THE PROTÉGÉ

4

Advica POV

Nothing, and I mean nothing in my eventful life, could ever prepare me for this kind of pain. I wish I could find a word to describe the way it was soaring inside me. It was simply a painful mix of physical pain and emotional distress. And the pain got stronger the farther he walked away. But what hurt the most was the look he had when he heard my answer. A look that I knew would haunt me for the rest of my life.

I wish I was capable of lying. Lying was something that I stopped practicing a long time ago. I came to learn the hard way that lying when you are surrounded by supernatural beings is simply stupid. And more importantly, it always ends in a bad way for me. So I started telling the hard truth no matter what. And at some point, I stopped caring about the consequences of my blunt words. They shouldn't ask me questions if they couldn't handle my answers. I didn't care about the reactions. Whether it is hurt, anger, or simply chock. But that was before I saw his face.

The men I knew in my life were strong, unwavering, and stone cold. But over the years, I got to discover some of their weaknesses. Even though I don't like using that word, it was the best description of the things that brought those men to their knees. Reymond, my unexpected mate, looked and acted the same way as those unbreakable men. And I not only managed to find his weakness, but I also poked it so hard to the point of making him cry. The sight of that single tear gliding on his cheek was hunting.

I don't remember much about what happened after that. I have a vague memory of my newfound protectors taking me back inside and trying to make me eat, but I couldn't. How could I eat when I could barely breathe. At some point, they both gave up and walked out of the room, giving me some space. I limped my way to the window and sat there despite my aching body. I cried silently, watching the falling snow until I fell asleep.

"Ady! Wake, princess!" Big hands shook me gently until I half-opened my eyes.

"Five minutes, Boris. I'm tired." I moaned my usual morning plead. Familiar hearty laughter filled the room, making me blink a couple of times before standing up abruptly. A cry left my lips the moment I put weight on my injured ankle. I was instantly lifted in a warm embrace and gently put down on the bed. Tears were free-falling as if they were resuming last night's pace. I launched myself in Boris' arms and held him as tightly as I could.

"Is it that painful!? Ady! Talk to me!" I cried harder as he rubbed my back, sides, and arms. It may look like a calming gesture, but it wasn't done for my comfort only. He was checking for any additional injuries other than the visible ones. When he was sure that I had no serious damage he sighed and hugged me back until I calmed down. He gave me a minute to collect myself before gently pushing me away and handing me a tissue box.

"When did you arrive?" I nosily asked him without meeting his eyes.

"About twenty minutes ago. I was sent here first to check on you." He sat beside me and started arranging the bird's nest I called my hair.

"You were sent? Is he here?" I turned to him, surprised. I expected Boris to come and get me but not him. He rarely makes public appearances.

"Of course he is. Who else can order me around?" I notice the slight twitch of his lips as he examen my face. I guess puffy I-cried-myself-to-sleep face plus bruises was not my best look.

"Take me to him!!" I urged him, but it only made him smirk.

"Oh, right! There is also this cheeky brat who thinks she can boss me around!!" His hands moved to my bruised cheeks and pinched hard.

"Aw! Aw! It hurts, Boris. Please stop!" Tears were falling again. This old vampire didn't care about my pain. No! He enjoys it.

"I'll stop if you tell me what happened!" He pinched harder, ignoring my agony.