Page 119 of The Stone Secret
“Willowman visited a half hour ago and administered some healing tincture, and Miss Aziza stepped out for a bite to eat,” he said.
“Is Derek awake?”
“In and out.” He studied me for a beat. “Are you all right?” The question was asked tentatively, almost as if he was no longer sure if he had the right to inquire.
“I’m fine. Just…tired.”
His expression softened in sympathy. “I know, Cam. I know.” He pressed his lips together for a moment, then exhaled through his nose. “We can still stop this.”
Huh? “Stop what?”
“You having to fight for elite.”
Bloody hell. Why wouldn’t he let it go? “I want to do this. I’ve made that clear.”
“But if I just—”
“Enough.” I shook my head and shoved past him. “I’m going to see Derek.”
“First room on the right,” Levi called after me, but thankfully, he didn’t follow.
* * *
Derek was proppedup on several pillows, taking up most of the sofa bed. Levi hadn’t been joking when he said that Yarrow had a room filled with crystals. They were everywhere, in clusters on shelves and tables, and a couple of huge ones sat on the floor. The room buzzed with energy that skimmed over my skin invasively.
“I’ll give you two some privacy,” Yarrow said before closing the door.
I crossed to Derek and knelt by the bed. “How you doing, buddy?” I covered his hand with mine. “I’m so sorry this happened.”
“Cameron?” He opened his eyes, but they were still a dull gray color, telling me he had a long way to go before he was fully healed. “I’m feeling better. No more pain.”
I squeezed his hand. “I’m so glad.”
“We can pass the exams.”
“You don’t need to worry about that. You need to focus on regaining your strength.”
“Youare my strength.”
“No, Derek. You’re mine. You always have been. I just didn’t know it. Please, promise me you’ll stay here and rest. That you won’t try to find me if you sense I’m in danger.”
He tried to sit up but groaned and fell back in pain. “I…I have to protect you.”
“No. No you don’t. Not at the expense of your life.”
He turned his hand so that our palms were touching. “Youare my life, Cameron. I would not exist if not for you.”
Is that what he thought? That he owed me? That his life was worth less than mine? I wouldn’t allow that. I leaned forward and gently gripped his chin. “You listen to me, and you listen well. You donotowe me your life. Your life is yours. It matters. To me. To Shar. To us all. I want you to live, Derek. I want you to find your own happiness, not just cater to mine.”
Confusion clouded his gaze. “We are connected. I can’t ignore your fear.”
“You don’t have to ignore it. But you shouldn’t sacrifice yourself over it, either. Promise me that you’ll practice self-preservation from now on.”
He stared at me for long seconds then smiled. “Don’t you get it, Cameron? Saving youisself-preservation. You’re my tether. My anchor. But more than that…I love you.”
My throat constricted. Damn him with his words and his beautiful heart. “I love you too, buddy.”
“Then let me be me, the only way I know how.”
