Night Flame

Ch. 23 - Meeting The In-laws - Pt. 1

Chapter 23 – Meeting The In-laws - Part 1

Adam of the Shadowwolves

It feels really good to finally be able to hold Rue in my arms again. I have never missed anyone as much as I have missed her in the last couple of months.

It was pure agony, knowing she was out there worrying about me – about all of us. I had wanted to contact her to tell her we were fine. Over and over I'd tried. Yet I couldn't get passed the barrier Miranda – Rue's mother – had put up.

True to her word, Miranda had done everything in her power to keep us safe.

She had been right about Rue coming out here. I'm still not happy about that, but it seems she's alright. At least she's unharmed. Safe in my arms. Safe with me.

Wish I could say the same about Graham though. His injuries are quite serious, but seeing as he's still standing, he will be just fine in a few days.

Rue – who's still kept safely in my arms – follows my gaze and notices I'm staring at him. Her soft, delicate hand cups my face and turns my focus to her. "You have nothing to worry about," she speaks.

I think back to how they were holding hands, clinging onto each other.

"I don't?" Damn it, my voice cracks.

"No," she affirms. "He's my brother."

I guess that's one way to look at it. They have created some sort of bond I suppose.

But how long until these brother-like feelings turn into something more? How long until I lose yet another special love?

Rue quickly catches onto the drift of my thoughts and presses a brief, sweet kiss to my hungry and greedy lips.

"I'm still yours if you'll have me, Adam." Her voice is gentle.

Yes, she's still mine. For now.

"Graham is my brother by blood, we share the same parents."

My eyes widen as I search her beautiful green orbs, only to find she's being truthful. I feel stupid, she has never lied to me before.

"Why are you so worried I'll leave you?" She questions and strokes my face tenderly.

"It's just-" why am I so scared? She has reassured me she'd stay endlessly. Why can't I just take her word for it?

But deep down, I know. Because I don't feel worthy of her. My true mate leaving and rejecting me has scarred me more than I'd like to admit. Even to myself.

"What do I have to do to make you believe me, to make you trust me?"

"Nothing. This is my problem." I trace my knuckles over her cheek in a sweet caress. "I have yet to feel like I deserve someone as wonderful as you."

"If anything, it is I who doesn't deserve you." We share a short kiss again before she pulls back with a twinkle in her eyes. "I can't wait to go back home, I kind of miss having a nice bed to sleep in."

I laugh at her excitement and nod my head. "I miss that, too." But mostly I miss cuddling up with her. "Rue, there is something I'd like... more."

She raises her eyebrows and looks at me with curiosity glimmering behind her eyes. "What is it?"

"For you to be my... my m–"

"June! Can I talk to you for a second?" I growl when I realise I've been interrupted by none other than Tomas. I know he claims not to be a threat to Rue and I's relationship and that he just wants to talk to her to clear the air. But couldn't he have done it at another time?