyes darted to Conn’s face when she felt a rumble in his chest and an unmistakable hardening under her ass, but still he refused to look at her.
Again, Conn ignored the covered portion of her bad leg, working instead on the other. His hands slid up over her calf, rounded over her knee and smoothed up her hip, stalling at the towel that just reached the tops of her thighs. Long moments passed without Conn moving or saying anything. Aries saw that his eyes were riveted on her thigh and she could tell by his expression that he was debating something.
She opened her mouth to speak, but closed it when Conn’s hand opened and released the bar of soap he’d been holding. She watched as the gold bar see-sawed its way to the bottom of the pool where it settled with a light thunk.
Her cheeks flushed, Aries pulled her arm from over his shoulder. “I uh…I can wash the rest. Thanks.”
Conn was already rinsing the residue of the soap from his hand and Aries assumed he’d agree, but instead he rested his now clean hand against her thigh where his eyes seemed to be glued. “There’s no way for you to hold on and clean yourself. I’ll have to do it.”
Panic flared to life. “I can just sit on the step. Like you.”
“The pool’s deeper than it looks, and the weight of your cast would drag you down if you didn’t hold on.”
“Oh.” Aries hand went to the hem of the towel and tried to pull it lower, “Well, I’m sure I’m clean enough. We should just get out.”
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