chosen

Chapter Nine: Population 1,985

And just like that, it's morning.

I open my heavy eyes to the sunlight beaming in from my large window behind me. For the first time in a while it is sunny in Leavenworth. Not a single cloud in sight. Perhaps that is a sign that today's adventure to school might not be so bad.

I take my eyes off of the mesmerizing sunrise, and realize that Liam's face is only centimeters away from mine. I had almost forgotten that he was even there. His arm still wrapped around my waist and his fingers gently grazing the small of my back. His expression still at peace and relaxed.

I ever so gently place my small hand on his cheek, brushing my thumb over his cheekbone.

He begins to sluggishly open his eyes. The smallest grin resting upon his face. His welcoming and loving eyes staring intently into mine.

"Good morning," I say a smile spreading across my own face.

Liam drowsily takes the hand that isn't wrapped around my waist and places it on top of my hand, of which lies on his cheek. The touch of his hand warm on mine.

"Good morning," he murmurs, leaning forward to rest his forehead on mine.

Sometimes I wonder if Liam feels anything more for me than just a friendship. What if these affectionate ways aren't just friendly gestures? What if he's not just holding me like this because he's trying to be protective of me? What if he holds me like this because he wants to? Because he feels something more than just a friendship. Every graze, every gentle touch, are those the signals that he wants more? Feels more? Needs more?

I want more.

"Did you sleep well?" he asks compassionately, rubbing his thumb back and forth on my hand. There has to be something there, he has to feel something too.

I smile, "Slept like a baby."

Immediately, everything from last night becomes the main focus of my thoughts. The alarming things that I experienced and saw, I can't even talk to Liam about. I promised Bleddyn that I would never speak to anyone about what I saw. It is sacred business.

Is that how my relationship with Liam is going to be now? Constantly lying to him? First it was about Dakota, of whom is now playing a very strange part in our lives, and Liam doesn't even like. Now I'm being visited by Bleddyn, and probably will continue to see him. Yet I can't tell Liam that I'm scared or that I'm confused or even that I know certain things about hybrids because that would be breaking my promise to Bleddyn. I am beginning to dig a big whole for myself, and I don't know how I'm going to get myself out of it.

"What's wrong?" Liam asks.

"Oh, nothing," I lie. He must have been able to tell something was up when I zoned out, "But we should probably get ready for school. We still have to drop Maddox off. Father has already left for work, and I bet the boys are still sound asleep downstairs."

Liam nods his head beginning to close his eyes once more.

"Liam," I groan, "Fine. If you're not going to get up then I am."

I quickly try to sit up, but Liam's grip tightens around my waist. He's messing with me. Just like he always does.

"Liam," I whine as both of his hands are now tight around my waist, "Liam."

I try my hardest to pry his hands off of my waist, his eyes still closed.

"Liam!" I laugh, "Come on, we're going to be late!"

Liam begins to chuckle, pulling me closer to him. Our lips only a half an inch apart. My cheeks becoming warm as I begin to blush. His eyes still shut as if none of this is even happening.