Page 30 of Ruarc
“But there is something we do need to discuss and that is who will be staying and who shall leave? You need to think about this because we all have a meeting with mam next rising. I have been comming to the Zenith for two risings now with no response, so I need to head out to figure out what kind of trouble those two frackers got themselves into and what I must do to get them out of it.”
“That decision is for Kallen to make because wherever she is, I will also be.”
“I understand and was expecting that answer. Rest and get healed up so that you can enjoy the perks of having a mate.” Slavic nods his understanding and pats my leg before turning to leave.
Einar steps into the space Slavic vacated before running a scanner over me, and I close my eyes, exhaustion pulling at me hard as I try my best to ignore the pains shooting all over my body. I must have dozed off for a tic, but movement at the end of the bed has me cracking one eye open. Atasha is sitting there, her hair in tangles, as she looks around confused, sleep still pulling heavily at her. “Did you sleep well, little star?”
“The monsters tried to come, but Dolly threw rocks at them until they ran away.”
Her solemn voice makes me think Einar is not wrong. A youngling should not have to go through the things our little star has, so I try to lighten the mood. “I am going to have to get myself one of those then.”
“Maybe Kallen will make one for you, too.” She crawls to my other side, and I wince when her pointy little elbow hits my sore ribs, but I still pull her close, nuzzling the top of her head affectionately, simply enjoying being able to hold them both. Her words are so soft and subdued I can barely hear them.
“I was scared.”
“Me too, little star.”
“You were? But you were so brave.”
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act despite it.” This idiom has been a mantra my entire existence and one that I feel is important for Atasha to know.
“I really liked this place when we first got here, but now I am scared to go to sleep because the rocks might fall on me.” Biting back a snarl because I hate it when Einar is always correct, I inject as much assurance as I can before replying.
“I am sure Falon is working on a way right now to reinforce the main living areas. If he tells you it is safe, then it is, but we will no longer go further into the caverns. We will stay in the area we are familiar with.”
Her comforting scent reaches me tics before she opens the curtain. Mam comes walking in with a small tray in her hands. A huge smile graces her face when she sees us all curled up together.
“If that sleeping platform were larger, I would crawl right in there with the three of you. Ruarc, it appears you are never going to stop testing these old hearts of mine, youngling.”
Atasha giggles, “Mam, you called him a youngling, and he is all big.”
“He was not always big, and in my eyes, all of you will be forever younglings. Now, uncurl yourself out of his massive arms and come get the snack that Edie made for you.”
“Ohhh, did she make honey cakes?”
“She did, but I had to steal these away before Ruby ate them all … something about a taste of home.”
I cannot help but smile as Atasha squirms away from me. Her delight at a sweet treat has her crawling her way toward the end of the platform, where mam stands. She reaches out, stuffs one of the small treats in her mouth, then grabs a second one with her other hand. Mam kisses her forehead before moving the tray out of reach.
“That’s enough for now because the rest of these are for Ruarc and Kallen. How about you come with me for a little while and let them get some more sleep?”
Tangled hair flies around her head as Atasha violently shakes her head no at our lifegiver. She is just about to crawl back up to me when mam gently puts her hand on her shoulder. “Ginger just told me that she found what she is calling kittens right outside the gate. Do you want to go with she and I to see them?”
Sheer delight flashes across Atasha’s face before she jumps off the bed and immediately starts yelling Ginger’s name as she sprints out of the medical ward. Mam laughs while placing the tray next to the sleeping platform. “The appeal of small animals always works. You two rest and I will check on you later.” She leans down, kisses the top of my head, and I have to hold back the tears forming in my eyes as she walks away. There is no better healing agent in the world than my mam’s kiss.
CHAPTER 19
KALLEN
For the first time in a very long time, I wake filled with warmth and fully refreshed. Opening my eyes, it takes a moment for me to realize where I am and why I feel so content. My leg is thrown casually over a massive thigh and my hand rests upon Ruarc’s steadily rising chest. His large arm is wrapped protectively around me, and I realize I am practically draped over him.
I send up a prayer of thanks when I see that some of his bruising has already faded, and he seems to be resting peacefully. This is the first time I have ever awakened before him, and I am seeing a side of Ruarc that he hides from all others: peacefulness. Although he may not be the most attractive male, his strong jawline and soft lips are quite captivating. His bright purple eyes snap open, catching me staring up at him.
“Did you rest well, my Starshine?”
My breath catches in my chest every time he calls me that; it is almost as if I can feel those words vibrating through my soul. “I did. Your arms proved to be a safe haven when the world was literally falling down around us.” I smack his chest lightly. “Donot ever dare to scare me like that again!When I saw those rocks engulf you … I have never felt so helpless.”
“Forgive me, Kallen. All I was concerned about at the time was your safety. The sacrifice would have been well worth it as long as you survived.”
