Midnight Lovers

Chapter Twelve

Grace's P.O.V.

The full moon hung low in the sky. I could barely see it through the dense foliage of the forest.

I had no idea where I was, but it seemed familiar to me. The trees, the smell of damp earth and rain. The wind blew, rattling the trees, revealing more of the moon to me. I felt comfortable in the strange, yet familiar forest.

There was a rustling in the bushes on either side of me. I froze, listening, panic pricking at my spine. I hear another rustle, a low growl, and took off running. I ran as fast as I could making sharp, random turns. I felt like a rabbit, and no matter how much I ran I knew I would be caught.

I kept running, my feet aching, chest burning. My bare feet found a tree root and I tripped, landing face first in the mud. I painted, trying to lift myself from the ground.

There was a growl. I lifted my gaze to the wolf that stood before me, its coat was a blackish gray and it's paws were covered in mud. More wolves emerged from the trees and bushes all growling and snarling gingerly. I looked at the gray wolves eyes. Big and blue as the sky on a cloudless day. My heart began to pound, my mouth growing dry "Finnick?" I asked with a trembling voice.

The wolf's muzzle scrunched as it bared it's teeth, snarling before it lunged at my throat.

~~~

"Grace? Grace!"

I woke with a start and stared at Finnick's blue eyes. The image of the wolf sinking it's teeth into my skin, tearing my throat flashed in my mind. I screamed and began to thrash, hitting Finnick's hands away and kicking at him, trying to get him as far from me as I could.

"Grace!" Finnick captured my flailing arms and pulled me again him, wrapping his arm around me tightly to restrain me. "It's okay, it's okay. You're safe now. It was just a nightmare." He said softly, running his fingers through my hair. "I've got you know."

I half fought against his embrace, then started to sob, burying my face in his chest. His grip loosened from restraint to comforting embraces. "Ssssshhh, you're okay." He whispered petting my hair "It was only a nightmare, it can't hurt you now." He kissed my temple "I'm here, it's okay."

I hiccuped and continued to cry, hanging onto him for dear life "please don't hurt me." I cried.

"Why would I ever hurt you?" He asked, he sounded confused and concerned. "I'd never hurt you Grace."

"I-In my dream." I hiccuped "Y-You were chasing me a-a-and when I tripped—" I sniffled, my whole body shaking. "More wolves came out and surrounded me a-and you...you..." I broke down in hysterical sobs again.

Finnick folded me against his chest and rubbed my back "Sssssshhh, it was just a nightmare Grace. I swear that I would never hurt you, the very thought make me sick to my stomach." He gently wiped my tears away with his thumb "come here." He scooped me up in his arms rather easily and carried me out of the room.

My tears had stopped, but my little hiccups hadn't. Finnick opened the door to his bedroom, which was much darker than the room I used with black and white sheets. Finnick set me on the bed and went over to the closet, reaching up to the top shelf. He pulled down what looked like a quilt and a well loved stuffed dog.

Finnick smiled softly and unfolded the quilt, wrapping it around my shoulders "My nana made this for me before she died, she said it protects you from nightmares." He looked slightly embarrassed and handed me the dog "And this Rolo, he protects you from the dark." Finnick gave a shy, lop-sided smile and rubbed the back of his head "It's stupid but... Maybe it'll help..."

I looked down at the stuffed dog in my hands, sniffling I looked up at Finnick smiling slightly "It's helping already." I said, wiping my nose on my t-shirt and hugged Rolo to my chest. "Hey Finn?"

"What is it?" He asked, crouching down likely so he could see my face.

I felt a warmth fill my chest and spread into my limbs. Without thinking I leaned forward, placing my lips on his.

There was a moment of hesitation before he returned my kiss, sliding a hand into my hair, cupping the base of my skull. I released Rolo, sliding my arms around his shoulders. Finnick didn't break the kiss as he climbed up onto the bed so he was on top of me and I was laying on my back.

I felt his warm hand slid under my shirt, his thumb rubbing gentle circles on my skin. My skin tingled like I'd been zapping with electricity, and I needed to feel his skin on mine, I needed him to touch me more.

I pushed his hand farther up my torso, deepening our kiss, then suddenly it ended.

I stared at Finnick. His face was flushed and he looked away. "W-we need to stop." He said softly. "If we go any farther I won't be able to hold back and..." He glanced at me. "I... I want to wait until you know for sure how you feel about me. I..." He paused and sighed "I need to know that you love me as much as I love you..."

I stared at his face, studying his expression and couldn't help but smile. "Thank you." I said, giving him a small peck on the lips. "Can I stay with you the rest of the night anyway?"

He smiled "Of course you can."

Finnick's P.O.V.

I watched the steady rise and fall of Grace's chest, listening to her faint snores. It hadn't taken long for her to fall back to sleep once she got herself all nice and cozy with Rolo and the quilt. She shifted, hugging Rolo closer and rolling onto her side so that she was facing me. Her eyes were still pretty red from crying, but other wise she seemed completely peaceful. I gently stroked her cheek. She sighed happily, nuzzling my hand. 

I found myself smiling and put my arms around her, holding her close to my chest. "I love you." I muttered against her hair. "I love you so so much, my mate, my Grace."

She shifted, snuggling closer to my chest "I love you too." she muttered. 

I nearly jumped out of my skin and looked down at her face, looking for any hint that she was awake. Her breathing was still deep and even, and her face was completely relaxed. "Sleep talking." I muttered softly, rubbing her back "Just when I thought you couldn't get any cuter." I kissed her forehead, closing my eyes and falling asleep.