Almost Human

Chapter 19: Indoor Garden

I didn't even bother to sleep. I'd been frozen for long enough, I think sleep could wait. At this point, it'd have to be around eight in the morning. I'd laid perfectly still on my steel bed and I kept my eyes glued to my door. I waited for my doctors, or whoever came in. I had no way of knowing what was going to happen. If The Master thinks he can kill me, he's wrong. If he wants to play dangerous, let's play dirty.

I got up off the bed and got into a tight red shirt and jeans. I waved my hand at the door to my room and it flung off the hinges. The metal clanged as it hit the floor and I smirked. If I was going to stay locked up in this lab, I might as well give them hell about it. The four doctors guarding my door looked in on me with widened eyes. Question: what can mere humans really do about me revolting except inject me with more sleeping drugs? Answer: nothing.

As soon as I turned to look down the hallway, I saw Rider walking (escorted by two guards.) They're such a bother. I flicked my hand upwards my doctors flung backwards down the hall. Taking my lead, Rider opened his large wings, knocking out both of his doctors and shoving them against the wall.

Rider looked at me with widened eyes, "Bree-"

I rolled my eyes, "Oh don't complain, they're still alive. I just did you a favor."

"I was going to say you look stunning." I could feel blush come to my cheeks as he flashed a bright smile. Jacob. Jacob's name came to mind quickly as I blushed. My heart thudded a little quicker at Jacob's name but my head battled for dominance. It eventually won and my heart crumbled in defeat. "I actually wanted to show you something," Rider explained as he shoved his hands into the front pocket of his jeans. Question: Is it safe?

"Show me what?" my voice was hesitant.

"Guess you'll have to come and find out." Answer: trust him. He's Rider. What's the worse that could happen?

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The worse that could happen? Who was I kidding? He'd led me to the most enchanting view. It was similar to the indoor park but far better. Beautiful floral trees grew around the sides of the wall, curving with the ceiling and dipping back down again. A large pond filled with lily pads floated in the middle of all the tree brush. Fireflies danced around happily and tadpoles swam in the water. There was a faint sound of screeching by crickets. Frogs jumped across the walkway and curious bunnies sniffed at my feet. I allowed myself to laugh aloud. This is absolutely beautiful. I spun in a circle to admire the rare view, "How did you find this place?"

"The high ceilings. The doctors bring me here so I can fly around," Rider smiled. A large white bird swooped over my head and landed on Rider's shoulder. He laughed and played with the animal. It seemed eager to see him.

"How do you get it to come that close?" I asked astonished.

"Wings. I guess it figures he and I are the same," he pet the creature on the underside of its beak before letting it fly away.

I looked up at the ceiling again as the vibrant rays of the sun shined down on my face. I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth. I want to be out there where I can feel this everyday. A soft warm hand cupped the back of my neck. I opened my eyes to see Rider before he pulled me into a kiss. Damn. My first two kisses within a span of two days. Question: what is happening here? His lips were like air. I could barely feel them against mine. I leaned in closer so I could feel him. Rider felt different from how Jacob did. I allowed his emotion to enter to me and it was completely foreign. Something that I'd love to get to know better. He was warmth. Happiness filled my body but his emotion of warmth and sun didn't touch me everywhere like Jacob's did. His only reached around my chest and preceded to stay there. He wrapped his forearm around my waist and pulled me closer. He licked my bottom lip lightly, asking for entrance. Do I let him? My heart paused as my brain decided what to do. The warmth in my body took over and he slipped his tongue into my mouth. The warmth turned to fire. I wanted to play with the danger of fire. I pulled away first and I grabbed my chest. What was my problem? I shouldn't be kissing them both.

Rider was oblivious to my internal battle, "For someone frozen for a portion of their life, you kiss good." That warm fuzzy feeling came back again and I forced my eyes down. My good side wanted him. My bad side wanted Jacob. I don't think I'd ever noticed that before.

I put on a smile to hide my doubts, "I could say the same thing about you." I turned to look at a lizard jump into the pond. "I should get back." He nodded and kissed me on the cheek as I turned.

Under his breath he whispered, "By the way, you really do look stunning." My breath caught as I walked out the room.