Page 68 of Vathia
Nero finishes the last berry and hops the distance between us to perch on my arm.
“I get that,” I tell him sincerely. “But I don’t want to be seen as weak anymore. I had to be for so long—”
He snaps, leaning down so he can look me in the eyes and I can see my stubborn expression in the reflection of his crimson eyes. “You were never weak. You did what was necessary to survive.”
I tug down on my tunic sleeves, making sure the scars on my wrists are covered. Only Jesper and Aemon have seen the extent of my scarring and I know they haven’t told Killian or Talyn yet, waiting for me to tell them what happened all those years I was hiding in Shalo. “If you knew about what happened in my past, you’d think I was a coward. I refuse to let myself become little for others again.”
“You’ve never been little—other than your size. The way you care, love and fight back is bigger than the sun.”
I shake my head, huffing out a pathetic laugh. “You don’t understand.”
“Then tell me.”
“Will you tell me why you freeze up when someone other than me touches you? Or about all your scars and the past I missed out on?”
He freezes for a second before straightening. His mouth opens and then closes repeatedly. Speechless.
“That’s what I thought,” I mutter. “Come on Nero. Let’s get you some of that boar you smell.” I turn and leave the training grounds heading back into the heart of camp. I’m not hungry but Killian is right. I do need to eat, but as soon as I’m done I’m finding Jesper and continuing with training.
Maybe I shouldn’t have pushed Kill to share his story before he was ready. Fates know I’m not ready, but apologizing will have to wait until later after I’ve cooled off. I meant what I said: I won’t ever become small again for anyone. I will fight back every step of the way. I will become strong enough to protect everyone.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
IT'S BEEN A FEW DAYS since we arrived at the Vathia war camp and today is the day I’m excited for. Mel, Ember, Lennox and Roz should be arriving today, if nothing has happened to them. Who am I fooling? They’re fine. They have to be fine because I would go out of my mind if I let myself think any differently.
Jesper comes prancing towards me with a wide, maniacal grin stretching ear to ear. “A dragon and two gryphons have been spotted. They should be here any moment!”
Excitement consumes me as I run and jump at Jesper, wrapping my arms around his neck as I laugh. His strong arms band around me as he catches me, a look of surprise etching his features before a soft wide smile takes over.
For a moment it feels like the world stops. It’s just he and I as I get lost in his stunning eyes. It may be the excitement I feel at finally reuniting with my friends, but I can’t deny it any longer. This pull I have for Jesper… Next thing I know my lips are on his.
Crushing.
Passionate.
Consuming.
A throat clears from behind me but I couldn’t care less. My mate has devoured my mind. A growl rips from the same spot, causing me to pull apart from Jesper, his eyes heated with lust.
“Your friends have landed,Princess,” the voice snaps. A voice I now realize belongs to Talyn.
Jesper sets me reluctantly back down on my feet.
“Shit,” I mutter. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me.”
Jesper opens his mouth to say something but Talyn cuts in. “Pull yourself together. We are out in the open. The realmdoesn’t need to see you two dry humping in the middle of camp.” He turns and leaves, disappearing between the tents.
My heart cracks. I thought we were improving—things seemed much less hostile between us lately. Apparently not.
Jesper’s knuckle runs down my cheek, pulling me from the thoughts that will eventually drive me mad if I don’t get out of my head. “Don’t worry about him. He’s just frustrated, if you know what I mean?” He winks.
It takes a moment to clue into his meaning. “Jesper!” I gasp, lightly smacking his shoulder with the back of my hand.
“What? We were putting on a pretty good show if I do say so myself,” he preens.
My gaze moves past him to soldiers giving us curious glances. The heat in my face blossoms and I can’t help the glare that takes over. “That’s not embarrassing at all.”
He takes my hand, pulling me in the direction Talyn disappeared to. “You’re right. It’s not. That was hot as fuck. Please jump me whenever you want. You won’t ever get any objections from me.”
