Castles & Curses

Chapter 4: Drawing Her In

CHAPTER 4 

DRAWING HER IN 

DUNCAN POV

As I set her on the bed and come back from the bathroom with the first aid kit, I can see the confusion on her face and I sigh. She must have seen Fin but she should remember who he is unless she really isn't the one. I squat in front of her to see that she's still bleeding from her feet even though I know she isn't human. Why isn't she healing? As I take in her bloody feet and the bits of glass on her cheek I breathe in and smell ale, blood, and soot. Definitely Fin. What did he do to her? Frowning I use my claws to pry pieces of glass from her feet. It doesn't occur to me what I'm doing until she gasps and I look up to see her eyes on my claws. Immediately I freeze and go to pull back but she doesn't shrink from me instead she leans forward to grasp my hands.  

"Can I touch them?" My eyes widen and I hold my hand out as she strokes my claws. My breath shutters and she blushes and pulls back. 

"Sorry, I've...their very sharp." Speechless at her touch I nod and go back to picking the glass from her feet. 

After I've bandaged her up I stand and scoop her into my arms. She stiffens a moment before relaxing into my arms.  

"I have a surprise for you." Wide eyes look up at me causing me to grin. My little mate is excited by the word surprise. I pray this will help her open up to me a little then maybe I can open up to her. All these secrets are killing me.

ARA POV

It isn't until Duncan sets me down in front of a set of double doors that I'm able to hold my glamour without focusing. I look up at him as he smiles and gestures for me to open the doors. I fight back the urge to blurt out who I am as I reluctantly open the doors. I can't ruin his surprise.  

As my eyes adjust to the brightly lit room I see bookshelves lined feom floor to ceiling. I don't even glance back at Duncan as I rush into the room and head towards a bookshelf. My cut up feet forgotten, I laugh happily when I find an entire wall dedicated to classics. I wander around the spacious room and allow my fingertips to glide over the spines of the books before stopping at a section marked 'Sidhe'. I pick up a book with a man holding his hands out with a cat like creature looming over him. I look at the title and see that it's called 'Lord of the Fading Lands' by Elizabeth Vaughn.  A throat clears and I whirl to see Duncan leaning against the door staring at me. I grasp the book to my chest as my faces flushes red. 

"I take it you like the library?" Walking towards him I feel the smile on my face.

"I can come in here anytime I want?" He nods and I fight back the urge to squeal with happiness. If he knew how long it had been since I'd been allowed any freedom he'd be shocked. Pausing at the door I tilt my head to look up at him. 

"How did you know I like to read?" Duncan flushes as he looks down at me. 

"Mary unpacked your bag and mentioned that you had more books than you did clothes. Would you like to join me for dinner?" Without thinking I put the book in my pocket and grasp his forearm in my hand. He looks down at my hand a moment before leading me out of the room. Walking beside him I decide to tell him who I am tomorrow. Tonight I just wanted a moment of happiness but of course things never go as planned.

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I fiddle with my silverware as we wait for dinner to be served. It occurs to me on the way into the dining room that Mac and Marek will be making our food. Hopefully I could avoid them for a while longer.  

"I invited Marek and Mac, the cooks to join us tonight. I thought you might like to make some friends since it appears you'll be stuck with us for a while." I smile and nod politely while I shake in horror on the inside. As if a bell had rang to signal them Mac and Marek walk into the room. Frowning, I watch as they scowl at each other then Mac sits down beside me and Marek sits down beside Duncan. Duncan frowns and looks between the two but doesn't comment as Marek and Mac glare at each other. Duncan opens his mouth to say something just as Mary walks in with trays of food. Duncan closes his mouth as Mary fills our plates then leaves. Marek opens his mouth as he glares hatefully at me just as Mac hisses at him.