“What the fuck is going on here?” Sly Iverson burst through the door.
A wave of relief washed over my entire body. I didn’t know why he was in the infirmary, but I was grateful that he was.
“Sly! What are you doing here?” Selene jerked the knife behind her back.
“What the fuck areyoudoing here?” Sly walked over to my bed, reached up, and crushed the cuffs with his massive hands.
I moaned as my arms dropped, and blood rushed back to them. Sly positioned himself between me and the girls. “Get the fuck out of here!”
“Why are you so worried about her?” Selene asked accusingly. “You’re mine.”
“I’m not yours… I’mhers.” He reached back slightly and laid one of his large hands on my leg. “Now get the fuck out before I break your fucking neck.”
Beatrice rolled her eyes and strolled out of the room.
Selene followed behind her but paused before leaving, “This isn’t over, bitch. I told you to stay away from what’s mine.” She narrowed her eyes, “You should have listened.”
“Fuck you, Selene.” I struggled to rise and follow the bitch. I had no idea what I planned on doing, since I was pretty fucked up.
“Calm, Angel. She’s not worth it.” He turned and sat at my side, pulling me into his arms until I settled down.
“Why are you here?” I didn’t even realize he knew who I was before today.
“I came right after practice to check on you. As to why, you heard what I told Selene. I’m yours.” He gently lay beside me on the bed, then took my hand in his. “Can’t you feel it?”
When I stilled, I noticed the tingling that began in my hand and then spread through the rest of my body.
“I do.” I breathed. “How did you know? I know we’ve never touched before now.” I smiled shyly, “I would’ve remembered if we had.”
“The first time I saw you, I just knew.” He dropped my hand, then went into my bathroom, returning with a damp towel.
“Why didn’t you say something before now?” I flinched as he cleaned the blood from my face. My lip was busted, and my jaw was killing me. Not to mention the terrible pain in my stomach.
He took a few moments to answer, “I’ve known Selene for years, and she’s tried to claim me as hers for a very long time. I knew how dangerous she could be. I didn’t want to bring her wrath down on you, especially when I found out you were roommates.” Sly threw the rag on the bedside table and lay beside me, taking me gently in his arms once again.
“Did you ever have a relationship with her? Is that why she believes you’re hers?” That thought made me grit my teeth. I probably shouldn’t have asked, but I wanted… no, Ineededto know.
“No, absolutely not.” He drew me closer, “She’s insignificant to me. Selene has spent years trying to change my mind, but I’m not stupid. She’s only ever wanted me for my notoriety. Plus, I wanted to wait for my Ancestors' given Nexus,” He grinned. “And I was rewarded for my patience when I saw you.”
I closed my eyes and nestled closer to his massive chest, just breathing in his clean scent. He made me feel safe, and I needed that right now.
I sighed, "I’m not going to be able to let this stand. My pride won’t allow it.”
“I know. I wouldn’t expect you to.” Sly kissed the top of my head.
“There are three other potentials that I’d like you to meet.” I grinned up at him before my eyes drifted closed. I really needed sleep; this day just never seemed to end.
He laughed, “I’ve been watching. Each of them brings something unique to this Faction, and I approve.”
I opened one eye, “Oh, you do, do you? I didn’t know I needed your approval.”
“You don’t. But I’d think you’d want to stay on the good side of the man that’s been delivering breakfast to your door.”
“That was you?” I grinned, then winced at the stretch on my busted lip.
“That was me,” Sly stood reluctantly. “Let’s see if we can get someone in here to heal you.”
“Will you come back?” I hated to sound so needy, but I didn’t want to be alone. It wasn’t because I was scared; it was because I didn’t know if I could hold myself back from hunting those bitches down and kicking their ass. I knew this situation needed to be handled carefully, or I’d end up on the wrong side of the problem. I didn’t underestimate Selene’s intelligence or her connections… not anymore.
