Dauntless Blood

Twenty

~Eric's POV~

Cade's eyes snapped open when I gently woke her. She looked at me in fear, then she looked away. I frown slightly and gently massage her right thigh.

"Tell me what happened," I say softly.

"N-no," she said, her voice cracking.

"Was it another nightmare," I ask.

Cade sat up, then she quietly nodded. She rubbed her arms and shivered gently. I watched as she hiccuped quietly, knowing she felt alone.

I gently pull her close, then I wrapped my vest around her shoulders. She blinked and looked at me, her eyes still watery. I rub her side as she calmed down a little more.

Cade closed her eyes, shaking again, but for a new reason. She laid down and put a pillow over her face. I frown, then I realize what's bothering her.

"I don't want to go to visitation day," she mumbled.

"I'll be right beside you," I tell her.

"You can't! Aiden's going to be there and so will my parents!".

I kiss her forehead, then say, "I'll be fine. You'll be okay. We'll be okay.".

"Okay," she mumbled softly.

"Now, go change, Princess," I say, kissing her nose, "Then we'll go to The Pit.".

Cade shivered gently, not budging. I pick her up and grab her clothes. I help her change and watch her eyes become scared. I then cup her face and kissed her.

She started crying silently and I couldn't figure out why. She had seemed quiet and content earlier, but now she was frightened.

I kiss her forehead, then she lays her head against my shoulder. She looked tired too.

"I promise cuddles if you're a good girl," I say, "You and me. Our little one wrapped in a warm embrace as they still grow inside you."

Cade looked up at me, then she slowly nodded.

"Okay, Daddy.".