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Deacon was shocked when Gage got out of his car and moved with him toward his SUV. He thought he'd have to do more convincing to get him out of the car. His beloved was hurt, and in order to help him, he had to put aside his guilt and rage and focus only on Gage's needs and his best interests.
He brought him to the passenger side and helped him get seated. "Where are you taking me?" He asked, his tone soft and slurred like all his speech. The injuries to his face were severe and interfered with his ability to talk. Deacon ached to place a kiss on the haphazard stitches in his lip and on the deep bruises around his eye.
"Somewhere safe where you can rest, and your injuries can be properly treated." Deacon left it at that and closed the door rounding the front of the vehicle, and seated himself behind the wheel.
"I have a few things in the backseat of my car. I don't want to leave them," Gage stated, and Deacon got them and stowed them in the back of the SUV without question. When he returned to the driver's seat, Gage reached over with his badly bruised and battered hand and placed it on Deacon's arm.
"What about my car? They'll tow it if it's left here overnight."
"I'll take care of it. Don't worry."
“Okay.” Gage seemed too tired to continue talking or to worry any further about his car or where he was going and settled his head back and closed his eyes.
Deacon had to think fast after finding out Gage was sleeping in his car and had plans of leaving for Detroit. It was doubtful he’d be willing to return to the Coven even the Palace would cause bad memories considering what he’d been through. Instead, Deacon decided to offer up vague assurances and convince him to follow.
Deacon owned a log cabin in the woods located east of the interstate about twenty miles from town. He bought it a few years ago for the solitude and relaxation it afforded, and he liked to fish. He figured it would be the perfect place for Gage to recover and for them to build their bond. Gage was much more agreeable than expected, but that would probably not last long once he healed and was back to himself.
He stopped and picked up supplies at a store along the way, and Gage did not wake, which was a testament to the trust he was feeling. It was a product of the pull and Fate herself, but still, Deacon took it as a compliment. Gage did not wake until he turned on the narrow dirt road that led into the dense woods and to his cabin.
He hadn't been there in a couple of weeks, but he kept it locked up tight and had cameras on the cabin and around the property. It was his place of peace and tranquility, and he hoped Gage liked it as much as he did.
"This place of yours is really off the beaten track," Gage commented.
"It's comfortable, and I think you will find it restful."
"I should be concerned, but I don't get a creep vibe from you."
"I'm glad to hear it." Deacon glanced over at him with a smile, and Gage reciprocated. His smile was so sweet, and Deacon was surprised at the effect it had on him. He wanted more. He wanted his beloved to be happy, healthy, and healed.
Deacon pulled into the circle drive in front of his log cabin and parked. "This is it cozy yet roomy and, most of all, private. The coven doctor, Dr. Evens, will be here soon. I called him when we left town and asked him to meet us here so he can give you a proper examination."
"Able checked me over and said it's just bruises, nothing too serious." Gage offered.
"I want a doctor to look at you." Deacon was firm on that matter, and thankfully Gage did not fight him.
“Why do you even care?” He asked the question that would lead to all the answers, but Deacon wasn’t prepared to get into it all here in the SUV.
"I will answer all your questions after we are inside and comfortable." He stated, and Gage appeared to accept this and carefully eased his sore body out of the SUV. Deacon could see that he was hurting even if he refused to complain. Rounding the front of the vehicle, he took hold of Gage and helped him inside, and seated him on the couch.
"Lay back and close your eyes while I get everything inside and put it away." Gage didn't answer but nodded and closed his eyes. Deacon carried in Gage's things and the groceries and supplies, all the while keeping a close watch on his beloved. Dr. Evens arrived just as he was finishing. He noticed Gage begin to stir when the Doctor walked into the room.
"This is Dr. Evens, and he's going to check you over to make sure your injuries aren't more serious than they appear." Deacon moved to stand behind the couch that was situated to the left of the large stone fireplace. He put his hands lightly on Gage's shoulders, and it seemed to help calm him.
"You're the coven doctor." It wasn't a question, and the tone spoke to Gage's distrust which was understandable.
“Yes, I work for Master Louis DuCane, and I assure you that I will do a good job because the Master accepts no less." The doctor smiled and began the examination getting his vitals and then looking to Deacon for permission to go further. Deacon nodded, and the doctor-assisted Gage in removing his sweatshirt.
His wounds were quite extensive. Trenton did a thorough job. Deacon gritted his teeth at the vision before him wanting to reap retribution but also taking responsibility for he was the one who had ordered the beating. His guilt would not release him, and he had to find a way to make this right with his beloved.
Dr. Evens redressed his wounds and replaced the suture in his lip, making a neater job of it and less likely to scar. Part way through the exam, Gage reached up and took Deacon's hand. He was seeking comfort, and Deacon channeled everything he could toward his beloved.
The trust he showed in the last few hours touched Deacon like nothing before. His beloved, although hesitant and fearful, was reaching out to him just as it was meant to be. He was strong and resilient, two important qualities in life.
"You're doing great, Gage." He bent his head down next to Gage's and spoke near his ear. Gage turned to look at him, and the closeness was intoxicating. He wanted so badly to take those lips in a loving embrace, and when he smiled, Deacon almost lost it. He managed to pull back from attacking those gorgeous lips and kissed him lightly on the forehead.
The kiss shocked Gage, and he smiled larger. Deacon felt his heart grow and beat wildly at the glorious sight. “You are so beautiful.” He said the words before thinking and noticed Gage instantly blush and glance away.
"Certainly not beautiful, but thanks for trying." Gage raised a hand to instinctively cover his black, swollen eye. Deacon gently pulled it back and placed another kiss just to the side of his injury.
