TheHealers

by Lynsie Buchanan

  Claire started to speak, “Guards keep the Hunters from us. They fight with unparalleled strength to protect us from them. From what we have seen in the conservatory, they are trained vigorously.” I locked eyes with Claire and we shared a small smile. She and I had spent many afternoons drinking herbal tea at our favorite cafe on the conservatory. This particular cafe happened to be within visual distance of Guard training. Yummm… yes, it was very fun to watch. Especially when I was able to catch glimpses of one of their teachers, Alexander. His body flexed and moved in ways that ripped the oxygen right out of my body.

  “Everyone is free to go, but I want an e-mailed one page summary on the safety precautions used in healing. See you next class.” Madden’s voice called me back to reality.

  “Are we going to our usual lunch spot?” Claire raised her brow at me in a knowing look. She had gathered her things and stood beside me in the room. I still sat, daydreaming.

  “Wouldn’t want to miss it. I’m hoping the hunky Guard that is teaching will be sneaking over for a few minutes to have lunch with us.” He had promised me that last night as I indulged him with one of his fantasies. Well, it had been one of my fantasies, too.

  “Get that dirty girl grin off your face right now. I’m already jealous enough every time I see him. I don’t need to see your face get all colored thinking about it.” A hand on her waist and I knew she was ready to go. I scooped up my things and headed to the door with Claire.

  Madden stopped us on our way out.

  “Are you guys going to get lunch?” I did get a little lost in those sad puppy dog eyes for a second. But, he just wasn’t Alexander. Alexander was my protector, my Guard. I had trouble breathing without him. And with him.

  “We are, but Alexander will probably come by for a little bit.” Bitterness spread through my mouth. Madden knew I was with Alexander, but he still made every effort to be around me. Sometimes, when he thought I wasn’t looking, I noticed him staring at me in that way. You know, the “I would love to strip you naked” way. I was most assuredly flattered. Either way, Madden and Alexander would have to get along.

  “Do you want to come with us?” My voice started off wishy washy but by the end of the sentence I was confident in inviting him.

  He gave me a private glance with raised eyebrows that said, are you sure?

  I tugged his arm and didn’t give him a choice.

  “Of course, you should come. What would we do without our Madden side comments.” A soft chuckle snuck out of my lips. Madden was quite humorous and any time with him was guaranteed to be funny.

  The loud rummaging sounds kept us from walking too far. I turned to see Claire actively engaged in an all out assault on her bag.

  “I can’t believe I did it again. My phone is missing from the bag!” That girl could never keep track of her phone. Although, it was easy for me to talk. I didn’t even have a phone to keep up with. Not since it had gotten smashed from being traced. A pang smothered all over my chest and settled in my stomach. I didn’t have any people to keep up with anyways. Leo…All my friends. I owed them an explanation, something. Alexander promised that when it was safe I would be able to talk to them again. Who knew when that would be?

  I reached over to put an arm on Claire. Her silky bleach blonde locks trickled down over her shoulder. I would have to ask her if that was real or bottle induced.

  “Go look for it in your room. Last time you lost it, that’s where it was. We can just meet you at the cafe. Your seat will be saved.” Arms wrapped around me in a crushing hug.

  “Thanks, Layna. I’ll be there soon.” The relief in her voice reminded me of something else. She was expecting a call from James. The two of them had been together lately. James used magic. I wasn’t sure if it was his magic or my lack of knowledge about it that gave me pause when I saw him. I didn’t trust him—not that I didn’t understand what drew her to him. His body sculpted itself into every wet dream a girl had ever had. Maybe that prompted my lack of trust. Good looks tended to associate with dangerous guys. That put fear into me every time I thought it. Where did Alexander fit into that wisdom?

  I watched Claire saunter off and realized it was just me and Madden. Great.

  “It’s just me and you, Red. Sounds like a great date to me. You did ask me out, right?” So overly full of himself. A strong arm wrapped itself around my shoulder and ushered me off to our lunch spot. As we walked, I pondered over the training I had been given over the last few weeks. Alexander had been so adamant about only entrusting himself with my training to fight. It annoyed me and pleased me to no end to see how protective he was.

  “I’ve heard you are becoming quite the little badass.” Madden’s banter at my fighting skills did not amuse me.

  “You want to take me on sometime?” The flex of the muscles on his forearms did not invoke a lot of confidence in my mad skills, but he wasn’t a Guard. The arm around my waist tightened a little, but we continued our pace.

  “Any time, pretty little lady.”

  He asked for it.

  “Ummmpf…. Hey!”

  I didn’t feel bad at all as those malachite eyes looked up from the ground half hurt and half amused. He had gone right down.

  “You said anytime.” My arm reached out to help him up. The motion replayed in my head. It was a simple move. I had slipped my foot out in front and tripped him. It’s very simple to overpower someone with a big head. They never see it coming.

  “Whoa!” And there we were rolling around in the grass. I guess I didn’t see it coming either. My arms flailed around like an octopus to keep myself unpinned. My only advantage was that I was smaller. A quick maneuver of my leg around his hip enabled me to flip him unaware. The strength in my legs was undeniable. I wasn’t sure if it came from the training with Alexander during the day or the workouts with Alexander at night. Either way, he was busting my ass into shape.

  With a smile on my face and my legs splayed across Madden while I sat on top I began to speak, “Do you give up yet? I’ve got you pinned now! I win!” Squealing like a little girl…yup that was me.

  “Actually,” Madden started while looking around at the passerby’s that stopped to glance at us. “I think I’m the lucky one. I’ve got a good looking woman holding me down. Not sure it gets better than this. I’m not going to fight you back at all. You win. Do whatever you want with me.” Smugness emanated from his face. Something that looked like wishful thinking shadowed across his cheek bones for a moment and then it was gone.

  “You really have lost your mind, haven’t you? If anyone tells Alexander about this he will definitely kick your ass until you’re thinking clearly again.” My eyes skidded along all of the somewhat familiar faces that were trying not to stare at us, unsuccessfully. I quickly picked myself off of Madden and pulled my knees up from the grass in their straddling position. I was grateful for the dry ground, since I was not a fan of wet grass or dirt. My hand decided against offering him help up this time. Fool me once and all that.

  Madden pulled his body up next to mine and we continued off toward the tables.

  “I’m willing to take that risk, Layna. Alexander doesn’t scare me. Besides, I’m a lot more worried about you.” Malachite and emeralds swirled around in his eyes as Madden locked his gaze on me.

  We had made it to the café now and my stomach rumbled in hunger. The scent of the grilled sandwiches coming from the kitchen wafted over my nose and soon my tongue shot out over my lips while I joined the line. There were only about five people ahead of us, but it was enough for me to realize we might be waiting for a few minutes. I looked toward the patio that sat in between the river and the Guard building and realized it was worth the wait. I didn’t want to have this discussion now with Madden, but maybe if we whispered no one would pay any attention to us.

  “Why would you be worried about me? I’m pretty good at taking care of myself—in fact, that’s what I’ve been doing while you have been hanging out here with Guards all around you.” The w
ords escaped my lips in a tone that was just a notch below normal speaking level. Plus, the other people in here were engaged in their own conversations, so they wouldn’t be focused on us, right? I shifted my bag to my left side to shield us a little from the others since Madden stood on my right.

  “Why do you think you’re learning to fight?” An arrogant question. It sounded as though he knew the answer before asking. His eyes burned as they looked at me. Not in a fearful to me way, but in a protective way. Interesting.

  “For my safety.” I wondered what he was going to say next.

  “Why would you need to protect yourself if you have a Guard? I think they’re planning something. Something that’s going to leave you alone.” His words caused a slight bubbly feeling in the pit of my stomach.

  “It was my idea to learn to fight.” It was, wasn’t it? My mind tried to focus on the conversation Alexander and I had about it, but just then it was my turn to order.

  As we both made it through the assembly line, his words continued to bite through my mind. Alone. Madden had no idea what kind of emotions that one word invoked into me. I started off in the world with a family and then quickly, they left me alone. Then I built up a group of friends that were my family and being a Healer robbed me of them. Now, Madden was telling me that they were preparing me for something that would rip me away from my new family. Suddenly the hunger in my stomach was forgotten with all the new acid that spilled through my body.

  My feet stumbled a little as I almost missed the table with my tray.

  “Layna, it’s going to be okay. You’re not going anywhere.” His hand shot out to grab my tray with one hand and the other hand tightened around my waist to guide me into the chair. I was suddenly surrounded by a comforting embrace. It was then I realized Madden had soothed me with his healing gifts.

  “Madden, don’t do that to me. I don’t need it. And you’re wrong about the other thing. I need to learn to fight. It’s for me.” I reached over to grab my sandwich and take a huge bite. Just to prove how unaffected I was by this conversation that was not real.

  “Please just be careful, Layna. I don’t want to lose you.” His hand reached over to caress my cheek. It felt a little tingly and nice. I was a complete lush for human contact. “Just don’t agree to go on any healings yet.” The usual Madden smirk appeared on his face again and I turned around to see Claire coming to join us.

  Excitement sparked out of her violet eyes as she announced, “I found it!” Her tall slender body made its way to our table. Claire was a few years younger than me, but we seemed to have a lot in common. In particular, our careers. She had been a school counselor.

  “Was the line long?” I noticed she already had her lunch and I could have sworn the line had doubled when Madden and I had gotten our food.

  “It wasn’t bad. I was on the phone most of the time so it went by fast.” Her eyes averted my gaze.

  “So, how’s James?” The nervousness of her body betrayed the confidence she was trying to call on with her words.

  “Good.”

  I bet. “Any plans for the weekend?” This got me thinking about me and Alexander for the weekend. Just then my knight in shining armor appeared out of the Guard building. It was hard to not notice the way my heart started pumping at a faster rate. I almost wondered if everyone else could hear it, too. The long black exercise pants he wore brushed up against each other with each stride. My head flooded of thoughts about what lay under his pants. His strong arms were flexing against the shirt stretched over his sculpted chest. That fit body belonged to me. He guarded my body and soul. One word echoed in my head. Mine. For a moment I wondered if it came from my thoughts or his.

  When he was close enough, I was able to see the dark dravite gaze that demanded my attention. His eyes went smoky in an instant and I knew we both wished for fewer people and less clothes. Smiles touched both of our faces. I tried to sit patient and calm. Playing hard to get was good, right? Then I threw caution out the window. Why hold back? We belonged to each other. My feet pushed against the ground to scoot out my chair and I went at him full speed.

  My body pushed firmly against his muscular frame as he caught me mid run. Lips crashed in a closed mouth kiss that had more passion than any tongue action I had ever gotten from any other man.

  “I’ve caught you and I’m not letting you get away.” The pun in his words did not lose its meaning on me. I understood.

  “I wanted you to catch me. I think I’ve been running towards you my whole life. What took you so long to find me?” My head fell against his chest. That was as far as I could reach without standing up on my tip toes. His hands caressed through the soft strands of hair that cascaded all over his chest. Our bodies stayed that way for a few moments when I realized we should probably go over and join Madden and Claire. I’m sure they just gawked at us from afar, much like the Healers who surrounded us now. The Guards didn’t seem to stare as much. They were more disciplined in their actions, at least it seemed that way in public. I’m not sure if I was accurate in distinguishing the two groups, but I did notice that the Guards were usually geared up in workout clothes.

  I leaned back to look up at Alexander and he had a look on his face that reminded me of when I had bad news to tell a patient. That train of thought struck little pinpricks throughout my senses. Guilt, guilt, and more guilt. All the people I had left behind. No, I know I couldn’t save the world, but I was making a difference in their lives. I needed to start healing again.

  “Iostus wants you to see Marissa.”

  “What for? I saw her today. We waved at each other when I was on my way to class this morning.” It wasn’t that I didn’t like Marissa, but there was something about the way she’d looked at me in Iostus’ office that first day. Guilt and pity were mingled together and I was a little fearful to find out why.

  We both stood facing each other now. Alexander wrapped his arms around my waist to pull me closer.

  “You know how cute you are when you’re being a smart ass.” Laughter rang out from his lips. “I just can’t resist it. I want to spar with you and kiss you all at the same time.” His warm lips dropped kisses all over my nose and cheeks while I inhaled his scent. It teased my senses with an aroma that was all man. It kissed my whole body until I felt warm and tingly.

  “You think I didn’t notice that you still haven’t answered my question.” I attempted to wiggle out of his grasp, but he just held me closer.

  “Let’s talk about it later. For right now, I’m going to pretend that I don’t see Madden having lunch with you again. That man has a death wish.”

  Chapter Twenty-two

  It was hard and heavy in my hand. Excitement licked up and down my spine as I rubbed my fingers over it. This was what I had been missing.

  The power of a girl and her gun.

  Scyrus had brought me to this section of the Conservatory almost as soon as I got here. Self defense necessitated gun practice. Luckily, handling guns had been commonplace for me already. Didn’t everyone in Texas own a gun?

  “You like it, don’t you.” Her voice reveled in pride as she saw the drool on my face.

  “I’m fucking in love. Don’t tell Alexander, he might get jealous.” I gazed at the dravite colored panel that went down the side and it reminded me of my hunky Guard’s gorgeous eyes.

  Everything else on the gun was covered in sleek black. A Baer 1911 S.R.P. I fondled it once more and then turned to Scyrus.

  “Let’s shoot.”

  I loaded my target sheet on and pressed the button to send it out. Scyrus and I had a bet going. Whoever had the best target sheet would be buying drinks later. I slid over to the cubicle on my right and spoke loudly since we both had already put on our ear protection.

  “Just want you to know I’m in the mood for a good bottle of wine.”

  “Best you can afford.” She quipped back at me.

  With my already loaded pistol in hand, I took aim. A slight tilt downward helped to ease the kick bac
k on this beauty. When I first learned to shoot, I would force down as I pulled the trigger, causing me to shoot my target in the feet every time. If you aimed down to begin with and allowed the gun to move naturally, it gave a better shot. My small fingers grasped the gun well since it held a single stack mag. This made it smaller and easier to conceal.

  The trigger is a hard piece of metal to pull on. Accidents don’t happen with guns. It’s damn deliberate when a trigger is pulled. The gun accidents that fill our news stories are gun negligence. Big difference.

  A hard tug back and the bullets flew at the flimsy paper clipped at the end of the room. The power and control hummed over me with flames. Vengeance over the Hunters channeled into rage.

  The anger blinded me, but at the same time, I saw my target perfectly. The anger fed my beast and allowed me to put one large whole in the target. The result of many shots in the same place. I smiled as I looked over to Scyrus’ target. Drinks were on her…

  I pulled the glass to my lips and then changed my mind as I lifted it to Scyrus. “Thank you. For the wine and that hot piece of metal that I kicked your ass with.” I sat back in my chair and took a nice long sip. Bold and red. A perfect combination. The garden we sat in provided us with a safe place to get away and drink without going to a bar off of the premises. Alexander had confined my body to the Conservatory after my last adventure with Madden. He feigned it was for my safety, but I believe he wanted to keep me away from any loitering men.

  Either way, I stayed.