Chapter 8Talon
Chapter 8
TALON
T here is something about this girl that always draws me nearer to her. I don’t understand it. I’ve never craved being around people, but there is something about Rogue that manages to pull my existence to be near her. How I managed to leave the athletic center with Onyx and head home but end up on the other side of the campus is beyond me.
I find myself wandering in the dusk down an obscure path when I finally notice her. Rogue. She’s walking with her eyes downcast and cheeks tear-stained. I’m half a step towards wrapping her in my arms and kissing those reddened cheeks when I notice Rogue isn’t alone.
Colette Fredericks walks serenely with her, giving her plenty of space while matching her step for step. Colette’s arm remains bandaged in a sling, but I don’t give her any benefit of the doubt about pulling a stunt on Rogue. I slip behind a tree, watching as they slowly walk toward me.
Watching her walk with Colette is confusing. She was the bitch who injured her. Why is she now acting so friendly? I haven’t interacted with her on a one-on-one basis, but maybe it’s time I get to know her a little better. I won’t allow Colette to work her way in close enough just to hurt Rogue again.
As they approach, I realize neither appears to be saying anything. The silence surrounding them is deafening, only echoing warnings in my head. At this point, though, why am I so worried? Dare I say I care for Rogue? I mean, of course I do. Fuck, I don’t even know how to express how I feel right now.
She’s nearly everything I think about anymore. From waking up, even before my eyes open, I wonder if I could message her and say good morning. But then I think she’s likely not awake, and I don’t want to be rude. When I sit down to eat, my thoughts run to what food Rogue enjoys. Even when I get home after working out, I think of her and wonder if she likes exercise.
I almost feel ashamed when I think of her when I climb into bed at night, but with the reaction my body has to hers, and the way her mind fascinates me, I know this has to be fated. Just last night, I laid in my bed thinking about Rogue. I couldn’t help but grip my dick as it hardened to steel. I had been daydreaming of kissing Rogue's sweet, soft lips, and then my imagination led my thoughts to her, tied and suspended at my mercy, to shower her in sensations of pleasure. One squeeze of my grip, and my mind goes to sliding inside her mouth as she hung upside down.
I refused any more thoughts, though it seems my body had other intentions, because I woke this morning to a mess. I climbed out of my bed, stripped the sheets down, and then stepped into my shower. All my thoughts since the first moment of consciousness this morning revolved around the situation the night before, and what I was going to do about it. I knew as I washed the mess from my body, I needed more. I wanted to know her more, her mind and her body. Leaving my little cottage this morning, I swore to myself I’d take a step towards changing our relationship to a more intimate one.
Never did I think the day would lead me to spying on her.
As they walk by, I remain silent behind a tree. “Onyx,” I say to my dear friend, “go follow them from above. I’ll be using my connection to track you, but I’ll be out of sight.”
“ Caw!” With a single squawk, he leaps into the air, climbing high above the canopy of trees. I know he’ll watch them; I just have to stay back so that neither woman notices me. Waiting is the hardest part, but after I know they are far enough past to not hear me, I step out and lean up against the tree.
I stare after Rogue, watching her glance at her enemy. I know that woman is resilient, and I trust her to watch out for herself. When I can barely see her anymore, I open my connection to Onyx, and in my mind, I can see his sight below.
It takes a while, but when they stop, Onyx alights onto a tree branch, allowing me a good view of Rogue. I continue to walk, not paying any attention to the people meandering around me. I’m thankful to have built my connection with Onyx over the last year, because the shared sight is a newer skill I’ve learned. As I get closer, I can see through Onyx that Harbor said goodbye before Colette smiled and walked away. With my own eyes, I see her turn and walk into her dorm.
At least I know she’s safe. I steadily march forward, walking up to stand under the tree Onyx is perched in. “Go up, please. Watch through her window? I just want to make sure she’s okay.”
“Caw!” Once more, he vocalizes to me before taking off. This time, I hear the sarcasm and snark in his response. Sure, that’s what you’re doing , I can hear him think in our connection. Waiting below, I focus my mind to watch from his perspective through her balcony door as he lands on the railing. He sits, waiting, and I soon see a light appear in her room. She walks in, setting her key on a table near the door, and then walking to her kitchenette and grabbing a glass of water.
At this point, I can’t resist reaching out to her. Pulling out my phone, I open up my message thread with her.
Hi
Rogue
Hi! How are you?
I’m good. I’ve been thinking of you.
Rogue
You have? Good things, I hope. {Smiling face with hearts}
Yes, good things. I’ve been missing you.
Can I see you?
Rogue
I have class early tomorrow. Want to meet me for coffee?
Of course. I’d like to plan something else, though. Something more.
Rogue
What did you have in mind?
I was hoping I could spend several hours with you.
Rogue
Trying to make your move, playboy? {winking face}
Yes.
Rogue
LMAO! Alright, I’ll agree to dinner if I can see you first thing in the morning for coffee.
That’s agreeable. We can discuss what you prefer for dinner then.
I whistle for Onyx and begin to head home with a smile on my face. Looks like tonight will be another night of good daydreams.
The next morning, I’m up early and waiting with a latte when Rogue walks up. Her smile is the first thing I notice, shining brightly as the suns starting to rise in the sky. Her aquamarine blue eyes radiate joy, and I can only assume it’s for me, especially since I’m holding her coffee. My own eyes then trail down her body, appreciating the pale blue dress that drapes perfectly around her curves. The material bounces high on her thighs as she jogs toward me, and the peek of the skin along her legs and the bounce of her tits both instantly grab my attention.
When she reaches me, she wraps her arms around me, pulling me in close. She must immediately feel my obvious appreciation for seeing her, because her gasp does nothing to lessen the pressure in my pants. She pulls back, sheepishly darting her eyes to scan the students in line. I quickly hand her a coffee, discreetly adjusting myself as soon as I have a free hand.
“I’m glad to see you again,” I say nervously. “I was thinking tonight I’d pack something light and we could take a walk. Enjoy a quiet dinner with a blanket and the stars. Would that be alright with you?”
Her head tilts, intrigue shimmering in her bright eyes. “That sounds amazing. I can’t wait.” Her small smile seems peaceful, and I begin to think that maybe she craves my company as much as I enjoy hers.
We discuss her favorite foods, but I don’t tell her any more, as I want it to be a surprise. Instead, I change the subject and we chat about classes. She seems fascinated that I’m taking so many practical courses that include Onyx, but I guess that makes sense, since she didn’t grow up knowing about familiars. I’m kind of sad that she won’t ever have a familiar of her own, as I can see the way she appreciates my relationship with Onyx.
When it’s finally time for her to go, I walk her to her class hall. Pulling her into my arms, I remind her of our plans. “Tonight, about twenty minutes before the suns set, meet me outside your dorm. I’ll message you, as well.” I lean in, placing a soft kiss on her cheek.
When she wraps her arms around my waist, time stands still. I pull back, my lips grazing her jawbone. When I feel her warm breath against my lips, I have no chance in hells of pulling away. I’m immediately tightening my arms around her, hauling her against my chest. The craving to taste her was irresistible. Our mouths crash together, two magnets drawn together by some intoxicating gravity. My tongue swipes at her lips, begging for entrance. When she opens her mouth, I don’t hesitate and immediately my tongue strokes hers. The intense tangle is hot, my blood like lava flowing through my veins.
We’re lost in the lustful haze until someone bumps into me, startling Rogue and I both. Staring at each other, we take a moment to calm ourselves. I lean down, resting my forehead against hers, reveling in this intimate moment. All too quickly, though, she steps back.
“I have to go,” she whispers, a look of longing etched into her eyes.
“Tonight,” I reply, with a nod of my head. She smiles, then turns and jogs up the steps to the hall. Watching her head to her class, a small smile cracks the tension that usually holds my expression.
Spinning on my heel, I decide to go get some breakfast before collecting Onyx for some morning meditation. As I approach the dining hall, I reach out to pull open the door. The weight isn’t what I expect, however, lighter and flying open. Suddenly, I’m thrown to the ground, the heavy weight of another person landing on top of me and forcing the air from my lungs.
“Fuck,” a deep voice grunts. I groan, laying sprawled on the ground for a moment while trying to figure out what had just happened. When my vision clears, I realize that it’s Kane Ambrose that fell on top of me.
“Um, can you please move?” I stare at him, expecting him to jump up. When he doesn’t immediately respond, I roll, tossing him to the side. That only draws a chuckle from him. “What is wrong with you?”
“When that door flung open, I thought I was flying,” he responded, his laughter growing. “I didn’t expect to be welcomed with open arms; I thought I’d be eating pavement or grass.”
“I did not welcome you, regardless of if you fell into my arms. I was solely trying to enter the building and find something to eat.” My grumble of annoyance at his lack of courtesy rolls from my chest as I try to sit upright. Within seconds, though, Kane pops up to his feet and extends his hand to help me. I don’t snub his offer, regardless of his clumsiness. How is he agile enough to fight on the combat team, yet fly through a door when it opens too fast?
After accepting his hand, he hauls me to my feet before hugging me and clapping me on the back. “Aw, well, I’m glad you were able to save me,” he says with a smirk when he backs away.
I stare him down, not entirely buying his bullshit. He seems thankful, and even amused, so he must be appreciative, right?
“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be on my way.” Nodding in farewell, I brush past him and reach for the door.
“Ah, wait a second, would you?” His question catches me off guard, and I freeze. What does he want from me?
“Have you seen Kaia–I mean Harbor–recently? It’s been a few days since… Anyway, I know she’s been trying to heal from her friend’s death, and I haven’t been able to track her down.”
My brows dip at his words. So much communication with such little effort. What happened when he last saw her? And she did look upset yesterday, but this morning she seemed okay.
“I just left her,” I say with an even tone. “She had class. I have plans to see her later, I can… tell her you want to see her.” My gaze tracks his form, and I wonder what’s going on between them. Rogue definitely seemed into me, but she was hanging on his arm when I saw them in town a few weeks ago. My eyes narrow as they meet his, and I’m wary about his motives.
“Ah, I see,” he says with a smirk. “You have a date with her?”
My only response is to raise an eyebrow and watch his reaction. He’s a cocky asshole; he knows he’s hot and acts like he can pull anyone he wants. When he grins and eyes me up and down, the twitch in my pants fucks with my head. No way could I gain his attention.
“I see,” he repeats. “How about this? Harbor needs help, and I think we’re the ones that can help her. Do you mind being a team player in this challenge?”
“She isn’t a challenge, nor a game.” Fuck him for trying to fool around. Rogue has my heart, and I’m not about to drop hers playing catch with him.
“Bro, chill. I meant, teammates work together to achieve a common goal, right? What if we worked together to care for her?” My thoughts race as I try to decipher what he means. I must not answer quickly enough as I try to understand what he means by teamwork, because he continues. “You continue to pursue her, and I will too.”
My shock at his words must read all over my face, because he laughs heartily at my confusion. “What, you didn’t realize that many, many people here fancy our girl, including myself.” Fire flows through my veins with his words of others desiring her. There is no way I’d allow them near her; she’s too precious.
“Ah, there it is. I see that claim of her in your eyes. This is why I’m suggesting keeping her between us. I can share, because I have things that keep me sidelined sometimes. My combat team tournaments, for example. I know you have training of your own to do, with your bird. I figure we can work together to keep her entertained, as well as safe from the dickhead Oramar.”
At the mention of Silas’s name, that fire turns to cold fury, spreading like ice in my chest. I stood beside Rogue’s side at the funeral just fine with Kane on her other side, and I won’t let Silas hurt her again. I can’t. So I guess I should accept his help in protecting her.
“Who knows, maybe we can take care of each other, too.” He catches my attention once more with those words. Fuck, that stirs something inside me, and I’m not sure how to react.
“I’ve seen the way you look at me, Blackwood.” He says with a chuckle. “I’m sure I could show you and Kaia a good time. Maybe even together.”
With that last quip, he smirks and turns to walk away without a care in the world. My mind races as I watch him turn the corner around the building, and I’m lost with what he just dumped on me. He’s attracted to Rogue. He’s attracted to me. How do I feel about that?
As I turn to open the door and enter the dining hall, I’m stuck on the fact that I’m actually considering there is someone I like other than Rogue, and that we might be happy sharing her. Where has my life gone, that I’m now potentially opening up with others?