The Highlander's Charm

Nine

I cannae help but stiffen in the vampire in question's arms, his name, not something that I even thought to collect before crushing whatever thoughts and hopes he had of us being together by rejecting him so promptly... And the shame of it lessens the comfort I find in his arms being reminded that I do not belong curled up against him like so...

But I find that my embarrassment is causing me to pull away from him slightly, my heart unable to allow me to climb out of his lap completely even though I know I shouldna have found myself here in the first place... But when he found me I was in no position to refuse the comfort of his embrace, the feel of Baigh's lips against mine so soon after surely breaking the vampire's heart had felt so very wrong that even putting space between the two of us I couldna be sure that I'd not end up spread out of the floor like a fool from fainting...

Honestly, if he hadn't found me I wouldna have sought him out... I'm not sure where I had been running to when my feet had carried me away from Baigh, but I do not think that it was to these arms I was headed... Not that it can't be said that I've not enjoyed the feel of my mate's arms wrapped around me so that I might remember how it feels in my dreams

"My name is Emory Black." I know that he's only answering Baigh's question and taking mercy on me, but it almost seems as though Emory's words are being whispered only to me, his voice low and cool as it washes over me, just like the feel of his hand on my back when he was soothing my tears, "And your's is Baigh?"

...

Emory

...

"Aye. Now. Should we stay here on the floor or should we get you over to the pack doctor, Black? You do na look so well." The man's words have some merit, for as filling as the cattle blood had been between my exhausted body continuing to heal itself from the trauma of deserting the cause I had thought was a just one until far too late, and my heart shattering out in the barn, and as much as I wish it did not, the smell of the blood currently crusting the front of Baigh's shirt is calling to me, mixing with the sweet scent of my cherub making my mouth water in a way that has me longing for a different future than the one currently unfolding in front of me...

A life where I crave to taste the warmth running through Flinn's veins knowing that I shall be nothing more than a friend if he allows me to stay close to him...

"It's not a doctor I need." Though I do appreciate the sentiment of the shifter noticing my discomfort, "Just rest." And possibly another trip to the cows when I have the energy... I need to be careful about how often I sample the livestock to ensure they stay healthy and make sure that I do not give Alpha Bower any reason to ask me to leave...

"You should at least let us help you back to your room, Emory." The words sound so sweet and so caring coming from the lips of delicate Flinn, his cheeks still flushed and shiny from his tears, one of his delicate hands resting on the side of my neck giving me a caress that I think may be unintentional on his part...

Though it feels lovely all the same, and the effect that it has on my soul settles me knowing that even though I am in pain at the moment I shall sleep well tonight having heard my name roll off of Flinn's lips just this once while seated so snugly in my lap.

And I cannae find it in me to deny him anything, even this, so I find my lips forming a nearly silent, "Aye... I suppose that would be alright..."

As alright as it is, I wish so very much that he would be able to stay with me instead of just depositing me into the room that his pack has so kindly lent to me... I wish that I could hold him just like this while I heal and recover so that I might inherit some of his warmth as my flesh recovers itself... But I know that it's only wishful thinking that has the desire settling into the back of mg mind like a phantom I know shall always haunt me... Just like his freckles do every time I close my eyes...

...
Flinn
...

It takes us just a moment too long to separate from each other, and Baigh being the man that he is, notices and says nothing, instead offering his hands to each of us when we are ready so that he might help pull us up to our feet... If he knows anything of what Emory and I truly ate to each other I think he shall stat quiet on the matter as a way to make it up to me for taking his crush a step too far.

It feels rather awkward just standing before each other now knowing what it feels like to take comfort in each other, but neither of us is able to be the first one to move... Emory leaning toward me as though he wishes he could you'll me back against his broad chest and keep me there... The look in his eyes as he gazes at me the purest form of hell with how it appears as though his inner self is weeping with grief over not being permitted to claim me as his own...

I know the pain that graces his face because I know my expression is one so very similar... And just as I find myself wishing I could melt back into his person... My kind vampire's knees buckle, his eyes rolling back in his head just enough to frighten me.