His One and Only

Chapter 9

Mira flinched when she saw the cup coming down but there really was nowhere for her to go. A hand suddenly covered her face before the scalding coffee hit her. She felt tiny stings on her scalp, arm, and a few spots on the side of her face where the coffee landed.

Without even thinking about it Xander instinctively tried to protect Mira. He used his right and covered Mira's face in time. Most of the coffee hit the back of his hand. It was already swelling and turning red. He glared up at the woman before flicking his wrist to get most of the coffee off.

The young woman looked mortified and tried to use her dress to wipe Xander's hand while sputtering profusely. The Commander jerked his hand back, not allowing her to touch him. One man yelled at the woman and she bowed her head and backed away from the scene.

Xander bent forward and with his right hand, he took hold of Mira's chin and tilted her face upward to him. He tucked the wisps of hair behind her ear to get a clear look at her face. Only a few drops had hit her face causing small red spots but nothing serious. Unconsciously he swiped his right thumb along her jawline before letting her face go.

The men continued to talk completely ignoring what had happened. Mira turned her head down again and looked at the ground. The ground in front of her was smooth without a rock or bump in sight. She spilled that coffee on me on purpose...

She realized then why she was in-between his thighs. It was not because he 'owned' her but because it was the safest place for her to be. Mixed feelings swirled in her chest. These Grizzlies were the enemy but time and time again this one protected her. Why?

She couldn't say that she trusted him but she could feel a slight bit of hope for the future. Hope. Such a dangerous emotion to have. Mira scolded herself internally for having hope in this situation. Just because he had been 'nice' to her a couple of times doesn't guarantee anything.

Late that night Xander stood in the doorway of her room watching her sleep. He stared at her trying to decipher his emotions. He wasn't quite sure about his feelings towards her but he knew he wanted her close and safe. Whenever she was around he would forget about darkness lurking in his mind. She would captivate his whole attention and all he could see was them there in that moment.

***

The next morning Mira hopped down the stairs and started to make a pot of coffee. The Commander came out of the office almost hesitantly and it was as if he was nervous about something.

She looked up at him to see if he wanted to say something since he just stood there awkwardly.

"Mira, there is some business I need to attend to." He said while clearing his throat.

"Ah. Okay. So no coffee for you?"

"I may be gone... for a bit of time."

"So like late tonight?" She was confused what he meant by his words because it was almost his daily routine.

"No. Like for a whole day...or two...or longer"

"Oh." Mira nodded her head slowly trying to process what that meant. "Okay then."

"Samuel will check in. Let him know what groceries you need." Xander picked up a backpack and put it on his back.

Wait, he is leaving right this second? For a few days?? Mira just stood in the kitchen silent and unsure of what to do or say.

"Pup."

Her thoughts dissipated and she looked up at him standing with the door open.

"Don't-"