Stone King

Chapter Four

Death. That word haunts me and always haunted me my whole life. It's an unavoidable moment in life. But I have experienced too much with it. From losing my mother to cancer to my brother dying so young. I lost them all too soon and to a point I welcomed death if it were to come for me. When I lost my mother I had my brother, and when I lost my brother I had Sarah and under a fog Brett. When Brett and I broke up I felt alone and fell into pure darkness. But then I found myself and I felt strength, I could take on the world. Even when I found Caesarion I felt a drive I never felt before almost like this is a path I am meant to take. Could I have left him? Yes absolutely, but deep inside my heart and my soul I felt this was a path that was specifically paved for me. Following a strange man and falling into the clutches of the magical world seems like a reason to run but I didn't. I was starting to feel brave but then again death I am staring at it in its face.

The creature dug its claws into each limb and I let out a curdling scream of pure pain. Tears streamed down my face as the creature's snake head bared its fangs and ready to strike. I immediately closed my eyes ready to die I couldn't believe after all I've done in my life it was reduced down to this. I heard a swoosh like giant wings flying above me all in the matter of seconds and then claws ripped from my skin fast enough to make me yelp again. I opened my eyes and the creature was dismembered its reptilian head chopped off its leopard body. Caesarion was glowing but began to dim. I began panting but too shocked to form any words he looked at me and rushed over his hands one either side of my face. "Are you okay are you hurt?" I felt drunk as my endorphins kicked in making my body feel limp I put my weight on him. Too weak to lift my arms "It clawed my arms and legs." I croaked out my throat was feeling dry in this cold weather and hoarse from yelling. He picked me up immediately and I couldn't help but look back at the creature only to see it turned into what appeared to be sand.

Once we were inside I instructed him where the First Aid kit was and he rushed around finding it and came right to me. I barely felt any pain only tired as if I was the one in battle. He looked at me apologetic "I need to or if you can take your clothing off." I nodded and began taking my hoodie off and then the pain began searing down my arms I let out a yelp. I managed to get it off seeing the claw marks on both forearms they weren't deep enough for stitches which I was thankful enough but they were covered with blood and lint from my sweater. I instructed him to use the alcohol and winced when he poured it over each wound and began cleaning off the dried blood. "I am so sorry this happened." I shook my head "Don't, you saved me." He didn't look at me I could feel he was ashamed and disappointed in himself. "I promised to protect you." I lifted his chin to look at me and I stared in his eyes that were glowing "You did. You saved me from death." He parted his lips wanting to say more but then looked away thinking against it. My heart clenched I should have been afraid of what happened and it happening again but I was mostly afraid of what Caesarion was thinking. I know he is blaming himself but what if this is when he decides to part ways, that it is dangerous to have me by his side. The familiar feeling began gnawing at me the fear of being alone. I scoffed internally at myself I should be okay with him leaving me if he decides to since it was what I wanted in the beginning but what we have gone through in a couple of days was the most I've ever gone through in my own lifetime. I would miss him and this made my heart clench. I didn't notice he finished bandaging my arms until he nudged me. "You have to remove these as well." He tugged at my jeans and I began to blush. I stood up and fell back instantly feeling the pain shoot up my legs and took a moment to breath in and out. He looked at me with those sad glowing eyes and I gave him a sheepish smile and began to unbuckle my pants. Him looking deep in my eyes while taking my pants off would have been hot if it wasn't for the fact I was in so much pain. I began shimming it down my thighs and stopped at my knees he kept his eyes on me which I was thankful for. "I need help for this, can you pull my pants off?" He nodded and pulled at the cuffs of my pants one leg at a time gently and then looked over the claw marks on both of my calf to shin. He was concentrating on the wounds lost in his mind as he was cleaning the blood off and I couldn't help but enjoy the view of him. I was pants less and wearing lace black lingerie panties because it was laundry day before all this chaos. I thanked the heavens I shaved my legs since I usually go free during the colder weather. My mind began to wonder how he would look between my legs. I gulped and began getting hotter than usual and pulled my leg back he looked at me concerned "Did I hurt you?" I shook my head "No no you didn't sorry it just stings." I lied and he returned to look at my legs and began wrapping it in bandages. I rested my head back and mentally cursed myself for thinking these erotic thoughts, I closed my eyes too ashamed to look at him until he finished. He stood up gathering the cotton balls covered in blood and wrappers throwing them away. He came back and that's when I got his attention his eyes tracing over my legs. I felt naked under his eyes my chest rising up and down with my heavy breathing. His eyes continued to glow and they looked hungry. I cleared my throat due to the dryness which I wanted to mentally slap myself for ruining the moment his eyes snapped to me. "We should get you pants." He said in a low husky tone as if he damned himself for saying such a thing. I pointed to my bag "I packed some sweatpants can you bring me my bag?" He grabbed my bag and placed it beside me. I pulled out sweatpants and a long sleeve shirt since I was wearing a short sleeve shirt that felt heavy and dirty with all my sweat. I looked at the stairs to where it leads to the bathroom and bedroom but decided against it. "Can I have some privacy I just need to get changed." He nodded and began walking out to the kitchen I took off my shirt and tossed it to the side and slipped into my long sleeve that fit snugged against my figure. I looked at my pants and was about to slip them on but instantly winced "Do you need help?" I jumped a little looking behind me, he was standing by the doorway "Were you standing there this whole time?" He raised an eyebrow "You think that low of me?" I rolled my eyes "Just help me please." He walked over and looked at my hips I snapped my fingers "Hey eyes up." He smirked "So I am going to use you for balance just don't move." He stood in front of me his eyes staring back at me again with those hungry eyes. "Just close your eyes." His eyebrows scrunched in confusion "Why?" I couldn't tell him he intimidated me with those gold eyes. "Just please do what I say." He smirked and closed his eyes. I stood up wincing in pain and then leaned against him my shoulder pressing against his chest balancing on one leg at a time. He smelled oddly delicious like sandalwood and mint. I stopped for a brief moment lost in his scent and he let out a low growl which snapped me out of my thoughts. I rushed down to pull my pants up and fell on his chest he quickly caught me wrapping his hands around my bare hips. I snapped up looking at him and his eyes remained closed. I cursed myself for stalling because his hands were warm around my hips. "Elise.." He let out in a whisper but I sucked in a breath and put both my legs down and mustered the strength to pull my pants up and pushed off of him falling back on the couch. He opened his eyes and I gave him a small smile "Thank you." He nodded "You're welcome. Stay here I need to search the perimeter and put a protective barrier." My heart pounded "Do you think more will come?" His face turned serious "Yes now that they know we are here." I began to hyperventilate clutching my chest and he rushed over "I promise I will not let them hurt you again." His eyes glowed even more and showed promise this time. He brushed a strand of my hair and tucked it behind my ear and placed a kiss on my forehead which instantly calmed me down letting out a sigh of relief. His lips lingered for a moment on my forehead and then he pushed away and walked towards the front door. I was left with my mind racing and my heart in turmoil. Romance amongst all this chaos what am I thinking?