by Robyn, Amy
“How can I help you?” She says.
“Natalie Stevens is awake now.” Talon says.
“I will let the doctor know. He will be in soon to see her.” The nurse says and then it is quiet again, except the beeping sounds of machines. A cuff around my arm start tightening and it startles me. Talon starts laughing.
“That thing started doing that earlier and it scared me to death.” He says through his laughter. I bet it did. For such a big guy he has always panicked easily, well with me anyway. That is why I thought for sure that he loved me too. I was wrong. I lay back against the pillow to pull myself away from him as the memory of his rejection stings. I don't understand how I could have been so wrong. I swear all of the signals were there and had been for a long time.
I tried to push him by dating. I wanted to see how he would react. He would get angry and leave, yet he never tried to stop it. Now I know it was because he has never been interested in me. I was delusional thinking such a guy would want a woman who wasn't whole. I never thought of myself as lesser until I wanted someone so perfect. I would probably be crying right now if my eyes allowed me. I am thankful they can not. I have humiliated myself enough.
“Hey, none of that, little bit.” Of course he knows me too well to miss that I am upset. I fake a smile as best I can.
“I'm fine.” I tell him. My sister can't get here fast enough. I need to be away from him in order to get over him. He grunts his disbelief and tries to take my hand. I pull it away from him. Why does he have to touch me like he cares. When Kelly gets here, I am going to ask him to leave. It is the only way to get over him. Tear off the band-aid.
The doctor comes in and checks all of my vitals and tells me that I may leave. I am so thankful. I hate hospitals. I spent too much time in them as a child. I want the comfort of my own bed. Talon hands me my clothes and excuses himself for ten minutes while I dress. I am just putting on my shoes when he comes back in.
We get home and I am so tired I go directly up the stairs to my bedroom.
“Are you hungry or thirsty?” He asks.
“No thank you. Just very tired.” And heartsick, but I don't tell him that.
“Damn it Natalie, I can't stand this distance between us.” He says with a growl. I just lift my shoulders. I couldn't fix it even if I wanted to. His rejection still stings with it's freshness. What else can I do?
“You're right, why don't you call Allie to come over and you go ahead and leave.” That's right rip off the band-aid.
“Is that really what you want?” He asks quietly. My heart is breaking again because I can hear the catch in his voice. Why does he fight our connection. I felt it the very first time I heard his voice it was as though our souls were reaching out to each other. Damn now I sound like my mother, the hippy.
“Yes. I think it would be best. Don't you?” I ask. I hope he says no and pulls me in to his arms and kisses me. Yeah, like that will happen.
“Probably.” He says, but doesn't leave. I turn around and walk over to my dresser and pull out a pair of pajamas. I walk to the bathroom and change my clothes. When I come out, I go directly to my bed and climb in. I am so tired and heartbroken that as soon as my head hits the pillow I am asleep.
Chapter 3.
“Get the fuck out of bed.” Forest shouts next to my head. I groan.
“Be nice. Can't you tell he is depressed.” My new sister in law says. I love all my new sister in laws but she is my favorite. Tell the others that though and I will deny it. She has been through so much and yet her strength of characters eclipses everyone else. She is a survivor if ever there was one.
“I know, that's why he needs to get up. It will do him good to get some sunshine and fresh air in his lungs.” That is one thing I don't need is air. I am starting to have psychic overload and I have never had problems with it before. I helped out a few times with arresting men that are responsible for kidnapping women and I am starting to get nose bleeds and severe migraines. I swear it is like Nat is my One and I am missing her healing touch. It is probably just time for me to find my One.
I groan again as I try to sit up. I don't want a One. I want Nat. That is the thorn in my side. I will never love anyone like I love her. Life without her has been dull and without meaning. How does anyone survive such heartache? I feel as though I am missing a limb. She made me feel complete without even being with her. I know that this is best for her, but it hurts me so badly that I forget the reason.
I have had to stop myself many times from going to her and begging her to give me a chance. The only thing that stops me is knowing she will never let me close to her again. I have already hurt her. I shudder when I remember the heartbroken looks she gave me that last day. Even with her eyes patched, I could still see the pain. I did that to her, through my careless need to be close to her.
“Come on lets go for a jog.” Forest offers. I smile as best I can. I get to my feet. There isn't much I would deny Forest. He saved me as a child from a pedophile. He took a punishment for me that nearly destroyed him. He can say the guy was gunning for him all he wants. I know the truth of it. That sick fuck would have taken any boy who misbehaved that day. I just happened to have had a very protective older brother. I will always be indebted to him.
“Sure. Let me just get ready. I will meet you upstairs.” I keep my bedroom in the basement. I love how cool it is in the summer and it seems to heat more quickly during the winter. It is winter now. I typically love winter. I love the beautiful snow. When we get a big snow it looks as though the gods have wiped everything clean. I love the smell and taste of the air after a storm. It is invigorating.
I stand up too quickly and the world spins. I reach out and catch myself on the dresser. When was the last time I ate? I can't remember.
“How long have I been in bed?” I ask.
“Two days and then before that three. You have to pull yourself together. I love Nat too, but if she isn't your One, then she isn't.” Forest says. I grunt.
“Are you sure she isn't? Look at how he never got psychic overload and now after being away from her for two weeks, he is suddenly having a hard time. I don't get it.” I look over at Emma. Fuck, I had not thought of that, but she is right. I shake my head. I am probably just grasping at straws because I miss her.
“They never once imprinted. They have been friends for a couple years now. I am sure it would have happened already.” Forest says to Emma who has her hands on her hips and her feet spread apart. I call this her protect mode. I love it when she gets this way. It's cute. Never tell her that though.
“They say the eyes are the gateway to the soul. Has he tried it since she regained her sight?” She flicks her hair over her shoulder. Damn, I had not thought of it that way. I should go and see her. I have to at least try one more time.
“He is right there. Ask him.” Forest points at me. I am busy throwing on my clothes. I do not even care that Emma just saw me in my underwear. I grab my keys and slide my boots onto my feet.
“You're a genius. I am out of here.” I kiss the top of her head as I walk past them.
“Well at least he is out of bed.” Forest mumbles.
“I heard that.” I shout.
“Good luck Talon.” Sweet Emma yells just before I shut the door. I climb in to my truck and start it. Just feeling the engine fire up makes me feel better. I love my truck. People think I love it because of its engine and I do love that also, but the selling feature to me was that I fit in it comfortably.
I take off in the direction of her house. It doesn't take me long to get there. I jump out of the truck and run to her door. It is cracked open. My heart starts racing. I push it open the rest of the way. I step inside and look around. Nothing seems out of place.
“Nat.” I shout. I know I am loud enough to be heard through the entire house. Nat has impeccable hearing. No answer. Now sweat is beading on my brow and my upper lip. My heart is beating out of my chest as I fear the worst.
I walk through her house
, checking every room. Nothing. I am in full blown panic now. I run back to the front door and see her cane is there. Either her vision is back or she was taken. I start shaking. I fall to the floor and I put my head between my legs. Shit. Calm down Talon. I tell myself. She could just be out for a walk or at the neighbors house. I jump up and run to Mrs Peterson's house next door. I knock.
“Hi Talon. I haven't seen you around much.” She says kindly.
“Have you seen Nat?” I ask her.
“Yes actually, it was kind of strange. It was about ten minutes ago. I was coming in from the grocery store. She was coming down the stairs and when I called her name she didn't look up. She just kept walking. I tried again when she was right beside me and she just walked past as though she couldn't hear me.” She frowns. What the hell is going on here?
“Which way did she go?” Mrs. Peterson points to her right.
“Please be a good lad and check on her will you. She has me worrying.” Mrs Peterson is a kind woman who loves Nat dearly. When she had a stroke, Nat came over and read to her every day. Nat would shop and clean for her until she was on her feet again.
“I will do that Mrs. Peterson.” There is something familiar about this. Let me be wrong. Gods please let me be wrong.
I wave at Mrs. Peterson as I climb back into my truck. I head in the direction of the police station. I keep looking to see if I see her on the sidewalk. Nothing. I am just about to pass the police station when I see her near the front door. My sister Jenna is trying to get her attention. No gods no.
I park as quickly as I can. I feel as though I am moving in slow motion. You know those dreams where you know something is going to happen but you just can't seem to move fast enough to stop it. It's eerily similar. I run as fast as I can from there nearly getting hit by a car along the way. I throw open the front door and what I see chills me to the core.
Nat is being held by air as she screams a tortured yell.
“What the fuck is going on here.” I yell. I am close to losing my shit.
“Talon, she is under mind control.” Jenna says with a worried expression.
“No, fuck no.” If Collin Pritcher has touched one hair on her head he is a dead man. Pull it together she needs you now. I drop down beside her and pull her into my arms. Her head is thrown back as she screams. Her eyes are closed tight and her whole body is trembling. I do not like this one fucking bit. I whisper in her ear all of the things I have always wanted to say to her.
“Come back to me baby. I love you so much. I promise never to leave you again.” It is in that moment that I make the decision to stay with her and marry her no matter what. I choose a life with her. I choose to love and cherish this tiny pixie for the rest of my life. I am so upset that I do not even register that I am feeling better being near her.
Ten minutes later, though it feels like century, Faith is there. She looks like an angel with her white clothing and calmness in the middle of such chaos. She kneels beside us and takes Nat's hand.
“You will no longer hear that man's voice in your head. It no longer exists to you. You are deaf to it.” She whispers and Nat goes lax in my arms as though sleeping deeply. I sigh.
“I gave her that order so that if he ordered her to do anything else she will not do it because she will no longer hear it. He can never use her again either.” Faith says. She smiles at me as she leans over Nat to make sure she is okay. I lean over and kiss her cheek.
“Thank you.” I whisper in her ear as I lift Nat into my arms.
“I am taking her to Gage.” I announce as I walk quickly to the door. My woman will suffer no more than she has to. Gage will make her better. I never told her about our gifts because she was not my One. Well that is about to change. I will need to tell her about everyone's gift. She may not be my One, but she will be my wife, as soon as I can talk her into it.
I try like hell to get my emotions under control, it's no use. I know I need to be strong for her right now, but I feel responsible for what happened. If I had stayed with her none of this would have happened. I thought leaving was the best thing for her and look what happened. I should have trusted my instincts and stayed close to her.
I race to my truck with her in my arms. I open the passenger door and sit her in the seat and buckle her in. I kiss her forehead and shut the door. I run around and climb into the driver side. I pull out of the parking spot in a screech of tires, as I rush toward Gage. I pick up my phone and dial his number.
“Hey Talon.” He answers on the first ring.
“Where are you?” I ask. Something in my voice must have let him know how dire the situation is.
“Home. Who is hurt?”
“Nat.” I tell him. Gage curses.
“If I heal her then you might have to explain how that is possible. You put our family at risk.” Fuck.
“She may not be my One, but she is mine. Do you understand?” I say harshly. I have never been harsh to anyone except the criminals we have run ins with on occasion. Gage sucks in a breath.
“I will be waiting.” He hangs up. He can be angry with me all he wants. My life doesn't mean shit without her and he is going to have to get used to her. I look over at her slumped in the seat and for the first time in a couple weeks I know I am where I belong. We will have a hard road ahead of us. I look forward to every bump we hit as long as she is by my side.
I pull up at Gage's house and I rush around and lift her out of the truck and hold her close to me. I carry her up to Gage's front door and ring the bell. Ashley opens the door with an angry Gage behind her. She opens it wide and we walk in. She leads us into the living room. I lay Nat on the couch and stand back and allow a scowling Gage to take my place.
“What happened to her?” He asks.
“She was under mind control. Are you able to tell if she was raped?” Gage's features soften out.
“Yes. If she has been raped she will have vaginal tearing.” Gage says.
“He could have made her want him with mind control also.” Ashley says. She sits in the love seat across from us and rubs her rounded belly.
“Even if that is the case it will cause swelling of the tissue. I will be able to tell if she has had sex in the last two days.” Gage says.
“Please check her eyes while you're at it. She just had cornea transplant surgery two weeks ago.” I want to make sure she is completely healthy.
“She was blind?” I look at him like he is thick.
“You didn't notice?” Gage makes an obscene noise and then laughs.
“I only met her once. You guys had all been drinking. I just thought she was drunk.” I roll my eyes. I look down at Nat and my body shakes.
“On it.” Gage says as he puts his hand on her stomach. I wait as patiently as I can but after a couple of minutes I find myself pacing.
“She wasn't raped and she hasn't had any kind of sexual activity recently. She had a small infection beginning in her right eye. I removed the infection and helped the healing process. If she doesn't know about us before, you are going to have a lot of explaining to do. She is going to be able to see again. Very well actually. It might be a little disorienting for her at first.” Gage stops talking when he sees her beginning to stir.
I breathe a sigh of relief that she had not been violated. I would be hunting that fuck right now if he had hurt her in any way. She moans and then her eyes flutter. She puts a hand over her eyes and cries out in distress.
“It's okay honey. You are able to see now and Gage says it can be disorienting.” Gage moves away as I take his place. I can feel his and Ashley's eyes on me, but I choose to ignore them. She blinks a few times and then opens her eyes. She looks up at me and I feel the jolt. It happens so suddenly. I feel as though my soul is being pulled from my body to meet with hers. I make a strange noise in the back of my throat as peace like I have never known settles over me.
“Well fuck.” I hear Gage say.
“What?” Ashley asks.
“She is his One after all
. It must have been her eyes that were keeping them from imprinting.” Gage tells Ashley. I can't take my eyes off of Nat. Her eyes are still a beautiful blue only now her pupils are black. Her eyes are such a brilliant blue. I feel like I am falling into them.
“Talon.” She says timidly. She rubs her hand across my stubble on my chin.
“You're so handsome.” She says. Then her eyes cloud over as she remembers how things have been with us. Fuck. I want her appreciative look back. I want to go back to two weeks ago and tell her I love her. I want to pull her into my arms and never let her go. Fuck it.
I lift her up and sit her in my lap. She tries to move away and all it does is make me hard as a rock. She stills when she feels me against her. It's not like I can hide the massive thing. Her beautiful eyes widen and she looks at me. I do something I always wanted to do when she was near. I run my nose across her slender neck, eliciting goose bumps over her skin. She smells even better close up.
She growls at me in annoyance. I still do not let her up. She looks over and sees Gage and Ashley. She blushes and looks down in embarrassment. Silly woman has nothing to be embarrassed about. I am the one with the massive woody. If she stands up now, everyone will see it. She tries once more to push off of me again, I hold on tighter.
“Seriously Talon. I haven't heard from you in two weeks and now you're acting like a neanderthal.” Natalie says as Ashley giggles. Nat peaks over at them again.
“Sorry I forgot my manners..” I start.
“Not the only thing you have forgotten.” Nat interrupts.
“You remember my brother Gage and this lovely woman, whom is way to good for him, is his wife Ashley.” I finish before she can interrupt. She looks over at them.
“Nice to meet you Ashley. I remember you Gage although I do not think you liked me much.” She says. I glare over at Gage. I didn't know he was mean to her. Gage holds his hands up.
“I didn't know she was your One.” It shouldn't fucking matter. I glare some more.
“I'm sorry if I came off harsh. I was trying to protect you though. We usually do not have feelings for anyone but our One and I thought he was going to end up breaking your heart.” Gage tells Nat.