BLACK

(9) Bruises

EDITED

Beige fills my vision. They are brown tiles, but my lids are too busy squishing together as I cringe. The hot water was pounding into my back, worsening the bruises yet massaging my tense muscles. I pray the rush of water can hide my seething. I hissed in agony, running the gel of soap softly over my skin. I was red from the burning, but I needed the scent Lucan had so deeply buried in me, gone.

I could feel the eyes of thousands of bugs watching me, their legs crawling over the tiles for more and more angles. I felt caged, no escape. I belonged to the eyes, these bruises were destined for me. I had no way out. I scrubbed soap across my stomach. There's no freedom for anyone. We are all trapped by our roles in our communities.

I spook after turning around to see Aris gloomy eyes. The water turned off, leaving steam to rise from my body and leave me in a cold wake under his gaze. I froze, glass door half open, body exposed to him. Goosebumps dot my skin as I fear how long he's stood there, watching me.

I'd been received when Yianni, Oeta's Beta drove me back from the air port. He knew of my mates and their behaviours, he knew better than to ask me about my blemishes. I checked the clock before pulling the keys to door, it had been around seven thirty. The sky was brightening, sun rising. I was relieved Aris wouldn't be awake. As time passed and I forced myself in the shower longer, I prayed he would remain asleep. That I had a good enough reign on my pain and thoughts that would stay at bay and not disrupt him. Yet now as I meet his eyes with mine, it appears he's been awake since the beginning of it.

His dark brown eyes take me, observing my skin head to toe. I feel insecure as his gaze lingers around my stomach, but the feeling is replaced with something else as he brings his gaze back up over my chest. I breathe heavy, unintentionally.

"Who did this to you?" His voice is thick and guttural.

A lump settles in my throat as warmth swallows my body. An angry urge, pushing me forward. I find myself leaning against the glass wall for support, changing my stance to try and grab Aris' attention. My toes curl as an ache forms in my lower body, this time pleasureful. My abdomen tucks itself in, squeezing together as my intestines flip with unease.

"Noire." He warns.

The husk of his voice draws my desire to his face, soaking up his attraction. So handsome, and rough. A lining of unshaven beard started to grow over his jaw, trimming into his thick midnight hair. He lived a life of battle, power, and strength. I tucked my thighs together, trying to subside the lust building inside of me.

"Who did this to you!" His thick voice raises.

Uneasily, I swallow the lump from my throat. My lips part, trying to form the words Aris wants more than me. "Lucan," I barely voice out loud my defeat.

I want to reach forward, to touch him. soothe him from the hatred that cradles him to sleep. Except he is gone, and the shaking door frame is all that remains. The slam echoes through the walls, the thudding of his heavy steps down the stairs following. I sigh,  crumbling into a ball of the edge of the shower door. I hug myself, because he won't. I cry the tears that have just been begging to flow down my cheeks. The arousal in me quickly clears, leaving me in self pity. The one mate I have permanent residence with, and he won't even acknowledge my body. Or worse, all he sees is my body. The scrapes, blood, and bruises. I hate the mate bond! I can't stand it! It twists my veins into loops, turns my capillaries into spider webs. It directs nerves to stimulate in places they shouldn't, for the wrong people. What was the point in the change of hormones in my body when it was always up to them. To my mates, whether they wanted me or not. There was no choice for me.

I sob loudly into my dripping hair as the front door too rattles our home.