The New Warrior (Book 1)

Chapter 29 Curse more than a gift

We separated a while ago because I needed some air. Of course I didn't say that. I said I needed to talk to Peter, which was true. I hadn't really talked to him since they got back from the raid. I saw him at the top of the Howe on the grass ledge. I sat down beside him silently and sighed.

"Are you alright?"

He didn't say anything for a second. "Yes. Are you?" I nodded without shifting my eyes away from the horizon.

When I finally tore my eyes away, I noticed a nasty cut on his neck. I grasped his chin in my hand and turned his face towards me to get a better look. "Is this from the raid?"

He jerked out of my grasp and shook his head. "No. That's from a few minutes ago. You don't have to baby me."

I raised my eyebrows. "Excuse me, but I'll have you know I wasn't babying you. It's not considered babying if your concerned about someone."

He didn't reply. "How's Edmund."

I looked at him cautiously for a moment. "He's..fine."

"Just fine?" I sighed.

"I didn't know he was going to do that okay? I wasn't expecting it and I know I should've said something, but I've hurt his feelings so many times and he's my best friend and-"

He held up his hand for me to stop. "What are you talking about?"

"I- he kissed me. On my cheek!"

His eyes widened. He looked back straight ahead and set his jaw, before rising to his feet. I jumped up as well and placed a hand on his chest, stepping in front of him. "Where are you going?"

"To set him straight. He can't do that. Your mine!"

As happy as it made me to hear that, I couldn't lose focus. "No. Calm down. He just- he likes me, but you knew that."

When I saw that he was still trying to push me off I wrapped my arms around his waist and hugged him. He froze and hugged me back instantly. After a few moments I felt him let out breath and I knew he had calmed down.

"I'm sorry." He mumbled in my hair.

"It's alright. I would've been mad too if someone had kissed you."

"He can't assume that's okay though."

I nodded quickly, pulling back and looking up at him. "I know. I'll talk to him. I just feel so bad about hurting him."

He smiled. "Well you've always had a big heart."

I smiled. "Sometimes it's a curse more than a gift."