Chapter 48 #2
“You know I saw you that day,” Crew says. “In this field.”
As I walk beside him and the night sky fills my vision, the calm, silence, and peacefulness of the stars all seem so disorienting after tonight.
“I knew right then that there was something different about you, Mara.”
I turn my gaze to find him already staring at me.
“I’m so sorry I left. I’m so fucking sorry.”
My fingers intertwine with his.
“I won’t leave you by choice ever again.”
I cup his face and press my lips against his. He wraps his hand around my neck, and I allow him to pull me closer for a second before I move away.
“My fears consumed me,” he says. “I wasn’t thinking straight.”
“I know all about that.”
He glances back toward the woods. “Does it feel different?”
I focus on the tingle within my system—Locke—and feel the threading string between us, still a faint whisper.
“It’s there,” I say. “But it’s not strong yet. But I’m not bonded to him, so I don’t think it will be strong for me.”
He nods. “Thank you for saving him. I owe you my life.”
“I only want you, Crew.” I tilt my head, making my voice stern. “Nothing else.”
His eyes light up, and I sense a tinge of grief leave his system.
“Is Damien mad?”
“He’ll get over it.” I wave my hands. “Though he did call you a few choice words.”
“That’s a normal day for us.” Crew huffs a laugh.
I begin to walk toward the trees, following in the steps of the others.
Relief washes over me as I feel my leg heal from the persistent itching.
Crew stays close behind, always looking over his shoulder for looming threats.
The trees blur past me, and every step takes us deeper into the thick canopy of the forest. Turn after turn, my sense of direction vanishes, and I have no idea where I am.
My feet start to ache as we walk for what feels like miles—passing the same trees, patches of moss, and creeks—and I’m convinced we are lost.
As we approach a clearing, the trees thin out, a wide stream flows into the space, and my jaw drops in amazement.
A massive brick building, completely engulfed in vines, comes into view, and I feel like I’m hallucinating.
Large windows filled with light glow in the darkness, while rows of trees line the property like a protective shield, covering the roof in a tangled mess of greenery.
Theo continues forward as we appear, clearly unfazed by the beauty of the Order, while we stop to gawk only for a second. A few angels line the property at this hour while the rest of the house seems to be asleep.
We move up the steps of the Order, and Theo turns to face us. “I’ll show you all your rooms. I only have two available, so you will choose who stays where, though I suggest Mara stays close to Locke so he can continue to heal faster.”
Crew jerks his gaze to me.
“This will not continue, Mr. Bannermin. She only needs to stay close for the healing process,” Theo says.
Crew’s shoulders slack, and Bronwyn steps closer to the door. “Those three can stay in a room, and I’ll bunk with Damien.”
“Oh, my God.” Damien’s eyes light up. “Our first sleepover?”
Bronwyn rolls her eyes. “And possibly our last.”
“She said, possibly, you guys. You all heard that, right?”
I chuckle and nod, moving forward as Theo enters the Order.
The outside forest seems to move with us as we cross the large foyer. Flowers, vines, and plants nearly fill every space. The air is clean, and a floral scent envelops me. We turn left, moving down a long hallway that leads to closed doors on each side of the hall.
“My office and room are upstairs to the right. Your rooms are just at the end of this hallway.”
We continue down the narrow space, noting each door has flowers engraved on the light wood.
The blood coating most of our bodies contrasts with the stark white walls, casting a red tint upon them.
Doorknobs resembling flowers, petals, and various blooms adorn every door, and I can’t get over the beauty of this place.
“We have a zero tolerance for violence here.” Theo cuts his eyes to each of us, and his soft gaze is replaced with one that could set you ablaze. “Zero.”
We nod as he pauses in front of two solid doors at the end of the hallway.
“The larger room is to the right, while the smaller one is to the left. You can decide who stays where.”
Damien shrugs and moves to the right only to have Crew wrap his hand around his shoulder. “No way.”
He lets out a sigh and takes Bronwyn’s hand as they open the left door to take a look.
The smaller room has a single bed, a massive fireplace, and a large window overlooking the gardens in the back of the house.
Crew opens the larger bedroom, revealing a similar layout, but ours has a spacious sitting area in front of the fireplace and a large, airy bathroom.
“You can move about your rooms as you please, but do not wander around the Order,” Theo threatens. “You are welcome here for the night, and that is it. I will see you all in the morning to discuss your exit.”
Theo enters the largest room and gently lays Locke on the sofa. He immediately moves back out, as if being with us causes him discomfort, and I don’t blame him. Theo’s eyes land on Crew’s, and a flash of concern paints his angelic face.
“Sleep well and behave.”
The Elder turns on his heels, moving down the hallway, leaving a lightness in his wake.
Alone in the Order, Crew’s voice sounds low, “Get in the room, now.”
Damien shoots a glance at Bronwyn, and they step into the room. Crew strides forward, and I follow, shutting and locking the door behind me. I join them in the cozy living room, where Damien sits beside Bronwyn on the loveseat, and Crew stands in front of the fireplace.
I glance at Locke, who sleeps peacefully on the couch while his body works to heal the wounds that mark his skin.
As I approach, I feel the faint tingle between us—so subtle that I might mistake it for nerves.
He stirs as I near—as if sensing my presence—and I turn to find Crew glaring daggers at him.
I take a seat near his chest on the floor and ensure my back presses against his resting body. My body goes rigid as I feel Locke’s hand move to rest on my shoulder.
A surge of jealousy flashes through Crew and hits me through the bond, causing me to turn my head toward him. Crew’s face shows irritation, and I can sense his thoughts of wanting to tear Locke away from me swirling.
“Come on,” I say aloud, confusing Damien and Bronwyn.
“Do you have to touch him?” Crew says sharply.
Damien sinks back into the loveseat and drapes a leg over his knee. “Oh, is Mr. Bannermin a bit protective? You don’t like how this turned out?”
“Damien,” Crew rubs his temples, “I cannot handle your fucking mouth right now.”
“Rich coming from you, Crew.” Damien stands, making Bronwyn jolt at the abruptness. “You are the reason we are in this position, if you need a gentle reminder. You left Mara, and we had to change every fucking plan. We risked a lot to be here, so don’t give me that brooding shit.”
My brows shoot up, and Damien continues.
“Locke nearly died. He protected Mara because you weren’t here.” He steps closer, and anger leaks from his words. “And that’s so fitting now, isn’t it?”
“Damien,” I yell. “Stop.”
“What’s so fitting?” Crew’s brow furrows. “Say it. I fucking dare you, Damien.”
“Locke is bound to Mara to protect her, because you’ll leave one day again.”
“I would be careful.” Crew’s anger radiates off him. “Don’t say something you will regret.”
“Why?” Damien huffs a laugh. “Are you going to walk out again? Run away because you can’t face reality? For someone as strong as you are, you sure are a pussy when it comes to conversations that matter.”
My jaw slackens. Crew’s eyes shift to black as he lunges forward, wrapping his hand around Damien’s throat. They crash against the loveseat, nearly hitting Bronwyn, and I jump up.
“Keep talking, and I’ll beat the shit out of you,” Crew snaps. “It won’t be the first time, and I promise it won’t be the last.”
“Do it, you dickhead.” Damien coughs. “Hurt another friend tonight. Do you need to feel tough physically after being so weak mentally?”
I storm toward them, letting anger bubble in me from their outburst.
“Both of you,” I reach to grab Crew and wrap my hand around his arm, “stop.”
Crew’s hand tightens around Damien’s throat. “You are a piece of shit. You know that?”
Damien smiles under his hold, allowing a wave of madness to twist his features. “Did I strike a chord?”
“I’m going to beat the absolute fuck out of you,” Crew growls.
“You two are acting ridiculous,” I shout again. “We don’t need this shit right now.”
“Oh, let him do it,” Damien rasps. “Then he’ll feel worse about himself.”
Crew raises his opposite hand, pulling against my grip, ready to drive it into Damien’s nose, when a faint voice sounds from the couch.
“Mara,” Locke softly says.
Bronwyn shoots up. “What did he say?”
“Mara.”