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Movement caught my eye as a guard strolled through the camp toward them. His eyes were up at the ledge, where we just stood, obviously coming to check out the noise. But he had yet to notice Lex or Blue. I held my breath, wanting to scream out a warning, but, sensing my urge, Joon gripped my hand and shook his head.
My heart thundered as the guard brought his eyes down the rockface. Just before his gaze could settle on the waterfall, Byriel appeared from behind the brush, wrapped his arms around the middle of both siren and omega, and jerked them out of view.
The guard glanced over the area, snapping his head up as the rock cracked again. A few small pebbles beat down the side, splashing into the water. After waiting a beat, the guard finally turned to his camp, quickly returning to sit by a fire.
Covering my face with my hands, I rolled onto my back and cried softly. Joon lifted me into his strong arms, tucking me against his chest. I kept quiet as adrenaline, fear, and relief beat through my veins, making my whole body tremble uncontrollably. My wolf yowled with just as much fear.
I pushed into Joon's neck as he carried me away, sucking in as much of my mate's scent as I could. I didn't need to ask where we were going or what we were doing. It didn't matter. I was too overwhelmed to think of anything other than how terrified Blue must be.
Joon moved us under a thick canopy of trees, and the air dipped several degrees. The light from the Moon dimmed, but I kept my face hidden in Joon's neck even as he sat us down.
I was so raw. My emotions, my heart, my wolf. Everything was a twist of confusion and terror.
"It's okay, my omega," Joon purred. He stayed perched over me as he moved branches and sticks around us, keeping his body close to mine.
Finally, opening my eyes, I took in the sight of the tight thicket of bushes. The long branches and cluster leaves kept us hidden, but it didn't give me the comfort of a proper nest. We were still out in the middle of nowhere. Open to anyone wanting to capture and hurt us.
I opened my mouth to speak, but all that escaped was a soft whine. I wanted so badly to be strong and steady, but I couldn't hold myself together anymore. So I cried.
Blue and Lex almost died.
They could still die.
They were trapped at the base of a mountain, pressed right up against those guards, and there was nothing I could do.
"I'm right here, my omega," Joon whispered, working quickly to hide us completely before turning his full attention to me. "It's going to be okay. Byriel is with them, and you know he won't let anything happen to them."
Joon's large body settled on top of me. His broad expanse of muscle held me safely against the soft earth. Gently, he purred and whispered comforting words, drifting his fingers through my hair and down the sides of my face. The weight and warmth of him made my wolf feel secure and grounded. I wrapped my arms around his neck to bring him closer.
I let out a long, shuddering breath, trying so hard to calm my heart.
"I know, my sweet mate," Joon pressed his lips just next to my ear. "It scared me too. But they're okay. And we're okay. There is nothing to be scared of. I'm right here."
I let a few more tears fall, then I inhaled deeply, filling my lungs with my alpha's smokey, sweet scent. Everything about him made me feel safe and calm.
After all, he was right. Byriel would keep Lex and Blue safe until morning. Then we'd figure out our next steps. I panicked when I should have been planning, but I couldn't help it.
"You're such a strong omega. You've been so brave and strong," my mate whispered against my temple. "It's going to be okay. I promise."
"Joon?" My voice was barely a whisper.
"Yes?"
"I know this isn't…we shouldn't…but." My breath hitched as I tried to speak. I felt stupid and selfish, and a little embarrassed, but I needed to connect with my mate. I needed to feel him, all of him. I needed to know we were both alive and safe. "Will you touch me?"
He smiled softly at my request, moving his thumb over my bottom lip. His voice was tender and husky at the same time, "Of course."
"I just need to feel something other than…I mean…I know it's not—"
"Tzidal," he cut me off, placing a soft kiss on my lips. "Wanting to feel something other than fear and sadness is not something you have to explain to me." He kissed the tip of my nose, then pressed his forehead to mine. "Never feel bad for asking me to make you feel good, my love. I am your mate, and you are my purpose."
Within The Bushes
Joon
* * *
Gently,I moved my mouth over my mate, feeling the tremble in her lips. I wanted to split myself open and pour her into me, cocoon her in my love and safety.
