Her kiss is so etched in my mind, I can feel her lips against mine just at the thought, and I can taste the strawberry flavor as her tongue caressed mine. I love that woman, and wish with every bone in my body I had just left with her when she asked.
A tightness blooms in my chest as I think about what her reaction may be when she wakes up. Will she give me a chance to explain everything that happened before she came to find me? I saw the pain of betrayal in her eyes become progressively worse with every action I made against her.
What pains me the most is that I gave her every reason to believe I was actually capable of betraying her. There was no doubt in her eyes that I was a willing participant in all of the events that happened. She was fighting herself on believing it, but I know deep down she doubted me. The only thing I was capable of deciding for myself was giving her the least painful death.
My thoughts make my breathing speed up and set my heart to pound erratically in my chest. Sweat mars my brow, and my hands are getting shaky. I need to change the direction of my thoughts before someone notices the panic I’m feeling. What if she’s unable to forgive me? What will I do if I can’t win her trust back?
Chapter 6
Cecily
Present
Klaus made sure I was okay before leaving the bathroom so I could get dressed in privacy. I drop the towel and inspect myself in the mirror before me. I look good, my body having been in a stasis while my soul was separated from it. Thankfully, my muscle definition didn’t wane either. The only real difference I can see is that I’m a smidge paler.
My platinum blonde hair hangs in wet clumps halfway down my back, dripping water off the ends. A moment later, my hair dries and hangs in straight strands with a shine of health coming from it. Shoot, maybe I shouldn’t have used my magic to fix my hair. I hope no one notices. I need to be more careful about using it around the guys until I know if I can trust the rest of them.
The mark on my arm catches my eye again. Oh, no. No, no, no. Not once did I think about making sure Klaus didn’t see my mark while he was in here. I was so lost in myself, I don’t think I would’ve even realized if he took note of it at all. Why do I even care? It’s not like I haven’t already found my traitorous mate.
I stare at the mark on my arm and just like everything else lately, I feel a swirl of mixed emotions turning in my gut. I shouldn’t care if anyone sees my mark, but it’s so personal. I spent my entire life hiding it, and never enjoyed a moment to celebrate finding my mate. We should’ve been able to enjoy the ceremony where we uncover my mark, and I fully take over as the Alpha Queen.
It could be a comforting factor, or something warning me to make sure it stays hidden. I focus my thoughts toward thinking of a way to make sure no one sees it until I want them to. My mind goes to the spell Marcus had used to cover his tunnel. He had no real idea of how to use his magic, but was able to manipulate it to accomplish his goals.
Moments where I’m reminded how limitless our magic truly is, astounds me, and makes me feel small. We’re only limited by the lengths our imagination can take us to. I apply a similar cover over the mark, making it appear like my arm is the same pale creamy color as the rest of my unmarked skin.
For some reason, I’m comforted by the fact I’ve covered up my mark for now. Like I’ve regained some of my power and confidence. As I peer at my arm, I start to see some black spots and feel lightheaded. The room wobbles on its axis and I hold the edge of the counter in front of me to make sure I don’t fall over.
Maybe I should stop using my magic for now. I don’t have enough stores in my body to be wasting it on frivolous vain acts. I wait for the wave of magic exhaustion to pass over me, and proceed to pull on the clothes Klaus brought me to wear. He gave me a Sound of Us t-shirt, a band I actually got to watch while I was in soul form, and a pair of sweatpants. I have to fold the waist over several times so I don’t step on the bottom of the legs as I walk.
Finding no other reason to stay in the bathroom, I make my way out to find Klaus. I need to be in contact with one of them to syphon some magic before I get another dizzy spell. Klaus is sitting on the bed just outside of the bathroom door. I must have made his shirt wet, because he’s now wearing a long sleeve shirt instead of the t-shirt he had on before.
As soon as the light from inside the bathroom lands on him, he glances at me like he’s shaking off some deep thoughts, and gives me a smile. I can’t help but think I’m a lot closer to him after what just happened. It feels natural to fall into his arms and wrap mine around him in a hug, laying my head on his chest.
He bends his head down to give me a kiss on the top of my head, and I simply sigh as I sink into his hold. We don’t say anything, and that feels comfortable for us. I guess his soul is so good at knowing what mine feels without words, that we just don’t need them. After a few moments of him holding me, he pulls back and stares into my eyes. “Do you trust me, Sunshine?”
I think about it for a moment, not wanting to just give him the answer he’s hoping for. I find myself wanting to be honest with not just him, but all the guys around me. Do I trust him? I narrow my eyes, inspecting him as I think about the answer, and when I find it, my eyes widen in shock. I do trust him! This may be the biggest surprise I’ve experienced since Marcellus betrayed me.
Klaus knows my answer, for it’s written all over my face. He practically radiates joy as he cups one cheek and kisses the other. With quick movements, he scoops me into his arms, and I put my arm around his shoulders. “Promise me you’ll truly give this a try? I know you’ve been hesitant toward him, but I know this is what you need right now.”
Oh great, that means he wants me to be around either Marcus or Alex. Why did I have to admit to trusting him? I let out a disgruntled sigh and nod my head. I guess I can give whatever he has in mind a try. I can’t suddenly deny trusting him when he saw the raw emotions cross my face. He walks us down the hall and pauses in front of another door. I open it for him, so he doesn’t accidentally drop me trying to do it himself.
When the door is no longer blocking the view into the room, we’re free to walk into another bedroom. Only this one is slightly larger than Klaus’ to accommodate the large office area. There’s a computer with several large screens mounted to the wall in front of the desk area, with each one displaying something different.
In front of the desk, Alex sits typing away, his gaze focused intently on the screens displayed before him. Either he didn’t hear us enter the room, or he doesn’t care to be distracted, because he doesn’t even turn in our direction.
Klaus doesn’t say a word, or pause his strides. No, he just keeps walking into the room like a man on a mission. Probably wanting to complete whatever is on his mind before I bring up an objection.
When we arrive at Alex’s side, Klaus drops me right in his lap, giving Alex barely enough time to scoot back and bring up his arms to catch me. Alex shouts out an objection, which cuts off abruptly when he sees me peering up at him from his lap. His arms wrap around my middle, and he pulls me closer to his chest, giving me a more stable position.
“Hey there, Princess.” He gives me an earth-shattering smile. Why do these guys all have to have a smile that makes me want to melt and forget all of the reasons why I need to keep my distance?
Klaus walks away while muttering under his breath, “Don’t fuck this up for yourself, asshole.” Alex must’ve caught his words too, because he tries to hide a chuckle, but I’m still able to feel the slight shake of his chest as he holds the laugh back.
The pain from Alex’s gaze that he was giving the guys not too long ago is completely gone as he stares into my eyes with playful mischief. “I won’t,” he breathes out on a whisper. His response is intended for me, seeing as how Klaus has left the room. With controlled breaths, Alex appears to be centering himself, reigning in all of his over-eager habits.
A loud ding comes from his computer, redirecting our attention to the screen with a flashing box on it. Alex must be preoccupied, because he moves to scoot in toward the desk to be able to reach the keyboard and mouse, except I’m in the way and he squishes my side into the desk. I let out a squeak, not expecting him to move in.
“Ah, shoot. So sorry. You okay?” His eyes flash with worry, but he’s also distracted due to his gaze darting to the screens in front of him. When I don’t answer, he cups my cheek and stares me in the eye. I nod my head and watch as relief lightens his gaze. Nervous energy thrums throughout his body as his leg moves up and down.
