Page 24 of Journey to the Elderoak
“Okay.” She rolled to her side, and he lifted her dress.
It was deeper than he’d realized but at least it had stopped bleeding.
“This needs stitches too,” he said.
She nodded and he applied the numbing agent and stitched the wound closed.
After seeing to her injuries, he slid into bed next to her, nestling into the blankets and pulling her close. She laid her head on his bare chest and draped her arm across him. He tightened his grip and ran his fingers through her hair. This was perfect. She was…perfect. The way she fit flawlessly into his arms, the scent of her lavender shampoo, the contented sigh she released as she nuzzled closer.
He knew this was probably crossing the line. It was much too soon, but the moment he got word something had happened to her, he didn’t even think it through. The only thing he couldfocus on was getting to her as fast as possible. And when he saw her standing there, wet, trembling and covered in blood, his very soul ached. Like his heart was being torn from his chest.
He pulled her a little tighter, continuing to run his fingers through her hair, humming quietly. Within minutes, her breathing evened out and she was asleep.
“I’ll always protect you,” he whispered quietly so she wouldn’t hear.
9
Ava whirled, avoiding Zeph’s advance with a dagger, but she didn’t get behind her in time and Zeph used her leg to sweep Ava’s feet from under her and had her on the ground in seconds.
“Dammit,” Ava muttered as she pushed herself up to try again.
Boots sounded on the wooden planks of the ship as Casimir approached. “Maybe it’s time for a break.”
“No.” Ava looked at Zeph. “Let’s go again.”
They’d been back at sea three days now and so far, there had been no signs of the daemon army. After the close call with Corvus, Ava was determined to improve her dagger skills and had insisted Zeph teach her more techniques. And maybe she was working out her anger and trauma on the mat.
Though she was terrified of the Elderoak journey, she was ready to get past it, to be free from this task hanging over her. Ready to have the increased speed and agility that would come along with being fae. She was fed up with being in this weaker human body where she couldn’t defend herself against these stronger opponents. It made her too vulnerable; too weak.
Zeph lunged at Ava again and she whirled around, quicker this time, positioning herself behind her. She had her arm around Zeph’s waist and a dagger at her throat, but knew Zeph had slowed her speed. She’d never be able to fight off someone who was actually trying.
“Good,” Zeph said. “Now you need a break.”
Casimir had claimed a spot against a pole, arms crossed as he watched.
“Fine.” Ava placed the dagger back in her belt and stretched her arms above her head, heading to Casimir.
“How are you?” he asked.
Ever since Corvus had tried to kidnap her, he’d been especially observant. Cautious. Always checking on her. But they’d both pulled apart emotionally. Since he took care of her, bathed her, and let her sleep in his arms. There had been no more subtle touches or flirting and he was back to the gruff exterior as he monitored her training.
What she wouldn’t give to be in his arms again. To burrow into his scent until she fell asleep. And she had a vague memory of him saying something about always protecting her, but she’d been half asleep. Surely it had been a dream.
She shoved the thought away as she stopped before him.
“I’m fine,” she said.
He raised a brow as if he didn’t believe her. “Let’s head to dinner.”
They walked toward the dining space and sat down at the small table. Pax and Raine were already seated, laughing with the other sailors mid meal.
A bowl of hearty stew was passed to Ava and she took a bite, starving after her intense workout. Though the cook on the ship was good, they didn’t have the variety she was accustomed to in Monterre, limited to what they could store and keep fresh on the water. Tired of eating the same thing day after day, she was ready to be back home.
“Thank you for helping me,” she said to Zeph, as she plopped down next to her.
Ava missed training with Quinn like she had back in Monterre and craved connection with another woman on the ship. Zeph obliged and had been helpful these last couple of days. She wasn’t constantly asking Ava if she was alright, wasn’t hovering like Casimir was, and she needed that.
“Absolutely.” Zeph smiled, her purple eyes bright in the dim dining space.
