I Hardly Needed Saving

Awakening

"We are now on lift off."

A huge smile spreads across my face. I turn to Seth as the plane begins to roll.

"We made it!"

He grabs my hand and squeezes tight, our fingers intertwining. My heart skips.

I panic—pull my hand away, pretending to scratch my face.

But Seth notices.

I feel the hurt radiating off him—and honestly? It hurts me, too. What is up with this heart of mine?

I should probably look up more about werewolves... since I'm apparently turning in a week. God. I'm scared.

It's probably going to hurt.

"Hey, Seth?" I ask.

He looks at me, concerned. "What?"

"Is it gonna hurt? When I... turn?"

His hand finds my cheek, thumb brushing softly.

"I'll be there. I'll help you. We all will."

"Okay." I smile, and he slowly lowers his hand, closing his eyes.

Guess he's gonna sleep. I should too—after running, what? Eight freaking miles?

Maybe I should've joined track. I laugh softly to myself and look out the window.

Clouds blur below—gray, blue, green, and gold.

I close my eyes and rest my head on Seth's shoulder. His scent calms me instantly, and I drift off.

⸻

The dream starts.

Eddie.

I'm on the floor of a huge room, blood everywhere. I call for Seth—no answer.

Eddie walks toward me. His hands are bloody.

Am I bleeding?

He punches me. "You're my mate. If I can't have you—no one can!"

He strikes me again.

I scream.

⸻

I wake with a jolt, gasping. Sweating. Heart racing.

Seth jumps, alarmed. "Lyla?!"

"I'm sorry," I whisper.

"You okay?"

I nod, grabbing his hand, squeezing as a sharp pain hits my head.

"Lyla, tell me what you're feeling."

"Sharp pain... in my head."

He nods. "Your wolf. She's trying to come out—trying to talk to you. Relax. Clear your mind."

"Okay..."

I close my eyes, breathe deep, slow. His hand still in mine.

Then I hear her.

"Lyla... oh god, he's touching our hand!"

Her voice—so beautiful.

I answer in my mind. "Your voice is so pretty. What's your name?"

"Myra, my sweet. Is your mate near?"

"Mate?"

"Yes. I sense him... but it feels distant. Maybe because you haven't turned yet."

"Myra, is it going to hurt?"

"I'll make it as painless as I can, sweets."

I feel her love—deep, powerful—and I realize I love her, too. She fades softly.

I open my eyes, smiling at Seth.

"Well?" he asks.

"I like her."

"You have to." He chuckles softly.

"How long were we asleep?"

"Three hours. We've got about two left."

I stand, stretching. "Gonna hit the restroom. Those two bottles of water..."

⸻

At the restroom door, a guy is waiting. He smiles.

"Hey."

"Hi."

"What's your name?"

"Lyla. You?"

"Mitch."

He smirks. "You single?"

"No, she's not. So go away."

I turn—Seth. His fists are clenched, face flushed pink with rage.

The guy stares awkwardly as the door opens. He disappears inside.

"Why did you do that?" I ask Seth.

"I—I'm sorry. I don't know. I... I'm sorry."

He turns to leave. I grab his hand, pulling him gently back.

His hazel-green eyes meet mine—sad, full of shame.

My heart melts.

I tiptoe up and kiss his cheek. He blushes bright pink and smiles wide.

"Go sit down, you dork," I tease.

He bites his lip and walks off, hands in his pockets like a little kid.

The guy exits the bathroom, grinning.

"Sorry about that."

"It's okay. If you were mine, I'd be the same way."

"B-but—" he stammers.

I roll my eyes. "Forget it."

I walk into the restroom, smiling to myself.

⸻

⸻

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