From the Flames- Book Six

Ch. 7- Recovery

I woke up freezing cold and in need of warmth. I blinked my eyes open, grumbling in pain. I scanned my surroundings and then my body to see if there was anything wrong. I wore a long sleeve top and leggings and I was barefoot. There was a bandage around my ribs and I felt a slight pain when I moved a little bit. I should be fully recovered by now, I thought. Or was my power going against me again? 

Then I moved to see the boy next to me, laying in a bed that was like mine. He was covered by a thin blanket that ended at his chest, unable for me to see if he was okay. If his stab wound was healed. I found his eyes and they were open, and his lips were curled into a mischievous smile. "Who would have thought the Princess would save the ordinary Werewolf boy. Shouldn't it be the other way around?" 

"Times are changing, Jesse." I ground out. "I am a woman and I'm not helpless. Deal with it." 

"Hey, now." he raised an eyebrow. "I was just joking. You can save my life anytime you like, Princess. I would be okay with that. Please do not be pissy at me, that would wound me even more than I already am!" 

"I am not angry at you." I whispered, turning to face the wooden doors. So I wouldn't have to look him in the eyes. I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to get warm. Wherever my brother was hiding, he needed to stop now. "How could I be when you protected me?"

"And because of my heroic actions last night, I am now in King Sebastian's good graces." Jesse said cheerfully. I rolled my eyes and looked at him again. "And practically everyone in your big family. I have to say, those cousins of yours are quite talkative. Even little Emmeline." 

"What exactly did you tell my Father?" I questioned. "And by the way, you are on his good graces because he loves to be dramatic. And you, my darling Jesse, are the most dramatic boy I've met." I laughed mostly to myself. "Emmeline loves to talk and the others more so. They just can't seem to shut up sometimes. And their thoughts, too, are loud."

"Your father brought your mother back from the dead. He literally died himself and you're calling me dramatic?" he questioned, smirking. I could not help but smile back at him. There was silence between for a few seconds before I stood up, the cold marble flood making me wince. I watched as he moved his head up to face me. "So you can read thoughts, huh?" 

 I glanced down at the ground. "It's a power I would like to keep secret from the rest of the world. It came from my Vampire side and it's been a pain in my ass since I found out I had it." I paused. "I never read your thoughts, though. I can use it to speak to you telepathically but only if you want to. You know, in case my grandmother tried to attack us again. Maybe you would listen to me next time."

"Your secrets are safe with me, Alli," he said. Jesse stared at me for a moment as if he were looking through my very soul. "Thank you. For not prying into my thoughts. And does this mean I can flirt with you through our minds? That would be awesome."

I crossed my arms over my chest once again. But then another male voice spoke from the doorway. "Not in my home, you won't." my Father replied. His expression was serious as his hands were in his pockets. He was trying to be the fearsome King that everyone thinks he is. But no one would know how my Father sang me to sleep or kissed me goodnight. He always made sure I was safe and protected and loved. No matter what. 

He was leaning on the doorway and I had to fight the urge to kick him out of here. My father was not going to embarrass me today. "You may be on my good graces, but I am watching you, Jesse."

"Dad!" I stomped my foot on the ground. "Stop. I am an adult and I don't need you scaring off my friends. Especially Jesse, who saved me." 

Sebastian stood up straight finally and his lips curled into a smile. My brother had the same traits as him and it was hard to tell them apart sometimes. "I'm a Father, Kala. It is my job to protect you and to make Dad jokes. At least, that is what the manual said when I read it." He clapped his hands together and laughed. "Wait, I got one! Why didn't the Vampire attack Taylor Swift?"

"Why?" Jesse asked, his eyes brightening with curiosity. 

"She had bad blood!" 

I tried to hide my smile but I couldn't. Jesse started laughing uncontrollably and I had to cover my mouth from laughing too. "You hurt my idol, Dad, I will hurt you." I said. 

"C'mon, that was a good one." he said. Then he got serious again. "Anyway, all jokes aside, I came here to see how the two of you are holding up. And I can tell that if you can laugh, you are good to go. But the family is staying inside the castle for the time being until we get a handle on the whereabouts of your grandmother." I only nodded my head. 

He was about to turn around when I ran to my Father. I did not care if Jesse watched or not. He was my friend and I trusted him completely. I placed my arms around my dad and hugged him tightly. Within seconds, he returned the hug and tears spilled from the eyes. "You are a great Father and I am thankful for you. I love you."

"I love you too, sweetheart." he whispered as he kissed the top of my head. "Go spend time with your friend and I will see you later. I am glad you are okay."

We pulled apart and I smiled at him, a genuine one. I watched as walked out of the infirmary and a few seconds later, I turned my body to face Jesse. "So, would you like to play a little game called hide and seek with me and my cousins. And of course, my brother. I have to tell you, Ace and I are reigning champions."

Jesse tilted his head to the side as he stood up. I noticed he was fully clothed in what must have been my brother's clothes. And he was barefoot like I was. "Is that what you do for fun around here?"

"Yes. Whenever the family is all here, we do." I placed a strand of hair behind my ear. "It makes the adults pissed but it's funny. You want to join us?" 

His blue-grey eyes lowered. "Why would I pass up such a perfect opportunity to spend time with you?" 

I tried to hide my blush. "Come along now, Jesse. I'll tell you the rules on the way. We are headed to my brother's bedroom to scream at him to stop using his goddamn powers on me."

And at that, Jesse laughed, following beside me and out of the infirmary. Fully recovered, indeed. 

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