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Chapter 16
Ann
As soon asI’m settled in the cave, Dusk, Onyx and Phantom go outside and start setting up for the trouble they believe is coming our way. There isn’t a lot here to amuse myself with, and I wish I had a book at least to read. Instead, I sit and stare around the cave. This room is large enough, larger than I first thought. There are three bedrolls around the little fire, that the guys had built up a bit before heading outside, and shelves formed into the walls that they keep things on. There are also weapons on the wall.
But nothing at all that I can see to do.
I guess spending all their time fighting a dangerous enemy doesn’t leave a lot of time for hobbies. It makes me a little sad to think about. Their lives have been entirely devoted to protecting the humans and supernaturals of my world, but at what cost to themselves? I understand that they’d go down with all of us if the Shadow King won, but not everyone would do this to save the world.
I’m not even willing to become their mate to save the world.The thought bothers me more than I like.
Sucking in a deep breath, a scent hits me. Right now, someone is cooking and the smell of meat and smoke permeates the cave. I figure it’s one of the guys outside, but I kind of wish they’d come in and make it here. I could use the company, and they’d be able to protect me even better if they stayed close. Right?
It’s kind of pathetic. I definitely wish Onyx was here, or Dusk or even Phantom.
Suddenly, there’s a ruckus outside the cave. I stand, looking at the wall of weapons and wondering if I could actually do anything with the huge swords.Maybe a dagger?
A shadow beast enters, followed by several others.
The first man nods to me. “I’m sorry, but a few of our men stumbled into a trap and were injured. We were closer to your cave than to our own.” He’s older than the others, with white in his long hair, and braids woven in with the loose strands. His face is wrinkled, and he looks dirty and tired.
My fear fades away. “Of course! Come in!”
Two men carry one of the men over to a bedroll and lay him down. Another man limps over to a spot by the fire and sits down with a wince. And a third is over a man’s shoulder. He’s gently placed on another bedroll. While the man who spoke to me opens his pack and starts to pull out first aid supplies.
“Do you want me to help?” I hold up my hands to indicate my powers, even though I’m not sure they know what I can do.
The older warrior shakes his head. “No, it shouldn’t take us long to patch them up. Night has fallen, so we have to be ready for anything.” But he sounds tired.
If I knew him better, I’d push to help. But instead, I just try not to get in their way.
The uninjured warriors choose various places around the cave and sit down, drinking water, taking snacks from their belts and resting. They have the same energy as nurses, after they’ve worked a long shift in the emergency room. It hurts my heart to see them looking so broken.
“What kind of trap was it?”
The older shadow beast sighs. “The same shit as always. Usually, it’s placed near our main cave. The Shadow King doesn’t know where we sleep, but they seem to realize the general area of the cave. But this time, we were trying to get closer to your cave before night fell. We went a different path than usual. And, well, surprise, the bastards expected it.”
Damn it.I get the feeling this is the last thing these guys needed.
“Are my guys outside?”
The warrior is unrolling a bandage. “They’re bringing fresh water and a nearby herb that helps with injuries. I gave them my word that every one of us will die to keep you safe.” His gaze catches mine, and he gives a weary smile. “But they were still running for the supplies.”
Because they want to keep me safe.The thought makes my heart ache.
One of the warriors is staring at me from where he's sitting with one leg stretched in front of him across from me. He’s not smiling, not particularly fearsome, but staring. It’s unnerving. I’m unnerved. But instead of holding out my hand so I can see how badly it’s shaking--and it is--I slide it under my leg and look everywhere else but at him. Although, when I glance back, he’s still staring.
Uh, okay.This is the first time I’m actually a little worried about these guys. Maybe my men are right to be worried about me.
I don’t know if he’s actually supposed to be my protection, but I don’t feel safe here with him. And I might’ve promised Phantom to stay inside, but I would bet my future that this guy means to do me harm. Fear of reprisals or Phantom’s wrath isn’t enough.
I stand and breathe out, but as soon as I’m on my feet, he’s on his. When I move toward the entrance of the cave, he’s there too, arms out like he’s playing basketball defense.
“Excuse me.”
His grin is more of a leer. “No, my lady. Excuse me.” Still, he doesn’t move.
“Please, get out of the way.” I don’t know if I can hurt him, but if I can heal Onyx, I might be able to put this guy down, at least take him out of the game long enough that I can get past him. But if it doesn’t work, I’ve put myself close enough for him to grab me and do… whatever it is he has planned. I don’t want to think about what that might be or the fear might drain the focus I need to get out of here.
