I shuffled to the edge of the bed, letting her arm free. She stared at it for a moment, before returning her gaze to me.
“My arm,” she stated.
“Yes, it’s your arm,” I replied.
“But, you had it,” she argued.
“What? It was just underneath me,” I protested, confused at her accusation.
“I’m watching you,” she whispered; her eyes narrowed on me.
“Midnight, I’m not gonna steal your arm.” I sighed.
“Lies,” she argued.
“Are we actually having this conversation?”
“I know where you live,” she confirmed.
“...”
“...”
“Midnight, go back to sleep,” I encouraged. Ryder was better at dealing with such interesting situations. He thought it was cute.
“I’m sleepy. Goodnight.” She rolled to her side, falling asleep within seconds.
I didn’t know whether to be surprised or bewildered. No wonder Elias told the others she was incoherent when she exhausted herself. I sighed, pulling at the blanket and covering her. I was about to turn on my side to sleep when she stirred again.
I waited for her to settle, but she rolled over, her eyes opened – royal purple orbs greeted me. I smiled as joy blossomed within me.
“Rose,” I whispered, unable to hide the happiness in my voice. It took her a moment before she smiled seductively at me; sleep still in her eyes as she yawned.
“Hmm. Morning Stryker. I wondered when I’d get alone time with you.” She whispered back.
I lifted the blanket, encouraging her to cuddle next to me.
She smiled, shuffling into my embrace; her warm body lay against me as I wrapped us with the oversized maroon blanket.
I pressed my lips gently against hers, attempting to appear confident on the outside as I ignored the nervous butterflies that fluttered in my stomach. It had been cycles since I’d had a true alone moment with Roseline.
I remembered our final evening together, sitting in the castle garden as we stared at the multiple stars in the sky. Even for our ages, we weren’t shy to show our affection for one another. Making sure to hold hands whenever we were together.
No words were needed to enjoy one another’s company. Just the warmth of her hand was enough to enjoy Mother Starlight’s gift to us, giving us a chance at life within our hosts. We’d been blessed to be royals and we never took such blessings for granted. Not to mention our hosts being so cooperative.
Ryder never showed any mind with me having my time with Rose. Mako and Hope were both cooperative, usually falling asleep right before our nightly hangouts, giving Rose privacy and peace of mind.
I was happy to be able to hold her in my arms; her vanilla aroma surrounded me, the smell easing my tense muscles as I relaxed. Ryder knew how much I struggled with the idea of Mako not making it after the exam incident. Even with her recovering, I’d heard nothing from any of her spirits, especially Rose who was the most outspoken. To finally be able to communicate with her again made me beyond relieved.
“I’ve missed you, baby,” I whispered against her lips as I pulled away, unable to break eye contact with those magnetizing eyes.
“I’m sorry I worried you,” she apologized, kissing my neck. I closed my eyes, trying to hold back the moan that wanted to escape. One thing that attracted me the most about Rose was her undeniable confidence. She never hesitated to demonstrate her compassion and love for someone.
When she’d kissed me on the cheek during the locker room incident, I was filled with such joy, the emotion was forgotten to my senses after cycles of regret and disappointment.
She pulled back after a minute; her eyes returned to look up at mine.
“You look exhausted. Did Daniel use his mojo, juju dust on you?” she questioned.
“How do you know about that?” I questioned back.
She smirked, her mischievous smile lit her face as her purple eyes glowed lightly.
“Magiccccc,” she slurred.
I laughed.
“Baby, don’t try to fool me. It never works.” I tightened my grip around her waist.
“Oh really?” she challenged, pressing her body against me as she bit her lip.
My body responded immediately; my cock grew hard from the bold move. Her voice enough to turn me on.
She leaned upward to kiss me; her lips dominated mine as I pressed against her. I wanted her to know what she was doing to me; how much her confidence affected my lust for her. We kissed for what seemed to be hours, unable to pull away from each other until our bodies required oxygen. The deep kiss left us breathless as we pulled back, panting.
“I’d love to do more than just kiss you love, but I think we should let Ryder and Mako have that first moment. Don’t you?” She purred.
“I guess we should be courteous and let them. If only they would get some actual alone time,” I confessed.
I knew if it wasn’t for the fact our hosts hadn’t gotten the chance to be intimate thanks to all the events that had happened, I believed they would have done more than just making out in the campus classrooms.
“They will. I don’t think either of them can continue doing their long make-out sessions without tugging at each other’s clothes.” Rose’s amused voice made me smile in delight.
I couldn’t help but widen my grin as I remember Ryder’s meditation attempt with Mako. I told him it wouldn’t last ten minutes with her in the room, and I was right, lasting four minutes and ten seconds before he had Mako pinned down on the floor, kissing one another like it was the last day in Starlight history.
That fairy boy, of course, had to interrupt, as usual. I’d need to find a way to rid him of his sly tactics.
“Will we get more alone time?” I whispered.
She smirked; her hand left my waist to glide through my messy hair before she kissed me from my cheek to my chest, leaving a trail of kisses. “Of course,” she confirmed before sucking at my flesh, surely leaving a fresh hickey on the base of my neck.
Her breath was warm against my skin and sent chills racing down my arms. I felt her tongue curl along my neck and I couldn’t stop the deep moan that left my lips.
“You like teasing,” I acknowledged.
“I’m a demon, it’s in my nature. As a bonus, I like seeing your reaction,” she admitted.
Her head laid on my chest as we relaxed in the silence of the pitch-black room. My fingers had a mind of their own, unconsciously twirling in her long, brown locks as I closed my eyes, my head rested against the headboard.
“Did you tell Ryder about the Mako-Midnight situation?” Rose questioned. She sounded half asleep, her toneless voice returned.
“I didn’t, but he has found out,” I revealed. I lift my head to look down at her as she lifted her head to frown at me.
“How mad was he?” she inquired.
“Almost snapped at the others. I know it’s not his true intentions, but between Elias’ little scare freaking him out and the other’s emotions slammed into him, he’s just about fed up. He doesn’t like to admit it but, having the ability to feel other’s emotions is a hard burden to carry. He must deal with being connected to his team through this bond, feeling their emotions constantly. He can sometimes pull himself out of it and disconnect for a while, but there’s no off switch; 24/7 in the back of his mind he knows exactly what’s happening to the others. They do try to lessen the burden and control their emotions, but situations like today show how connected he is to them and how much of a struggle he faces controlling his emotions,” I explained, feeling sorry for my host.
I hadn’t been very considerate either these past two weeks, unable to control my own worries and concerns. It had only been a matter of time till he broke down, which he did. The only time he had shed tears was Anya’s death anniversary. That’s coming up soon.
I felt a hand brush against my cheek. I hadn’t realized I’d zoned out, too focused on worrying about Ryder than the
beautiful woman lying against me.
“When is it?”
“When is what babe?” I questioned.
“Anya’s birthday. It was always close to this time of the cycle, correct?” she asked.
“How did you know what I was thinking about?” I questioned back.
“You zone out when something is really bothering you. Seeing as I’m right here, the only two individuals who you care about are your mother and Anya. I know your mother is fine, so that leaves Anya,” she narrowed down, laying her head back against my chest as her finger drew a circle on the unoccupied spot on my chest.
“You read me too well,” I whispered.
“Someone has to. You’re hard to figure out, but I like mysteries,” she confessed.
“Rose.”
“Hmm?”
“Will Mako and Midnight be okay?”
I needed some type of confirmation that they wouldn’t perish from this new predicament.
I knew Mako was strong, Midnight a reflection of her strength, but I knew what happened to shifters with multiple spirits. Throughout the cycles of our training, we’d seen shifters succumb to such circumstances.
It still amazed me that Rose and the other spirits cooperated with one another with such little space. I couldn’t imagine sharing my section in Ryder’s mind with anyone else.
“I’m worried. I don’t question either of their strengths, but if Midnight truly is a spirit...I’m worried her spirit nature won’t be compatible with us. Midnight as a personality is fine and cooperative. However, if her spirit’s nature unlocks, such a powerful influence may not be in our favor. Of the four of us, Lexi is the strongest, but Midnight’s power alone in the physical aspect is unheard of. It frightens even me,” Rose acknowledged.
“You have a feeling what spirit she is?” I rubbed her head lightly, wanting to look at her expression. She lifted her head to face me; her royal purple eyes darkened. It was only for a split second, but I saw the fear in them.
“Yes...but I pray to Starlight she’s not what I’m assuming or Mako’s mental state is at risk.” She bit her lip as she glanced away. I frowned. Rose rarely showed her unease. This situation may turn ugly if not handled with delicacy.
I reached out to cradle her cheek, turning her head to face me.
“We’ll figure it out. I’ll be here if you need me,” I consoled.
She nodded, giving me a weak smile before she yawned.
“You should rest up,” I encouraged
“Stryker?”
I smiled, kissing her lightly on her lips. I loved the way my name rolled off her tongue, sending waves of desire through me. “Yes, Rose.”
“You’ll talk to me if anything is bothering you, right?”
I didn’t like the worry in her eyes. “This isn’t like you, Roseline. You don’t need to worry,” I replied.
“Stryker.”
I sighed, but smiled. “I promise to inform you when something is troubling my soul. As long as you go back to your usual self. This side of you makes me uneasy.” I muttered the last part, feeling my cheeks burn.
I didn’t want to admit how satisfying it was to know she worried about me, just the same way I worried about her well-being. As spirits, we were outspoken and open in many aspects, but we still struggled with admitting how we felt with one another at times.
“Okay Strykey, I’ll return back to my voluptuous self, so you can enjoy listening to me explain our inner monologue with Lexi.” She purred with a mischievous smile.
I groaned.
“No, I don’t want to hear about your long, dirty talks with Lexi. I swear, dragons with their play time. I’m surprised she hasn’t taken control and jumped Ryuu yet, and don’t call me Strykey. That was hella annoying when you guys were younger,” I pointed out, scrunching my face in disgust. I seriously hated that nickname.
“Oh, I bet she would if she had the chance,” Rose replied with a laugh.
“I...I love you, Rose. Just wanted you to know,” I admitted, my voice barely a whisper.
“I know. I love you too, Stryker.” She leaned upward, giving me one final kiss before pulling away. She snuggled against me as I repositioned myself in the bed, my head relaxed on the pillow, Rose cradled in my arms.
It didn’t take long for her breathing to lower to a steady pace, her deep inhales and exhales indicated her unconsciousness. I pressed my lips against her forehead before closing my eyes.
Whatever happens, I’d make sure to be there for her.
Chapter Nine
I stirred awake; my stomach felt rather empty. I always promised Karen to eat more frequently and always failed miserably. I’m surprised I hadn’t lost a ton of weight. I was glad I still had my curves. Maybe my addiction to milk was helping keep them intact. Didn’t humans say it helped grow your boobs? Hmm, unsolved mysteries. I’ll ask Marcus.
I closed my eyes; my emotional outrage flashed behind my lids, EliaseAnne’s beautiful image lingered.
I’d never seen a fairy shifter in their full glory. They were such a rare race. Even in their own designated realm, their numbers were limited, many of them hidden amongst their lands from other species who had ill intentions.
Since starting my studies with Matthew, I had read that other shifters hunted fairies for multiple reasons: their ability to glamour and change anyone’s appearance to their choosing being their main quest to acquire. I’d also read about dark fairies.
Before the Aspen war, dark fairies were part of the fairy race. They were already low in numbers: one dark fairy for every ten thousand fairy births. They had been protected by their kind due to their rarity and immense power.
However, their species was hunted by Aspen’s rogues and followers with the intention of experimenting and using them to give them a higher advantage for the upcoming war. The book stated that their species were either hidden in their lands apart from everyone or they had truly gone extinct.
It made me realize how my Owner, Blair Aspen’s conquest for revenge, had jeopardized many lives and the galaxy itself.
I opened my eyes, a bare chest greeted me. I raised my eyebrow, noticing the absence of chest markings. My eyes trailed upward, landing on the intricate markings located on his shoulder blades. I took a deep breath. Lavender...Daniel?
I heard a low moan as Daniel turned slightly, the arm around my waist pulled me against him. I love the way my body curved into his. The warmth and smell of lavender was enough to almost lull me back to sleep…almost.
“Five more minutes,” he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. I couldn’t tell whether he was half asleep or talking to himself.
I continued to reflect back on my actions with Eli and Elias. I shouldn’t have reacted like that. In a way, I didn’t regret telling them off. They had kept such a vital secret from me, the information I had every right to know about. I shouldn’t have stormed off like that. I guess it was too late now to regret when it already happened. I wondered if they were mad at me. Would the boys not like me anymore?
“We aren’t mad at you and we still love the shit out of you, so the answer is no.”
I opened my eyes, glancing up to see the pair of gold, drowsy eyes looking down at me.
“Um...you weren’t supposed to hear that,” I declared shyly.
“I know,” he replied, a devilish smirk formed on his lips. He lowered his head, those soft lips pressed against mine. I took a moment to enjoy the soft tenderness of his lips before he deepened the kiss; his arm around me pulled me against him as his other hand gripped my hair, steadying my head as he devoured my mouth.
There was a wickedness in the way he kissed me. It was a feeling I never felt with the others and sometimes, I questioned whether it was my own feeling or his?
I moaned against his lips; my body responded to his possessiveness. His hand released my hair and caressed down my arm and across my stomach. The motion sent shocks of electricity through me and my body arched in response, pushing itself into him – needing to be close
r.
Out of all the boys, Daniel had received the least amount of love from me and it bothered me. I needed him to know I loved him just like the others.
I unhinged myself, placing my hands against his chest as I pushed him lightly into the gold satin sheets below.
I crawled over him, positioning myself to sit on top of him, straddling his waist as his hands found mine. Our lips continued their rhythmic motions. Our tongues sought the other. With each stroke my body grew warmer and warmer.
I pulled away, wanting to take a moment to scan his bare chest; his shoulder blade markings caught my interest.
The thick, interlocking lines reminded me of a spread-out wing, one side starting as a thin line and moving outward and upward as it broke out into multiple, diverse lines and swirls.
My fingers lightly traced over the design, and I could feel his body shiver beneath me as his eyes grew heavy.
“I got it when I was eight cycles old.” He admitted; his hand stopped mine from continuing the action; interlocking.He glanced up to at me.
“Was it just random?” I asked. I knew markings appeared on our bodies in a few ways, sixty percent appeared at birth. He could have also received them through training.
“Kind of,” he replied, his eyes looked lost, sadness flashed through his expression.
I leaned down to kiss him. I didn’t like such an expression on his face. It didn’t suit his perfect skin and brilliant eyes.
“Sorry. Does it bring back bad memories?” I frowned at him, not wanting to trigger anything negative from his past. A part of me was curious, but I wanted him to tell me freely and not feel pushed.
“Ya. I don’t like talking about it,” he expressed, glancing away.
“Okay. We can talk about something else,” I suggested. I struggled to make a connection with Daniel. I wanted him to trust me, but it seemed whenever we took a step forward, something would bring us back.
“Mako. Don’t give me that look.” He pulled me into a hug. I didn’t know what expression I was giving him, but I knew I felt sad at his reluctance to trust me. I didn’t need him to tell me now, but I craved the reassurance he’d think of me when he did need someone to talk to.
Tainted Rose Page 12