Dauntless Blood

Nineteen

I laid on my left side, Eric's pillow under my head. He had left with Four to train the other initiates, but he told me he'd come back afterwards. I had been crying off and on all day, not out loud, just tears falling down my face. I wipe my eyes again for what was probably the fiftieth time when Eric walked in.

"Hey, Princess," he yawned as he laid behind me.

"You okay," I ask, tiredness lacing my voice.

"Tired, just like you are," he hums softly.

I chuckle quietly, rolling over just a bit to kiss his lips. He smiled, then I rolled back over to my left side. I get comfortable, feeling Eric lay his right arm over my waist. Eric kissed my cheek, then he put his left arm under his pillow that I was using as my own.

"You feeling okay," he asked me.

"For the love of all things Dauntless, Eric Coulter, let me sleep," I whine, opening my eyes.

"Sorry," he said sheepishly.

I roll my eyes and yawn again. Eric rubbed my side and stomach, then he nuzzled my shoulder. I close my eyes and relax against Eric's chest.

"Sleep well, Princess.".

I mumbled softly under my breath, but sleep overtook my senses before I could make a sarcastic comment. I felt Eric rub my shoulder, his forehead resting against my right shoulder.

I shivered gently, pressing my back to his chest, a littles scared. I felt Eric pull the covers over us, making me smile. He wrapped his arms around my waist again, his even breathing helping me sleep.

My peaceful sleep soon ended though. I started to shiver again, my nose scrunching up. My muscles tensed and my breathing quickened. I clutched the blanket, sweating a little.

"Baby," I heard Eric soothingly say.

"Don't hurt him. N-no, don't hurt him. H-he's misunderstood, Aiden. Please, don't hurt him," I mumble, rolling over on my back, silently crying.

Was my brother going to hurt Eric?