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“Serenity wants to understand her powers. She’s curious about her. Ryker will be there to protect her every step of the way.” I smile at the thought of Ryker threatening the witch. I add the sauce to the hamburger.
“The witch might run away. Ryker can be ruthless.” River grins. He developed a relationship with him. They have ruthlessness in common.
“I feel bad for him. His place will be wrecked if Serenity starts practicing spells.” I chuckle, and River joins me. I start layering the noodles and meat sauce.
“She’s been in there for a while,” River says hesitantly.
“The shower shut off.” I have been expecting her to come out at any minute.
“Should we check on her?” River is always so confident. It’s unsettling seeing this side of him. He cares so much he doesn’t want to do anything to scare her.
I put the pan in the oven and washed my hands. “I’ll check on her.” I dry my hands, go into my room, and knock on the bathroom door. “Ava?” She doesn’t answer. Fearing she is hurt worse than I thought, I open the door slowly.
She is standing in front of the mirror in a towel, staring at her body. She’s covered in scrapes and bruises. There’s a long cut on her leg that wraps around her calf. Someone hit her in the face, and her left side was bruised badly. When we found her, I was too distracted with finally getting to her to notice.
“Ava,” I say softly as I shut the door. The click of the door brings her gaze to me.
“What?” she asks, her glassy eyes focusing on me.
“I was just checking on you. I have food in the oven.” I lean on the counter beside her.
“Sorry,” she says. “Did I take too long?” She frowns.
“No, darlin’.” I brush my thumb over her chin. “You can take all the time you need.”
“Thanks.” Her eyes meet mine. “I can’t seem to focus for long,” she confesses.
“You do what you need to. I’ll focus for all of us.” I move slowly and pick her up to set her on the counter. I reach under the sink to find the first aid kit. “I’m going to wrap the gash on your leg. I arranged with the doctor to see you after you eat and rest.”
“Kerian, thank you.” She looks down at me as I crouch in front of her.
“Not necessary; I like taking care of you,” I say. I look at her when she hisses in pain. “Sorry, darlin’, almost done.” I finish with her leg and then look at her feet. Jesus, they are rubbed raw with scraps and blisters. Fuck, I feel like shit for not thinking about her running without shoes. I rub cream on them as gently as I can and wrap them, wincing when she groans.
“Sorry,” she mutters.
“I’m sure it hurts like a bitch.” I finish and stand up. “I can get you some medicine to take the edge off.”
She puts her hand on my chest over my heart. “You are amazing.”
“I’m glad you think so.” I lower my head slowly, placing a kiss on her lips. “I know what you need.”
“Really? Tell me.” She tilts her head.
“You need River,” I state. She shakes her head. “You do.”
“Kerian,” she says, guilty.
“Listen, I have no doubt I could make you feel better. But River is better suited at this moment. There is no jealousy between us. He can relate right now. We both have our strengths. In this relationship, you will come to us for different things; it’s natural. Needing him doesn’t devalue our bond and vice versa. If you are afraid to hurt my feeling by admitting it, don’t be. I want you to be comfortable in each of our relationships, to tell us what you need.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, he needs you at this moment, too.” I run my hand down her hair. “There is no room for guilt or jealousy in our bond.”
“You’re so fucking good, Kerian.” She pulls me in, hugging me.
“It’s my job to know what you need; I take my job seriously.” I grin. “Besides, if I leave taking the food out of the oven to River, the fire alarm will go off. He can’t cook for shit.” I kiss her again.
It gives me pleasure to give my mate everything.
