Fire and Ice

Chapter 26

Alyssa

Someone had their arms wrapped around me. I was cradled against a warm body that was much bigger than me.

For a moment I was going to panic, thinking that Richard found me again and he was holding me down to suffocate me. But I was immediately calmed by a familiar warm scent. Fall leaves and hot chocolate.

I wanted to snuggle down and never move again. But my senses slowly came into focus. I could hear a consistent beep that filled the dim room. I looked around in confusion, seeing strange machines and equipment.

"Shorty?" A very sleepy Kaden whispered from behind me, his hold tightening around me.

I rubbed my eyes. "Where are we?" I whispered. My voice was dry and hoarse.

"The hospital." Kaden sat up from where he was partially under me and looked down at me. His blue eyes were relieved, but at the same time scared. "How are you feeling?"

I sat upright with him, leaning back against the pillows. "Well, like crap if I'm honest. Um, is there water?"

"Yeah, here." Kaden grabbed a glass of water from the table off to the side. "Drink slow."

I followed his instruction. I was so unbelievably happy to see him, but I was also very confused.

Kaden adjusted so that he was sitting on the bed facing me and took the cup once I was done.

"Thank you. Kaden, what happened?"

He ran a hand through his hair. "I, uh, found you this morning on the side of the road. It was honestly a very lucky find."

I swallowed, realizing how close to death I really was. "I didn't mean to pass out. I knew the cold would get to me if I did."

Kaden went quiet and slowly grabbed my hand. "Do you remember things, what happened, who took you?"

I nodded, which hurt my head. "Uh, yeah." I suddenly choked up, remembering how I felt wandering through the forest with no way of knowing if I would ever see Kaden or Myla again. I looked down, feeling lame for crying like a two year old. I covered my face. "I'm so lame." I choked out.

"Come here, Shorty." Kaden pulled me over to him, allowing me to bury my face in his shirt as he hugged me close. "You're not lame. You're a badass girl that escaped her captor. It was a rough time for you, I get it. Don't ever feel lame for crying."

I sniffled. "Okay, I believe you." I wrapped my arms around his waist. "You know, hugs are magical. Apparently." I muttered into his shirt.

He chuckled. "Do you agree with that?"

My lips twitched into a smile. "Yeah, I do." Kaden really did give good hugs. You wouldn't expect that from his cold demeanor.

"I'll be honest, Shorty." Kaden murmured into my hair. "I was scared to death when Myla called me and told me you were missing."

My heart fluttered.

"We found out on Saturday afternoon that you were gone. I thought my ghost left my body." He chuckled, then sobered. "I searched all night last night. I thought I would lose my mind." He pulled me closer. "I'm so glad you're safe, Shorty."