Chapter 4Talon
Chapter 4
TALON
I t doesn’t matter how long it is, but whenever I go more than a few days without hearing from Harbor, my skin begins to itch. The sensation where I’m not sure what’s going on, and I begin to feel out of control? That’s the way it was the day she disappeared when she was injured by Colette, and as well as after the explosion at her dorm.
This time, I know her disappearance is slightly my fault. I was able to save her when she was attacked, but Onyx and I lost track of the asshole that snuck up on my Rogue. They slipped into a crowd, and then must have gone underground to get away, because Onyx wouldn’t have missed tracking from above.
I witnessed someone I care deeply for–treasure, even–attacked and thrown from a stairwell landing and left for dead. I’m relieved and grateful that I was there for her, but seeing her in pain fueled my anger like nothing I’ve ever felt. Something about her drives me to protect her, and at that moment, I couldn’t hold back. Storming up the stairs, I searched the unlocked rooms on the top floor before finding a secondary staircase down the back of the building. I followed it down, checking the other floors too, just in case the bastard decided to hide out. I don’t know if he knew that anyone was coming after him, and I have no idea what the person looked like, but the suns would freeze over before I gave up finding the person who dared lay a finger on her.
By the time I decided to give up the search and figured out that Harbor ran like I asked her to, I headed toward her dorm. Unfortunately, it looks like trouble followed her home. When I approached the people gathering outside of Bromberg House, I kept to the edges of the crowd, listening in to the gossip that was spreading like wildfire. My Rogue was injured again, and her best friend was murdered, all because I let my rage overflow. If I hadn’t left her, all of this might not have happened. The only thing running through my head the next few days is if she was actually okay and if she’d forgive me for leaving her.
As the next few days passed, this uncomfortable feeling steadily grew, and I began to sleep less. The wait to speak to her again was agonizing, but I wasn’t going to reach out and disrupt her grieving process. I know quite clearly what she’s going through, unfortunately. The worry for her that built in my chest across those days was like a vice sitting around my heart. It became so unbearable that I took to watching her dorm building.
I was there when I received the email from the school regarding what happened. They explained it was a random revenge attack. They also said, in a more discreet way, that the attacker was no longer a threat to the school. How they decided this was the case, I’m not sure. That email also communicated the funeral details, so we could attend if we chose. I decided to go, but not to mourn the girl who died. I would go to support my Rogue. She might need me, and I know I could stand by her side and ward off any trouble.
I was also waiting outside her dorm after the funeral when she returned. Of course, her stepbrother Kane was the one to bring her back. It surprised me to find him by her side that morning at the funeral. I was slightly irked when I showed up and found him supporting her, as I planned on being her anchor through this storm. Regardless, I still went up and stood on her other side, ensuring both of us stood guard while she mourned. It broke my heart as she stood back, not venturing to go near to say her final goodbyes. I stayed longer than others, but the dragons began to assemble for the “final flight” ceremony, and I knew that was private.
Sitting here, now an hour after she returned, I’m debating whether to message her. I know she craves her space, but I want to be there for her. So she doesn’t isolate herself, and grieving the loss of someone so close might cause her to want to pull inward. The first few days and weeks are the hardest, just trying to keep going.
After warring with myself for almost twenty minutes, I decide to send her a message. I hope I don’t sound as desperate as I am to see her.
Hi
After a few minutes, her response finally comes through, and the knot in my chest loosens just a bit.
Rogue
Hi. Thank you for coming today. I appreciated you showing up, even if you didn’t know Bethany.
I will always be there for you, no matter what. I also know what grief is like, and I didn’t want you to be alone.
Rogue
Thank you. I appreciate you thinking of me. Thank you for attempting to find the person who attacked me, too. You put yourself in a dangerous situation for me.
I’d do it again. You are worth protecting, even if it costs me my life.
Rogue
Don’t say that!
It’s true. You are the epitome of kindness and are the best this world has to offer. I don’t like a lot of people, but you–you are it. You are worth everything.
Rogue
I–I don’t know what to say. I hope one day I can protect myself. Learning this new world that I left behind has been hard.
I can understand that. I have faith that you will one day be able to protect yourself, because I can see that strength in you. But I will be there, always. Just in case.
Rogue
You are too kind. I wish I could hug you right now. You’ve dried up my tears and brought a smile to my face.
The knot in my chest warms and loosens a bit further at her words. I was able to actually lessen the weight over her. That makes me feel better about messaging her tonight.
I’m sorry I’m not there, too. Are you back in classes?
Rogue
Yes, unfortunately. I was excused from my afternoon class the day of the attack, but since I had the weekend to recover, they aren’t excusing any more time off. I’m kind of glad, though. Bethany wouldn’t want me crying all the time. She’d probably tell me to get out and party for her. LOL
Did you want to meet in the morning for coffee?
Rogue
I’d love that. Thank you for thinking of me. I think I’m headed to bed, but I’ll see you in the morning? I can’t meet first thing in the morning, but can you meet after the first class session?
I’ll be there. Goodnight, Rogue.
Pocketing my phone, I step back onto the path that leads toward my apartment. I’m glad I decided to message her, but I hope I didn’t take it too far. I guess we’ll see tomorrow.
I swear, waiting for that first class break was the worst. Last night, the itching under my skin eased. Until this morning, that is. When our normal time to meet came and passed, nervousness filled my mind. I felt like something was wrong. I know it was just me, because I don’t want to be late meeting her, and yet my body doesn’t seem to understand that Rogue couldn’t meet at the regular time. I gave up, going to the coffee shop early and pacing. When students started milling around, I figured it was the break between classes, and I began looking for Rogue.
It’s been less than a day since I’ve seen her, but watching her walk up–that is the best thing I’ve seen in a while. Her eyes are downcast as she approaches, but that moment when she looks up and meets my gaze–that will forever haunt my soul. Her eyes, normally a brilliant and bright blue, are almost gray. I’d do anything to bring the sparkle back to her eyes.
“Hi,” she whispers as she draws near. I pull her into my embrace. My arms wrap all the way around her, and while she’s not a small woman by any means, she feels like the perfect fit for me. That vice around my heart that I’ve been carrying the past few days finally loosens and falls away, everything now right as she returns my hug.
Only, she doesn’t let go right away, and I continue relishing the feeling of her in my arms as long as she allows me. I will always wrap her up and…love her? Is that what this is? I’m not sure. I’ve never felt this way about someone. I only met this creature a few short weeks ago, but she’s somehow integrated herself into my heart. She’s opened up the world to me, and it doesn’t feel as strange when she’s by my side.
When she finally pulls back, she reaches up to cup my face and pulls me down toward her. With a quick brush of her lips against my cheek, she completely reset my consciousness. When I’ve regained control of my mind, I look at her with a question in my eyes. Is she ok? Did I overstep by enveloping her in my arms?
I don’t know what I expected, but it sure wasn’t for her to smile up at me. Even more so, I don’t expect it when she wraps her arm around me as we walk up to order. I’m kicking myself that I didn’t already have her drink ready for her, but then I realize I wouldn’t have been able to give her the hug that she needed if my hands were full.
After we order, I pull her aside while we wait for our drinks. “How are you doing?”
“I’m okay,” she responds with a wane smile. “I miss her so much. It’s like the world is just a bit dimmer without her smile shining somewhere.”
“I know how that feels. I’m experiencing the same with you mourning your friend. It’s not the same as what you’re experiencing; I’ve been there too, but seeing you like this is breaking my heart.”
She leans in to me, and I revel in the feeling of her body next to mine. We move together to collect our drinks and then begin down a path that isn’t populated with many students. I wait for her, knowing she’ll talk when she’s ready. I’m just thankful that I’m able to be here for her.
It takes about ten minutes of silence before she speaks. “I don’t even know how to feel. The only thing I can think of is that I drew her into my chaos. I’ve lived in so much crazy the past four years, and it didn’t stop when I came here. I just can’t stop thinking that if I hadn't come back to Naesala, then I would never have grown to love her again and she wouldn’t have been involved in the drama I’m wrapped up in.”
“I guess all of this means that I think I’m feeling guilty about her death. It feels like she was the scapegoat for whatever is happening around me. I’m beginning to think it might be better if I go back to Thalassia, because now half the reason I came here is gone.”
I stop and turn toward her, reaching up to brush a curl behind her ear. “Rogue, you aren’t responsible for someone else’s evil ways. Your friend loved you because you are an amazing person. For the very reason you are considering going back. But don’t you think she would be mad if you left?”
“I guess…”
“And I can only dare to think you’ve made significant impressions on other people. I know I wouldn’t survive if you left. You are the third sun in my sky; my day revolves around whether you smile.”
She tilts her head to the side, and when she smiles this time, her eyes begin to shift back to that cerulean blue I just can’t get enough of. She leans in and wraps her arms around my waist once more, but this time, I’m unsure of why. It takes a moment for me to reciprocate, and it’s then her signature scent of the ocean and flowers, with the hint of citrus, hits me. Warmth spreads through my chest at just being close to her and having her body pressed up against mine sends unfamiliar sensations to settle deep within my belly. My dick comes alive, unwillingly, and I try to release her so she doesn’t notice. My Rogue insists on snuggling in, and I pray she’s not offended at my inappropriate appendage.
When she finally pulls away, she steps up on her tiptoes, placing the quickest kiss to my lips. White-hot lightning surges through my body, leaving my lips tingling. I must look stupid, standing there long after she steps back, because the giggle that leaves her lips does nothing to stifle the uncomfortable situation in my pants.
“Come on,” she says, “let’s keep walking.” I instantly follow, unable to stay away. This woman seems to draw me in, and I will do anything to be near her. I wonder if I can change my classes to be in hers?
Within moments, I see her bully, Colette, approaching us. I immediately move to stand in front of Rogue. This woman won’t dare touch her when I’m here; I won’t let that happen. Instead of staying behind me, though, Rogue moves around me to stand in front of me. My head tilts down, brows dipping in confusion, as I look at this warrior standing her ground in front of me. She looks back, slightly shaking her head at me. I guess that means she wants to fight her own battles.
When Colette stops a few feet from us, she at least has the humility to look down and not meet Rogue’s eyes. Gods, this woman was almost crumbling from mourning her friend, and yet here she was, probably still sore from the attack four days ago, meeting her bully head to head. She isn’t showing any fear, whether it hides in her heart or not, and that impresses me.
“Harbor.” Colette finally speaks, my Rogue’s name a statement and not a question. “I feel like first I should say that I come to you with peaceful intentions.” With that, she lifts her head, searching Rogue for acceptance. The woman in front of me isn’t “accepting,” however she doesn’t tell her to fuck off, as I would’ve. “Alright. I’m going to be direct, since rumors seem to spread like wildfire at this school. Was it really you who saved me from the explosion site a few weeks ago?”
Rogue stands quietly for a moment, I assume, to determine Colette’s motives. After a couple of breaths, she responds with a confident tone. “I am.”
Colette’s head droops again and her shoulders slump. I begin to think she’s about to attack her, but then Colette does something I don’t expect.
“I’m sorry.” The words whispered from her lips barely reach my ears, but I hear them nonetheless. “I am thankful for your graciousness and your ability to put bad feelings aside when someone is in need. I didn’t deserve your help that day, and I wouldn’t have faulted you for passing me over and helping others.”
“I also want to apologize for every time I abused you. You did nothing to me, and yet I still tried to bully you. I will state I only did it at Silas’s insistence, and I know that isn’t an excuse. I didn’t have anything against you. I was incentivized, and now it all seems childish. He explained to me yesterday how he knows you, and as a result of the few details he shared, I now know this is something personal and doesn’t involve me.”
As she speaks, Rogue’s stance softens little by little, yet she doesn’t offer words of forgiveness, either.
When she doesn’t respond, Colette continues. “Given you’ve saved me from a potentially life-threatening event, the culture in my pack dictates I owe you a life debt. While it doesn’t begin to pay back the debt I owe you, you will never have any more conflict with me. I don’t know if I can derail Silas’s revenge, but I will do everything in my power to protect you from him, since I had a part in allowing all of this to happen.”
Rogue simply nods and moves to go around her, but Colette reaches out and grabs her arm. Fury erupts through me at the audacity she has to touch Rogue. Power surges through my body, and dark magic crackles in the palms of my hands, ready to defend against an attack. When Colette realizes what just happened, she releases Rogue and raises her hands in peace.
“I’m sorry. I just wanted to see if you wanted company. I’d love to actually get to know you, considering I made too many assumptions and listened to the wrong people. I saw you at the funeral, and I know you cared for her. Bethany was an excellent judge of character, and I wish I realized that sooner.”
Rogue considers her request before glancing at me. I say nothing, withdrawing my power now that an attack isn’t evident. Turning back, she simply nods at Colette before continuing along the path. Without a word, she leads us both toward the library. I don’t speak, but I keep Colette in my periphery. I don’t care about the sweet words of regret she just uttered; I’ll be watching out for her until she proves this “life debt” she claims.
We enter the library, following Rogue to the study rooms in the back. I hold the door open for the women before shutting it tightly. As I turn back, Rogue is setting up her laptop and notepad on the large table in the center of the room. Colette seems satisfied to study in the same room, so she opens a notebook of her own across the table.
Moving to sit next to Rogue, I don’t take my attention away from the near stranger in the room for nearly an hour. It’s only when Rogue huffs in frustration does my attention pull to the woman at my side.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, willing to do anything for her.
“I’ve found this symbol, and I don’t know what it is. It’s important,” she says, glancing up at Colette. Clearly, she has more information but doesn’t want to disclose it. I nod before looking at her notebook. She’s sketched out a nine-pointed star reminiscent of the stone embedded in my staff, but this one she’s colored a bluish-green. I want to tell her about my staff, but I also think sharing later might be better, as not to disclose all of our secrets with the present company.
“I’ve seen that before.”
Both mine and Rogue’s head swivels toward the interloper in our midst. Colette simply leans over the table, observing the sketch. When she sits back, she looks up at Rogue. “Yeah. It wasn’t too long ago, right before this school session started. I had plans to go with Silas to a party, for appearances’ sake, and this was on some paperwork in his car. When I asked him, he said it was a work-related program called NAUTILUS, and that it was none of my business. Obviously, I ignored his rude ass till we got to the party.”
I glance at Rogue, who discreetly writes the name down, then pulls out her phone where Colette can’t see. As she types something, I ponder what all of this means. Before long, though, she slips her phone back up to the table top.
Rogue
Call me! I have to leave, but I can’t have her follow, so can you cause a distraction? Don’t let her see you.
Immediately, I follow her instructions. Slipping my own phone out of sight under the table, I dial her number. When her phone rings, Rogue answers the fake call like an award-winning actress.
“Hello? Oh, yes. Hi. Right now? Sure, I’ll be right there. Thank you.”
Hanging up, she rushes to gather her belongings. “I’m sorry, Colette, I have to leave. It was nice studying with you.”
I stand and help her pack her bag. “I’ll walk you out,” I say, not worrying about excuses. Once we’re outside, Rogue simply wraps her arms around my neck, kissing my cheek once more. “I enjoyed this, but I need to do more research on my own. I promise to fill you in once I have more complete information.”
I nod my head as she beams at me before she bounces down the path toward her dorm. Watching her go, I consider this woman. She’s up to something, and I can’t wait to figure out what her mind is putting together.