Time Again

Chapter 23: Shatter

Chapter 23: Shatter

"The True soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him."

~ G. K. Chesterton

Adelle

It felt as if I had just closed my eyes when I was woken by Wes sitting up and swinging his legs over the side of the bed.

I layed on my side a moment longer, staring into the darkness of the room. The bathroom light turned on and the door shut. When the sound of the shower met my ears I finally sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I reached over and turned on the bedside lamp then left the warmth of the bed. Stripping quickly, I pulled on a pair of skinny jeans and one of Wes's sweatshirts, covering my feet in a pair of thick socks. I continued to get ready, knowing that there was no way I could go back to sleep.

The shower shut off just as I pulled my hair up into a messy bun. Wes opened the door and looked to me with surprise.

"You didn't expect me to continue sleeping, did you?" I asked, passing him and going into the bathroom to put on my makeup.

"No, but I hoped you would stay asleep." He trailed after me and leaned against the counter as I swept mascara on my eyelashes.

"I was awake the moment you got out of bed," I laughed and put away my makeup. "What time do you need to be downstairs?"

Wes checked the watch on his wrist, "In ten minutes."

I nodded and we left the bathroom to make sure Wes had everything he would need.

"Is this the only gun you have?" I watched as he strapped the holster onto his belt.

"No, there is another one down in the armory that I'll be using." He shrugged on his jacket and I nodded, folding my arms.

"Come here," Wes said and pulled me into his arms. I laid my head on his chest, enveloped in his arms. "It's going to be okay."

"I know," I whispered, hearing his heartbeat beneath my ear. Wes rested his chin on my head. There were no words, nor was there any reason for them. Our bond hummed, coiled around our bodies, tightened its hold on our hearts, knotting them closer together. It was as if the bond was alive, as if it knew that we would be separated.

"Remind me again why I have to stay here." My words were slightly muffled as I pressed my face into his chest.

"I won't be able to concentrate if you're there, I would be too worried about you and if you were safe." Wes tightened his arms around me.

A resigned sigh eased from my lips, "Just thought I would ask."

Wes kissed my forehead and drew me closer to him. The silence felt good for once. It was peaceful. With the door shut and the lights dim and the room warm to my skin. My heart beat evenly for now. I'm sure it wouldn't in a few hours. Stress and anxiety would coax it to beat unevenly, skipping rhythm just to miss Wes.

Wes turned his head to look at his watch and I felt his sigh against the skin of my neck. Stealing myself, I breathed in one more inhale of Wes and stepped back. He stooped and picked up his bag then stretched out a hand for me. I quickly threaded my fingers through his and followed him into the quiet and dark hallway. No need to wake everyone up in the estate. Only a few would be leaving directly from the house.

Before we got to the kitchen I tugged Wes to a stop.

"I know you don't want to believe me but I don't trust Bridget. I may be wrong but just be careful about her."