Pieces (Patchwork #1)

by T. Aleo

  Micha nods as he takes his sandwich. “Either way, thank you, Rebekah.”

  “You’re welcome,” I say, sending him a grin as I move to Reggia, handing him his sandwich.

  “You can’t stay, though?” Mr. Grun asks as I put my backpack back on. I look back at him remorsefully.

  “I’m sorry, but not today. I gotta go see Ry-Killian and feed him,” I say, catching myself and shaking my head. “And make sure he’s good since I have no idea what’s going to happen once my father comes home. But please don’t tell him I’ve been down here.”

  They all shake their heads. “Never, Rebekah, you’re too good to us,” Micha says, his eyes full of appreciation, and I smile.

  “Thank you.”

  “Your eye, my sweet, it’s swollen,” Mr. Grun says around his chewing, and I nod.

  “I got hit in the face.”

  “It looks really bad,” Reggia says and I smile.

  “Thanks,” I laugh and he shrugs.

  “Just saying.”

  “Yeah, I know. It hurts like a bitch, but I’ll be okay. I’ll also try to come back as soon as possible. I promise.”

  “Of course, be careful and take care of your eye,” Mr. Grun says, and I nod, reaching out to pat the back of his hand.

  “I will. Enjoy your lunch,” I say, sending them one last grin before heading out toward the other hall, and then off to Ryland’s cell. I don’t pause when I reach his cell. I’m not scared or nervous, I want to see him, I need to see him. Opening the door, I light the lamp as his voice meets me.

  “Rebekah.”

  “Hey.”

  “Did you get it?”

  “Nope, they’ve got my father’s office on lockdown,” I say sadly as I stand, turning to go to his cell.

  The glow of the lamp illuminates his body, the hard, contoured muscles appear even more defined in the light. He’s beyond gorgeous with his dark hair falling into his eyes, and I wish there were no bars. I want to feel his arms around me—I want to kiss those lips, nothing between us.

  I just want him.

  More so than I ever could have imagined.

  I think the shock of his being alive is gone, and now I just want what we had before. The easy way of us, the humor we shared, the fantastic feel of his arms around me. I want it. All of it, but I have to remind myself this is temporary. As soon as I get the code, he’s gone, and I won’t be able to find him until I get cured.

  And I won’t even consider the chance that I could never be cured.

  That I could die before that ever happens.

  And then what? What the hell kind of life did I live?

  As his dark eyes meet mine, his fingers wrap around the bars, but then he is glaring, his eyes scrutinizing mine. “Your eye.”

  I wave him off as I bend down, setting the lamp on the ground and getting the sandwich I brought him. “No big deal. Just sparring with Cyrus.”

  He bends down with me, and then his finger is under my chin, lifting up my face. “It’s really swollen, beet red and bloody, Bekka. Does it hurt?”

  I move out of his grip, embarrassed by my screwed-up face, by my screwed-up life. Why can’t I just be normal? Why am I falling apart? Why can’t I be with him, run away with him? Tears sting my eyes as I hand over his sandwich, and I shrug. “Just a bit. I’m fine, but I can’t see out of it.”

  He takes the sandwich, setting it down before taking my face in his hands, his eyes full of apprehension. “What? Are you okay?”

  I shake my head as I’m trapped in his gaze. Unable to lie, I whisper, “I’m scared. I think the eye died.”

  “Oh, no,” he mumbles and I nod.

  “I’ll need a new one, which isn’t what I want at all,” I say, a tear rushing down my cheek and absorbing into his hand. “I’m so sick of having all these pieces, these parts that keep failing. I want to be whole, I want to be normal, I want to be with you without the fucking bars,” I cry, and his eyes fill with compassion as he rubs his thumbs along my jaw.

  “You are whole to me,” he whispers, and I close my eyes, the tears leaking out. “And I want that too. So much, my love.”

  I can’t even enjoy what he just admitted. I close my eyes, my heart stuttering as I complain. “I hate it. I hate who I am, and I hate that I can’t figure out how to get you out. I’m scared that my father is coming home, but then, I also need him to come home and fix me so I can figure out how to free you,” I say quickly, my words coming out in a whoosh as I pause, taking a deep breath. “I just want to be normal.”

  “You are normal, Rebekah.”

  “No, I’m sewn together. I have all these pieces that aren’t even mine. I look like a rag doll, and I have man legs, Ryland. Legit, man legs.”

  His lips curl and I glare. “Really? I did think they looked different.”

  “Yeah, I’m now part dude.”

  He scoffs, his fingers dancing along my jaw. “Please, all of that doesn’t make you,” he says, his fingers trailing to the back of my neck. “Those parts don’t make you compassionate, sweet, smart, or everything else I love about you. So why do you care?”

  I love about you. Oh, how I’ve missed those words. After all these years, it’s insane how it doesn’t bother him who I am. I remember when he got so upset about my family when he was shifted into Killian. I remember how I agreed with him, but now I can see it in his eyes—he just wants me to be safe. He tried to fight his feelings. Tried to save his father, but I mean more to him.

  Searching my eyes, he leans into the bars, bringing me close as his eyes burn into mine. While I feel like a freak with my pieced-together face, my messed-up eye, and my man legs, under his gaze, I feel beautiful.

  “I just want to be beautiful to you.”

  “Done,” he says simply, and I smile. “You’ve always been the most gorgeous and most unbelievable person I’ve ever met.”

  He didn’t say creature, which is how I describe the monsters in the Works. He considers me a person, and that alone makes my heart flutter. I don’t even know why. I mean, I am a creature, but to him, I’m more. “I hate these bars.”

  He grins. “As do I, my love.”

  His words make me realize how much of a selfish brat I must sound like, and I’m stricken. “I’m such a jerk. I’m sorry. You’re behind these bars, and I’m over here crying about my issues. I’m sorry—”

  “Please. I’m here because of my stupid antics, and you know you can talk to me about anything you want,” he reminds me and I smile.

  “I know.”

  “So don’t you worry, everything is going to work out. I’ll get out and then…” His voice trails off, my heart aching as I nod.

  “You’ll leave.”

  “And I’ll stop my family, before returning home—”

  “Home? So you like it there in Scotland?” I ask, my heart breaking ever so slowly. I’m unsure why because I want him to be happy, to find a place where he feels safe and accepted, but I want him to miss me. To need me. Like I’ve needed him. Missed him.

  I want him to break the way I’ll break once I know he’s gone.

  Does that make me selfish? Yes, totally, but I can’t help it.

  “I do, but I don’t know why I said home—because it isn’t my home.”

  “It isn’t?”

  “No, my home is with you.”

  I wave him off. “Don’t try to suck up now,” I tease as a grin pulls at my lips.

  He scoffs, his fingers dancing along my neck. “Suck up? Please. I don’t suck up.”

  I laugh. “Sure you don’t.”

  His lips nibble along mine. “Okay, maybe a bit.”

  I grin against his lips as they curve too. He exhales deeply, and his eyes search mine. I wish I had sight in both of my eyes because looking at Ryland Kelley is almost too much for my one eye. Even covered in dirt, his dark skin, even darker eyes, and nearly black hair are almost magical. His gaze is so intense, so strong, yet also so gentle. I feel like he’s enclosing me in his arms, running his
lips along mine, and I can’t get enough.

  I’m going to miss him even more than I ever thought I had when I believed he was dead.

  “I don’t know how I’m gonna leave ya, Bekka,” he whispers against my lips, and my eyes slowly fall shut.

  Shaking my head, I press my nose into his as I let out a breath. “I don’t either.”

  “I’ll miss ya.”

  “I know.”

  “I’ll think of ya often.”

  “I know.”

  As he grins against my mouth, a deep noise comes from his throat. I try so hard not to smile, knowing for a fact that my responses are annoying him. “And you’ll do the same,” he demands and I nod.

  “Of course, more so than ever now,” I whisper, opening my eyes. His are penetratingly dark and possessive, and my breath is nonexistent.

  “You could come with me.”

  As much as I wish that were an option, I shake my head. “They’d come after me…and you. I won’t do that to you. I won’t put that stress or pressure on you. Plus, I’m falling apart. I wouldn’t last.”

  He nods slowly, his eyes closing gently. “I would take all the stress in the world just to have ya.”

  “I know, but it isn’t fair to you. Let me get turned immortal, then I’ll come find you.”

  “I’ll be waiting, counting the seconds.”

  “I just hope it isn’t too long,” I whisper, and he nods against my nose, his skin so hot and soft.

  “Me either, ’cause I need ya, Rebekah. I do.”

  Closing my eyes, I slam my palm into the bars. “Damn bars.”

  He’s grinning as I kiss him softly, his lips thick and delicious. “Be thankful for these bars, Rebekah. I don’t think I could control myself.”

  My lips curl devilishly. “Maybe you should be thankful,” I tease, and his eyes widen.

  “Don’t tease me,” he demands, his hands taking hold of my butt, squeezing me, and pressing me hard into the bars. “I can’t take it.”

  Moving my nose along his lips, I nibble at his chin, my heart pounding against my chest as my body vibrates with lust. “I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anyone the way I want you.”

  His eyes darken, pressing me harder into the bars, and my hips ache from the pressure. “I know I haven’t.”

  Sucking in a quick breath, I close my eyes as our lips meet, my hands tracing along his corded back, down the ripple of muscles to his waist. As his tongue pushes into my mouth, invading and sending pleasure throughout my body, all I can do is hold on to him, dig my fingers into his muscular sides. It’s almost too much, and in a way, I’m thankful for the bars.

  If this goes on, I won’t be able to say good-bye.

  Pulling away, I smile as I exhale. “Jesus, Ry.”

  He grins, cupping my jaw and pressing his lips to mine once more. Against my lips, he whispers, “Told ya. Don’t tease me.”

  I laugh as my hand covers his, and his eyes burn into mine as I gaze up at him. I’m going to miss this face, this feeling. But I have no choice. I’d die before I’d allow him to stay down here much longer. Which reminds me… “My father will be home today. I’m not sure when I’ll be back, so don’t assume it’s me if you hear someone come down here. But when I do come, it will be to release you. I can promise you that.”

  He smiles against my lips, his fingers biting into my scalp as his eyes scorch mine. “So I need to stay as Killian?”

  I nod. “Probably be best.”

  I swear, I blink, and he’s Killian. The white skin, the dark eyes and black hair, the boyish grin I found so gorgeous and devilish. His body isn’t as large as Ryland’s, no tattoos and no abs, and instantly, I miss Ryland. But something confuses me. “I thought you needed to touch the person to change?”

  He shakes his head. “Not me. Hybrid, remember?”

  I purse my lips. “Yeah, yeah, but change later, not now. I want my Ryland now.” With just another blink, he changes back, my gorgeous, big Ryland. The grin that comes over my lips is unstoppable. “There’s my guy.”

  Kissing my nose, he leans into the bars. “I’ll always be yours, Rebekah. Ya know that, right?”

  “I know,” I say, and he glares playfully, but I just grin. “I need to go. I don’t know when my father will be back.”

  He nods, his eyes trained on mine. “I don’t want you to.”

  “I don’t want to,” I laugh, and he smiles. “It’s so not fair. I get you back, and I can’t even begin to enjoy you the way I wish to.”

  “I know.”

  “But one day,” I say hopefully, and he smiles, his white teeth gleaming.

  “And then it’s forever after that,” he promises, sending my heart into overdrive.

  Before either of us can say anything more, I close my eyes and press my lips against his. He lets out a low moan, his fingers biting into my neck as he tries to pull me closer. Just like that, I’m lost. Completely and utterly lost in his hot, sweet kisses that ruin me. As my body burns with need for him, my eyes sting with tears, and my heart aches with mourning.

  I don’t know the next time I’ll feel his lips.

  And that wrecks me more than I care to admit.

  When I pull away, since I know I need to go, he takes my hand in his, kissing my wrist, my palm before the tips of my fingers. As his lips press into my fingers, his eyes cut to mine and his lips slowly curve into that mischievous grin I love.

  “See you soon, and please be careful.”

  “Yup.” I press my lips to his once more before pulling away and taking the lantern with me. Blowing out the light, I hang it up and then go to head out of the room. Pausing in the doorway, I look back to find Killian staring back at me, his pale skin glowing in the darkness. “You know something, Killian?”

  His lips curve, his white teeth shining in the darkness as his French accent spreads over me like butter. “What’s that, Ms. von Stein?”

  “I think I’m in love with Ryland Kelley.”

  His lips curve more, but before he can say anything else, I leave, shutting the door and quickly heading down the hall. I want to go back, I want to hear him say he loves me, but I know the answer.

  He does.

  Grinning, I start to climb the ladder, but then I notice there is more light than there should be. Looking up, I see the door is completely open.

  And my father and JJ are looking down at me.

  “Hey, guys.”

  Wow, I sound way calmer than I feel.

  Because, for good reason, I’m freaking the hell out. I don’t know how long they have been waiting. I don’t know what they saw. Did they hear me? See me?

  Crap!

  “Rebekah. What are you doing?” My father’s voice is sharp, full of worry and suspicion.

  JJ, he’s just staring at me.

  “I was hanging with the guys,” I say, reaching the top, taking the hand JJ offers to me. “I was actually gonna go clean up before you guys got home. You’re early.”

  There is a lump in my throat. A big one that’s making it extremely hard to swallow or breathe. Also, I think I’m about to have a full-on panic attack. They know. They have to know I was down there with Ryland.

  “You aren’t supposed to be down there. Cyrus knows that,” Father says, his eyes locked on mine. JJ is stone, watching my every move, and I’m sure I’m sweating. “It isn’t safe.”

  “What isn’t safe? I’ve been going down to see the guys forever. We were hanging out. I’m bored. I had nothing to do, and my eye is hurting.”

  My God, I sound so calm, so confident, and damn it, I know they don’t know anything. I’m freaking out for nothing. Eyeing my father, my chin rising a bit, I wait for him to say that Killian, or Ryland, is down there, that he isn’t really dead, but he says nothing. Neither does JJ. He’s just staring at me, waiting for me to give off any kind of vibe that I know that Ryland is down there and I was with him.

  But I won’t, because I am better than that.

  When my father moves, I flinch s
lightly, almost crying out.

  Okay, maybe I’m not that good.

  Taking my shoulders in his hands, he gives me a look before inspecting my eye closely. “Cyrus said you couldn’t see.”

  I nod my head. “Not out of the left eye.”

  “Okay, let’s go to my lab.”

  But before I can move, JJ takes my arm, stopping me. Looking at him expectantly, I smile. “Want a hug, big guy?”

  He doesn’t move; he doesn’t even smile. “You came from the left, not the right. Rebekah, what were you doing?”

  My brows come together, and I shake my head. “Huh? What are you talking about?”

  “You came from the left, as if you were somewhere else you weren’t supposed to be.”

  My brow furrows deeper as I look at him like he’s crazy, though my heart is beating like a drum and I feel like I might puke. Still I say, “Um, no? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “You came from the other way, not the way the guys are.”

  “No, I didn’t,” I say, shaking my head. “I was reading to the guys. What else would I be doing?”

  “I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking. And I’m pretty sure you’re lying to me, Rebekah,” he accuses, his fingers biting into my arm. He is mad, that’s visible. While he has reason to be angry because I am lying, I don’t understand where he gets off acting like this. He’s never put his hands on me or looked at me like that. What is his problem?

  Ripping my arm from his grip, I glare. “What do I have to lie about? There is nothing down there but the guys, so why are you coming at me crazy?”

  His eyes search mine until my father steps between us. “You’re right, Rebekah. Come on.”

  But as my father drags me away, JJ watches me for a second longer. I can’t help but think he is on to me. I thought I had done well, that I had kept my cool, but maybe I hadn’t. Maybe he sees right through me. When I go to turn to see where my father and I are going, JJ suddenly drops down into the bastille. Pausing, I whip my head back as he disappears. I want to chase after him. My heart beats erratically, my throat is closing up, and I pray that Ryland stays as Killian, that he doesn’t get caught.

  But he isn’t stupid. He’s got this.

  “Rebekah?”