Protecting Elijah

•Chapter 20• No Going Back •Elijah's POV•

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I look up and muffle a laugh, as confusion
passes through my beautiful mate's eyes.
I watch her mouth open and close like a fish out of water.

I take the time to take in her appearance and hold back a growl, as I see the bruises and scratches reappear on her soft, delicate skin. It amazes me, how she still seems to stay so perfect. Her long brown hair is tied in a messy bun, with strands flying out widely, and her big brown eyes look at me with a clouded layer over them, almost as is she's thinking.

I reach out, and brush the back of my fingers on top of a cut on her eyebrow. I'm glad to see she's not flinching away from me, but healing. It lets me know that she's more comfortable with me, even through all the shit I put her through.

Speaking of comfortable, I'm the total opposite right now. I'm sporting a hard on, from just seeing her in this damn hospital gown, and especially after our make out session.

I now know there's no going back. She's attached herself to my mind and emotions.
Things I didn't even know I had or could feel, but I can't help but act as if I've know her since forever. I guess that's what a soulmate is, they understand you and are there for you whenever, wherever.

"Jess" I whisper trying to get her attention back. She looks so cute when she has her 'thinking face' on. Her nose scrunches up and her eyes close into little slits.

"Don't think about it, you didn't do anything wrong" I tell her reassuringly, but she seems to still be in a daze.

Leaning forward, I place a soft kiss on her lips and pull away after a few seconds. A stupid smile crosses my face at my realization.

I'll never get sick of kissing her.

"Did Tiffany d-die" she mumbles quietly.

This time I laugh out loud, but quickly compose myself and throw her a lazy smirk. "No she did not die" I tell her emphasizing on the word.

"Well than what do you mean when you say 'Tiffany's gone'?" She questions nervously.

"I mean" starting off I grip her chin in my hand, "She decided to, take a break and leave for a little while, if that's how you want to put it."

"But, I thought she was becoming Luna in just a couple weeks" she says as her eyes get that same clouded look.

"Key word love" I whisper brushing my thumb against her bottom lip, "The key word was 'was'. But you're here now, and you're everything I need" I tell her truthfully. I hear her scoff quietly and turn her head in the opposite direction.

"How many girls have you used that one on?"

A smile stays on my face, as my feisty mate faces away from me. "Only on the ones I know are my forever."

She suddenly whips her head around and looks straight into my eyes. We hold eye contact for a couple seconds before she bursts into a fit of laughter. It doesn't take long for me to follow her actions as I throw my head back and chuckle along with her.

"Elijah stop" she giggles, "You're making me blush." I just chuckle and lean in to kiss her again, placing my hand gently on her cheek I pull her close to me and sit her on my lap as best I could.