Chosen

Chapter 31

By the time consciousness found me again I had no idea how long I had been asleep.

Judging from how unbelievably stiff I felt it must have been a while.

Stretching slowly with my eyes still closed I noticed the pain in my back, head and overall body had diminished significantly.

"Rowan?" a voice called to me and I felt fingers brush hair from my forehead.

The immediate disappointment that his voice or touch did send sparks down my spine was palpable.

Opening my eyes and squinting in the sunlight I saw Cedric leaning over me in the chair where Finn had sat before.

Extreme frustration and hurt filled me at the sight of him and it took me a moment to realize why.

He hadn't told Finn about Lacey and what she was like and what she did. He was just going to let his brother marry that monster without a word. I couldn't understand any of the reasoning behind it.

Movement behind Cedric made my heart leap before I even fully saw him.

Finn was there looking somber, standing up straight from the wall he was leaning on.

Carefully, I started to sit up.

"Stay lying down, my dear," Cedric called and put his hand on my shoulder gently.

I saw Finn's jaw clamp closed at his endearment and touch.

I didn't say anything and continued sitting up. It really wasn't that bad at all anymore.

"How long have I been asleep?" I asked, my voice rough.

"Well, the... incident happened two nights ago. I was told you woke up briefly last night though no one informed me," Cedric shot a look at Finn but Finn didn't even notice.

He was staring at me. Watching my every move as if I was about to fall to pieces before him.

Cedric took my face in his hands and smiled so dearly at me it softened my frustration slightly.

"I'm so happy to see you awake," Cedric said and leaned closer.

Before I could say anything he pulled my face to him and kissed me deeply.

I reached my hand up and pulled him away so I could move back.

My face red, I looked over Cedric's shoulder to see the door closing and Finn gone.

Cedric didn't seem to care or notice my uncomfortableness at his kiss and pulled me in for another one.

"Cedric," I mumbled under his kiss but it still took a moment for him to stop.

It annoyed me. It felt like he purposely did that in front of Finn.

"Cedric," I said more firmly but he just smiled at me.

"Let's get you back to your own room where you can get bathed and rest more," he said and stood, ignoring my obvious attempt to talk to him.

I signed. Fine. I was starving and felt gross. Maybe it would be better to do this later.

As I swung my legs over the bed to stand I looked around for the first time.

The room was huge but homie at the same time. Dark browns were accented with cream furniture and there were books and papers strewn about on almost every surface.

"Where am I?" I asked, standing gingerly.

Cedric put one arm around my waist and one hand in mine.

"Finneas' room," he mumbled, sounding annoyed.