Saved

Chapter Nine

Faith's P.O.V
According to Jess, I've missed about a weeks worth of living. After Elijah had 'marked' me, and the episode I experienced in the tub, I had slept for two days. Adding the attack into a factor, also mean't I missed another two days before I woke up. According to the doctor, my body had undergone an excessive amount of stress in a short period of time, which caused my body to shut down and allow itself some peace and quiet to heal. According to Jess, my body was so drawn to Elijah, I fainted and was knocked out for a while.
I believe the doctors' theory more than hers.
"Just go find him." Jess spoke up as she sat at her desk, scrolling through her computer.
I was released by the doctor a day after I had awoke and he deemed it safer for me to stay at Elijah's house than at the infirmary. I've been instructed to take an easy for the next couple days to ensure my body is handling healing well. After falling asleep on Elijah two nights ago, he had left yesterday afternoon, despite fighting with Jess regarding my safety, to go and take with a neighboring pack regarding the attack. He was adamant on taking me with him for the night but Jess thwarted that plan. I had left them arguing regarding it in the living room as I took my time climbing the stairs and changed into one of Elijah's sweaters and a pair of cotton shorts. I crawled into Elijah's bed and wrapped the blankets around me. After a while, I felt the bed dip and warmth flood my body. He wrapped his arm around my waist carefully and dragged me back against his chest, tangling our legs together. Although it had only been a short time that we have known each other, I was at peace when he was around.
"I'm sorry for arguing in front of you with Jess." He had said when he helped me turn around to face him.
"It's okay." I sighed as I curled into his chest.
"How are you feeling?" He questioned as his arms had tightened around me.
"I'll be fine." I answered.
A moment of silence filled the space between us before his voice at my ear made me jump slightly.
"Don't lie to me Faith." He whispered and a shiver ran down my spine.
"I-I-I'm a little sore." I stuttered out as his fingers trailed under the sweater I was wearing, across my lower back.
His warmth had left me and a small whimper left my lips at his absence. He returned a few moments later and instructed me to sit up. I followed his commands and sat up slowly, grimacing as I went. My whole body felt like it was one giant bruise. Elijah instructed me to open my mouth and I complied as he dropped a small round object into my mouth, followed by aiding me in taking a sip of water to wash it down.
Once he had been satisfied with the task completed, he returned into the bed. His chest pressed tightly into my back as his arms wrapped around my middle. I could faintly feel him dragging me back against his body even tighter as I felt sleep do the same.
However, when it was time for him to leave the next day with a few of the other males, I felt the anxiety grow in the pit of my stomach. I stood in the doorway at the front door as a few men loaded up one of the black trucks parked in front of Elijah's house. The air was crisp as the sun was setting behind the trees. The wind stirred up fallen leaves from the surrounding trees and blew my hair out from behind me, spotting my vision. I stood in a pair of Jess's leggings and the same deep grey sweater that I had worn to bed that night.
Jess was leaning against the entrance way as Elijah walked up the stone path.
"I'll be back tomorrow afternoon. Nathan and a few other guys are coming with me. Jace will be here if you need him. He's third in command."
I must have made a face because he let out a small chuckle.
"I know you aren't a fan of him," Elijah said, "but he does his job exceptionally well. If you need anything, Jess can link him for you."
"Doubtful," I mumbled under my breath.
He laughed again as Nathan came to stand with us.
"She's just upset because I'm leaving her and she's gonna miss having me around to look at." He winked at the same time Elijah punched him in the shoulder.
"True." I said with a smile.
Although our first encounter wasn't the greatest, Nathan, in the short time I've known him, has been funny to be around.
Elijah let out a growl as he took a step closer to me and Nathan laughed, running off to join the other guys in the truck.
"Like I said, we'll be home tomorrow afternoon. If anything happens, Jess can call."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, get going before you're late." Jess rambled out and making a shooing motion with her hands.
"Be safe." I told him as I wrapped my arms around my body to help stop the shivers racking through my body.
"I will." He said as he moved closer and wrapped his arms around my shoulder and pulled me into his chest.
Automatically, my arms wrapped around his waist and my nose inhaled his scent. Even though I had his closet of clothes here with me, I'll miss having the real thing around even though it's just for the night.
Reluctantly, we both finally pulled back and a kiss was placed to my cheek. His shiny white smile was on full display as he exchanged a look with Jess before making a jog down the path and climbed into the passenger seat, Nathan driving.
I offered a small wave as the truck backed out of the driveway and took off down the dirt path through the trees, into the sunset.
Jess and I had spent the rest of the evening watching a few movies before I decided it was time for a shower and bed. The following morning, Jess made breakfast and then we went off to her room to do more online shopping. It was more of Jess buying things she thought I would need while I skimmed through the book I had been reading the past while.
Sitting here now with Jess, I thought that Elijah being gone would have been easy to handle. Yes, I miss him being around but it feels much more stronger than that. There has been a pit of anxiety brewing inside me since the moment he left. I had barely slept at all through the night. I had finally drifted off to sleep around 4am after countless hours of tossing about only to wake up around 430. I had called it quits on trying to sleep and had a hot shower, washing my hair and body multiple times until the water ran cold. I dressed in another pair of leggings, courtesy of Jess, and a plain white short sleeve shirt. I dug around in the drawers on the dark wooden dresser before finding a thick pair of socks to cover my freezing feet. My hands pushed their way down the sleeves of a zip up sweater that was hung in the closet and then tugged the hood up on top of my head.
When I reached the bottom of the stairs after I had brushed my teeth, the clock over the fireplace had read 530. I sighed before dragging my overly tired body into the kitchen and started the kettle to make a cup of tea. When the kettle had sounded that the water was hot, I transferred it into my mug before climbing onto the counter and crossing my legs, looking out the sliding door.
It was hard to believe a week ago, I was being attacked at that very spot by a wolf. A shiver ran down my spine at the thought of something happening while Elijah wasn't here and just Jess and I alone to fend for ourselves.
Before I could dwell on it further though, Jace had appeared at the sliding door and had slid it open. My body slightly jumped at his appearance, unsure as to why he was here.
"Sorry, I didn't think you'd be awake yet." He said as he closed the glass door behind him.
"It's okay." I replied as I clutched the mug of hot liquid between my cold hands.
"I've been helping with patrols with Elijah being gone. He asked me to check the grounds and the house to ensure yours and his sister's safety."
"Oh." I said, unsure of how to feel being around him. Memories of our first encounter danced around my head.
"I want to apologize for what I did the day you entered our land. It wasn't my intention to be so harsh towards the Alpha's mate, but I hadn't known it at that time."
Instead of acknowledging him, I stared into the black mug in between my palms.
"I don't expect you to forgive me but I'm sorry for what happened."
"Okay," I offered him some sort of response but stayed put, perched up on the counter top.
"You and Jess are okay?" He asked after a few seconds of quiet.
"She's sleeping still." I answered before taking a sip from the steaming mug.
"Yeah, she won't be up until after 11 I'm sure." He chuckled, "Do you need anything?"
"Have you talked to Elijah?" I asked.
"I spoke to him briefly around midnight last night and just updated him on how things are going here." He answered as he ran his hand through his hair.
"Oh."
"He'll be back around noon, I'm sure. We have a meeting with all high ranking officials when he gets back that might take a few hours."
"Good to know." I whispered out as I sighed.
After an attempt to reassure me everything will be fine, Jace left. Around 7am I climbed off the counter and ventured upstairs and down the opposite hallway of where the bedroom was and found Elijah's office. I opened the dark oak door and the room filled with sunlight from the large window behind his desk. My socked feet padded into the room and grabbed the forest green blanket from the couch against the side wall with my free hand before climbing into his leather chair and curling up as best as I could. The blanket smelled like him as I draped it around my shoulders and hung onto my tea mug. I spun the chair to face the window outside and spent the early morning watching people mingle about.
Eventually Jess had found me and decided to do more online shopping and movie watching. She kept me busy until 6pm when she finally sighed out loud. She was polite enough to not comment on my mood and how I was rather quiet all day and uninterested in anything she suggested we do. I more or less agreed with anything she wanted to do, in an attempt to keep her happy.
"Earth to Faith, I said go find him." She repeated as she spun in her desk chair and faced me.
"No it's okay, Jace said he would be busy." I told her as I flipped through one of the many magazines that Jess had offered me.
"Ugh," she groaned as she stood up and tugged a sweater on, before slipping her socked feet into some sandals, "come on."
Jess grabbed my arm and tugged me off of her bed. The sweater I had on was zipped up to the middle of my chest and the hood was still tugged on top of my head. My brown hair was pulled around and hung out the one side in an attempt to tame the wild locks. When we made it down the stairs, she threw a pair of shoes at me and I quickly slipped them on before following her out the front door.
"You two haven't talked about what happened, have you?" Jess spoke up as she pulled the heavy door shut behind us.
"No." I answered as I tugged my hood further up on my head, the air was crisp and cold as it danced around us.
"You need to. There's so much you don't understand still Faith."
I sighed, "I know, I just don't know what to say." I admitted as I stared down at our moving feet.
"It's hard to enter a world you know nothing about and I can't imagine how you must feel about what you've been through and have seen since you've been with us here. Werewolves are very possessive and intense beings. Sharing a body with a wolf, essentially, is hard. Sometimes we do things without thinking and act on impulse not realizing what we are doing. Just like he did when he marked you the other day. We can overreact and get angered easily but we also care strongly about those close to us and would do anything to protect them. Especially Elijah. Being an Alpha comes with an abundance of responsibility. He's in charge of everything and everyone on our land. It's his job to keep us protected and to ensure our safety at all times. It's a twenty-four seven kind of job." Jess explained.
"I know you don't have much experience with guys but Elijah can be a handful. He was, in a way, designed and conditioned for this path ever since he was born. It doesn't mean that he won't be stubborn because believe me he can be. There's going to be fights and arguments. He's going to be wrong sometimes. It's your job, in a way, to help him see clearly. You have to call him out on his bullshit when he's wrong or when he's being an ass. Sometimes you'll have to be a voice of reason. Don't be afraid to speak up and speak your mind, you're stronger than you might think. You need to say how you feel and what you feel."
A small huff left my lips as we walked the path that had other pack members homes lined along it. We walked beyond the training grounds as men, women and children covered the path and lingered about playing and chatting with others. The cold temperature didn't seem to phase them as their laughs rang through the air.
Jess led us off the path and towards and opening where more kids were climbing over playing equipment and running in and out of the forest beyond. A few parents stood mingling about and offered a small smile and a hello as we passed by.
"I can't believe it's October." I mumbled out as we took a rest and sat at a bench over looking the forest and play structure. My mind was trying to understand everything that Jess had just told me. I lifted up my legs and crossed them under me as I sat, resting my cold hands in my lap, rubbing them for some warmth.
"Yeah, it's my favorite season. I love watching the leaves change color." Jess said as she smiled and looked at me.
"You okay?" She asked.
"Honestly, I have no idea."
Jess laughed as she wrapped her arm around me and gave me a squeeze, "I would be worried if you had an idea," she chuckled, "it's a lot to have swirling around in your mind. Now with my brother marking you, things may only get more confusing."
"What do you mean?" I questioned her as I shoved my hands under my bottom trying to get some warmth.
"Remember what we talked about a few weeks back regarding the whole soul mate werewolf thing?" Jess asked.
"Yeah. You said I was made for him."
"Yes. Well part of the process we talked about was a mating mark. Although it was more like an attack, the bite that's on your neck is his mark. That's his claim, stating you're taken, that you're his," she explained, "you're off the market to anyone who knows what that mark on your neck means. It's suppose to be more of a romantic gesture but, not all werewolf males, especially alphas, are patient regarding the whole process."
"You can say that again." I mumbled with a shake of my head.
Jess's gaze drifted off as she stilled, seeming to be deep in thought. A few moments later she said, "Elijah's finished for the evening. He's just leaving the training facility."
"How do you-"
"Mind link," Jess laughs as she tapped her finger to her temple.
"Oh, right." I laughed with her.
"He's wondering where we are. The sun's already setting and it's getting even colder for you." She said.
I want nothing more than to be able to go and see him. That's all I have wanted since he left yesterday but sitting here and now discussing everything with Jess, is giving me an internal debate against myself. I do want to go and find him, that's why we left the house in the first place, but now, a bigger part of me wants space to sort through the jumble in my head.
"I'll catch up with you." I told her as she stood to her feet, flinging her hair over her shoulder.
"You shouldn't be out by yourself, I can walk you back."
"I won't be long. I just want to enjoy the sunset a bit longer." I offered with a smile.
Jess seemed to ponder my response for a moment before she took off back the way we came.
It felt like forever since I was outside.
The yard we were in seemed to thin with only a few adults lingering about, enjoying the last few minutes of sunlight. I took in a deep breath of fresh air before blowing it out again. The cold air felt great as it filled my lungs, sending a chill down my spine. The temperature definitely had dropped and the shivers never stopped as I sat curled up on the bench, the bliss of being alone with my own thoughts was peaceful, though didn't last long. A hand slid down the back of my head, taking the hood of my sweater with it, letting my hair dance in the wind. The body that the hand belonged to appeared in my peripheral vision, and sat down beside me. Warm flooded my being even though Elijah was nowhere close to touching me.
"What are you doing out here all by yourself?" He smiled as his gaze held my own.
I sighed without giving a reply, unsure of what to really say.
So many emotions were running through my body I wasn't really sure how to explain why I wanted to be out here alone. I felt like my body was being tugged in so many directions and that I had been through so much, I couldn't remember the last time I could actually breathe. I readjusted my legs on the bench, the pain from the marks, not proving to show any signs of discomfort yet. My gaze fell from his as I focused on the night sky, draping the horizon. It's been too long since I've been outside and I don't want to take it for granted ever again. My numb fingers dragged my hair across the back of my neck and around my shoulder as an attempt to contain it, draping my hood back on.
"What's going on love?" Elijah questioned softly.
The moon in the quickly darkening sky acted as a night light for the earth. It casted an illuminating glow over the forest and grounds. Without thinking, I eventually stood up and allowed my shoe covered feet to take me across the grounds in front of me and to the edge of the forest. My head turned up to stare at the tops of the trees that were glowing under the shine of the moon.
I didn't need to turn around to know that Elijah was a few short steps behind me, curious as to what I was doing. In truth, I had no idea but I was enjoying the outdoors. Yes, the air was cold and my whole body felt numb and frigid but it was worth sacrificing warmth for at the moment. The massive trees loomed over us as I gazed over them before taking a few steps into the forest in front of me. My fingertips traced the rough surface of the nearby tree trunk as my feet crunched a few colorful fallen leaves that laid on the mossy ground.
"Where are you going?" I heard him say behind me.
"Why did you bite me?" I countered as I continued walking further into the forest. Not seeing his face and having distance between us made it easier for me to ask him questioning without getting distracted.
"I'm sorry for that," he said, "I let my wolf and my anger get the best of me and I lost my temper. I didn't mean to hurt you the way I did." He explained, his voice soft in the breeze.
"Jess said that werewolves can be intense, possessive." My voice commented.
"Yes, we're built in a way to protect and care for the one we are destined to be with. We'd do anything for them, for their happiness. We're made for our soul mate and no one else." He responded, his footsteps echoing behind me.
"She said that you can act without thinking sometimes, that your wolf can take over for you."
"Our wolves are passionate beings inside of us. When we feel a great deal of anger or something triggers us, they come to the forefront. I'd never do anything to hurt you, Faith. My wolf, along with myself, belong to you. You were destined for the both of us, not just one part."
"Didn't feel like that at Maggie's." My inner jealousy was quick to throw out.
Elijah sighed as he trailed behind me still, "Faith, I gave up looking for my mate years ago. I never thought the day would come where I would have found her. That I would have found you. It's an adjustment and it's just as new for you as it is for me."
"I didn't like how it felt when you paid that kind of attention to her." I told him openly.
"I can't imagine how that made you feel. I apologize for how I acted at the diner. It won't happen again." The promise hung thick from his words.
Partial relief flooded my body as his voice was solidifying his words. I had no reason not to trust that he would keep his word, especially if this whole soul mate thing was as big of a deal as they claim it is. But what about the mark on my neck? Does that play a bigger role in whatever it is that's going on between us?
"And the mark?" I asked as I finally stopped my trek into the forest and turned to face him. His movements continued towards me, but I raised a hand between us to stop him.
"Being close to you makes it hard for me to think clearly sometimes. I need some distance while we talk about this or else I'll never get answers that I need." I told him.
The moonlight that danced across his beautifully sculpted features, revealed a small smile across his face. He proceeded to take a few steps back and rested his back against one of the large trees that encased us.
"The mark on your neck," he spoke, "is a claim. It's how us wolves mark what is ours. Although I wish it was done a different way, especially with how fragile your body was at the time, means that you belong to me now. That mark ensures that those around us know you're taken and not available. You now have my scent surrounding you so others are aware you belong to me."
"She wasn't kidding when she said you were possessive beings." I sighed as I quipped.
"No," he laughed, "she wasn't."
"The mark comes with some conditions, I guess you could say." Elijah continued as he studied my face. "It allows me to know more about you as a whole than I could when we first met. My feelings for you are only going to become stronger and more, determined, as my wolf and I adjust."
"What do you mean?" I asked as a puzzled feeling washed over me. I was confused all over again.
"The significance of the marks means that the feelings between us are only going to grow more powerful and intense. The need to be around each other is going to be more strong than it was when you first met me. It means that I now know how you're feeling. I can sense your confusion and curiosity. I know you're fighting yourself to remain still where you are despite wanting to be closer. I know that despite how dark and cold it is out here, you feel safe with me. Your body trusts me to protect you."
I felt my heart beating against my ribcage.
"My brain feels foggy when you're around and I'm trying to figure out my thoughts. When you're not around, I feel cold and empty. You were gone and I was with Jess. We had fun but I wanted nothing more than for you to be here, with me." I shrugged my shoulders as I fisted the ends of the sweater sleeves into my hands and wrapped my arms around my waist.
It felt frustrating that my mind constantly wanted to be wrapped around Elijah.
Elijah stood propped against the tree quietly. I wasn't sure if he was going to respond or not. As the silence washed over us and I contemplated and organized my thoughts, I slowly spun around to look at my surroundings. The sun had officially set; a dark amber colouring the sky before swallowing us into the shining of the moon. My feet carried me through the small area until I reached the nearest tree and I ran my fingers against the rough bark. 
Jess had said a few times to not be afraid to try things out with Elijah. The only way to really understand was to test out how I was feeling whenever I was near or away from him. It had proven to be a test when I paced in his office a few weeks ago, learning about the connection our bodies shared with one another. It showed how I longed to be in his presence and to have him within reach at any time. 
Even Elijah had explained that the bond and feelings would grow and become stronger the closer we got together, but also that in due time, I'd come to adjust and control how I allowed things to affect me. 
A sigh left my lips as I circled around back on my feet, facing where Elijah was perched against the trunk a good few strides away from me. I wish things were easy for once and I didn't have to spend so much time trying to sort through all the jumble and confusion I felt swirling inside my mind.
My eyes drifted from the darkened ground and landed on Elijah's tall frame. He looked relaxed and at ease which made a sense of comfort wash over me. His eyes held my attention although a part of him seemed to be elsewhere. Focused on my movements but also focused on something else.
"You're focusing on my thoughts aren't you?" I questioned as I watched his face tug into a smile.
"Yes." He replied with a smirk, almost challengingly.
"And what exactly do you feel?" I asked.
"I can feel your confusion and curiosity. I know you're trying to sort through everything that's swirling around in that pretty little head of yours." 
I huffed, slightly annoyed at how accurate his answer was. I felt as though him invading my thoughts was rather unfair and intrusive.
"Frustrating isn't it?" he teased as he tucked his hands into his pockets and his smile remained intact.
"Very." I frowned, "I don't like you poking your nose around in my head."
"I only do it to protect you."
My shoulders shrugged. It was considerate but still got under my skin that at any given time, he could see what was floating across my brain. It seemed unfair that he could rifle through mine any time he wanted, but I was at a loss as to what's going on inside of his.
My body was getting colder as we stood here, almost like we were in a duelling match. My feet subconsciously moved me forward towards where Elijah was. I could feel the need to move faster and to be closer to him but I resisted as best as I could. I needed to know I had some control in all of this.
When my shoes all but stepped on top of his, I remained still and frozen, with my hands at my sides. Elijah's hands were tugged from his pocket and his right hand reached up and slowly tugged down the hood that covered and contained my hair. The breeze took the strands of my hair and danced them around my face, my fingers making quick work to tame the loose locks and round them over my shoulder. Although his hand never touched my skin, I could feel the warmth and sparks that came with his touch, my heart rate twitching at the need to have his warmth around my body. 
In another attempt with trying out theories, I gently raised my right hand and placed it in the middle of his chest, feeling the heat radiating off of his body. I kept my hand still for a moment as I gazed at his face. He watched me as I traced my fingertips up to his shoulder before trailing it back down to the centre of his solid torso. No matter the placement of my hand, tingles followed.
My gaze drifted to my hand as I removed my touch and felt the chill swirl around my body at the loss of contact. My movements without thinking placed both of my palms back on his chest. Elijah's hands slid out of his pockets, but remained at his side. It felt like he was allowing me to untwist all the cloudiness inside my head.
"Are you always this warm?" I asked as kept my palms pressed to his chest.
"Wolf things. Our body is always warm, we're like heaters. It allows us to transition faster when our blood's heated." He explained.
I nodded as I slowly moved my hands up to his shoulders and around his neck, my fingers finding the ends of his hairline and softly running my fingertips through his hair at the base. Elijah's warm hands were suddenly on my hips and slowly sliding up to my waist. His warmth consumed me as soon as his hands wound under my sweater and made contact with my skin. 
A small gasp left my lips at the sudden friction felt from his touch. I could feel the heat wrap around my body and the shivers I was feeling mere seconds ago, disappear. 
My gaze shifted from touch to his face. The moon did wonders for his facial features, making him look like a sculpted work of art. His eyes were already on mine, studying my face and not doubt my thoughts as to the effect his touch had on my body.
"Will I ever get used to that?" I asked with a slight tilt to my head.
"You'll adjust." He smiled as my hands slid back down to his chest, tingles gliding with them.
A few moments of silence passed as we stood staring at each other before his voice filled my ears again.
"I want to try something, but I need you to stay still for me." His voice was delicate and quiet.
I could feel my heart pick up at the sudden interest of what he wanted to do. 
Ever so slowly, his right hand left my waist as his palm travelled up my arm and slowly encased the side of my face as he slightly lowered his face down to mine. My gaze stayed fixated on his as he gently kissed my forehead, my eyes blinking at the touch. When my eyes reopened he had moved my body closer against his, his lips a breath away from mine. Without allowing me much time to process the situation, his lips softly brushed against mine. The sensation sent shivers through my body at the feather light contact and my hands instinctively grasped his shirt in my fists, the feeling almost electric. Elijah leaned back only slightly to gauge my reaction, before repeating the same action again.
His lips delicately pressed against mine once more, the softness of his lips enticing and warm. My eyes slid close at the feeling of his actions again, my body suddenly fighting to be closer to Elijah. Without much thought, my hands slid back up to his neck and his left hand drew me closer into his solid chest. The kiss suddenly deepened and my grip around the nape of his neck tightened a fraction and the sensation filling my body. I  felt consumed by Elijah and the actions that were taking place. I felt his tongue brush against my bottom lip before he ever so slightly bit it, causing a gasp to leave my mouth at the new found experience. In the blink of an eye, Elijah's hands had gripped the back of my legs and hoisted me up into his solid body, my legs wrapped around his waist as my back collided with the tree. 
I gasped as Elijah's body pressed me tight against the tree trunk.
Instantly the kiss grew deeper as his tongue slipped beyond my lips and tangled with my own. My hands and mind fought to drag him closer to me as he held me securely between his own solid body and the rough surface of the tree trunk behind me. Elijah's lips left mine as he slowly kissed down my jaw and across my collarbone. His mouth assaulted every inch of my exposed skin leaving a trail of flames in his wake. Another sigh left my lips as his tongue gently swept over the mark that he had dawned me with, before his mouth enclosed over it and sucked. I felt his teeth graze the mark before his tongue soothed the burn that accompanied it. My fingers tugged at the back of his neck, missing the contact of his mouth with mine. Elijah wasted no time in sealing his lips harshly against mine.  My chest was starting to burn as his mouth continued to assault mine and the sweltering heat that coursed through my body, drove my thoughts wild. The sparks I had always felt when experiencing his touch were no match for the storm that I felt coursing through whole system from his kiss. My lungs constricted as my mouth danced with his passionately, his fingers tangled in my hair that danced around my neck from the breeze.
I pulled away with slight pant in my breathing.
Elijah's eyes opened and a shimmer of gold danced across them.
"I'm sorry," he said sincerely, "I got a bit carried away." 
"It's okay. I'm just not used to something like that." I answered breathlessly as I lowered my head, feeling my cheeks heat up. 
"I'll try to be more gentle next time." He filled the silence leaving me slightly confused.
"What do you mean?" I asked as my gaze finally returned to his. He could clearly see the confusion that lingered across my face.
The pad of his thumb swept delicately across my bottom lip, causing me to wince slightly. My lips rounded into an o shape in understanding as my own finger traced my lips. They felt sore and slightly swollen from the contact they had with his own. However, I'd no idea how rough the kiss actually was until after the fact.
"I had no idea. I'll be okay though." I softly smiled as he planted a gentle kiss to my forehead.
"Good," he said as he pulled back slightly and dropped his hold on my thighs when my feet firmly touched the ground, "let's get you back to the house though, it's getting colder out and I don't want you to catch a cold." 
Elijah took a few steps back to give me some space to adjust my sweater that had risen in our heated moment. Once I was satisfied and had my hair contained, he slipped his warm hand into mine and began to lead the way back to the yard, heading for home.
My thoughts swirled inside my head at the meaning of the kiss we just shared. I was wondering what would change now with the new found form of contact between us. Would things progress with the mating bond or wouldn't things still continue as normal as they could? As different emotions swirled and danced around in my head, I was thankful that Elijah didn't interfere with any of the notions that racked my brain. My eyes glanced up at him and took in all of his features. He looked like a sculpted masterpiece; brown hair tousled from the wind, t-shirt dawning his body although you could see the efforts to keep his body well maintained and physically fit. His muscles were defined and screamed that he wasn't one to mess with, however, his face, although sharp and in control, also held a soft and caring aspect as well. 
My shoes crumbled the leaves that laid on the ground, the fall weather was allowing the leaves to transform into a multitude of different hues of orange as they floated from the tree branches above. Darkness was in full swing as the moon lit up our way as we walked the gravel path back towards Elijah's house. Night time was always my favourite even despite being stuck in a small room. Things seemed quieter and more at peace than during the day and I always felt hopeful.
Elijah's soft tug on my hand as we met the grass on his property drew me out of my thoughts. We  rounded the side of the house towards the back seating area and found Jess sitting with a small fire in the cast iron table between the furniture. 
"You guys okay?" She asked as she looked up from her knelt spot on the ground. Her hand was clasped around small metal rod that was sticking above the flames, a white square spinning slowly on the end of it.
Elijah looked at me and I offered him a small smile, "yeah, we're good."
"Glad to hear it. I'm making some marshmallows since it's looking to be a good night. Anyone up for an early night snack?"
"Faith?" Elijah asked as he looked at me standing by his side.
"Uh, yeah, we can.." I stammered.
"You okay?" He cocked an eyebrow up in my direction.
"I'm uh, just a little sore and tired, that's all." 
"That's okay. You can go get ready for bed if you'd like." Elijah offered softly.
I gave a small nod as I wished Jess a goodnight before venturing through the sliding glass door. My socked feet kicked off my shoes before I wandered through the house and up the staircase to grab some warmer clothes. Now being away from Elijah I felt the temperature difference. My body was freezing. I deftly felt my way through the room and flicked on a small lamp beside the bed and noticed the medication from the doctor. Quick work on the safety lid and I was able to tumble out the proper amount before chasing them down my throat with some water. My teeth chattered as I made quick work of tying my hair up in a loose ponytail and tugging on some thicker sweatpants that Jess had purchased for me as well as a new clean top and one of Elijah's sweaters. He didn't join me when I walked into the house, assuming he was going to chat with his sister for a while and I didn't think he would mind considering the amount of times I've already worn his clothes. 
Once I was comfortable enough, I grabbed the fuzzy blanket that was draped over the end of the bed and wrapped it around my body before pulling back the bedding and crawled in, attempting to warm up. It was tough knowing that Elijah's warmth and any other kind of warmth were no match compared to each other. Despite the vast amount of covers, my body still felt cold from this evenings events in the cold weather and after fumbling about trying to scavenge any form of comfort for what felt like hours, I crawled out of bed and wrapped the fuzzy blanket around my shoulders as my feet carried me quietly back down the staircase and towards the sliding door. Elijah was sat outside with Jess. In my absence it looked like a few more people had joined the fire. 
I was suddenly anxious to walk outside.
With a deep breath and a small shake of my head to rid the tears forming in my eyes, I grabbed the door handle and softly slid it open. Chatter filled my ears as Elijah's company mingled and laughed while Jess made some food over the open flame. My gaze travelled the small area is search for him, finding him sat on a chair, perched forward with elbows resting on his knees. My hands wrapped the blanket around my body tighter as I slowly made my way up to him, his gaze fixated on me the second my movement caught his eye. He sat back in his chair as I approached, his face no longer laughing as he studied my face. Conversations still continued around us as I stood in front of him, his hands reaching out to grab my waist as his eyes bored into mine.
"You look like you're at war with yourself." Elijah whispered out as he intently stared at me.
In response I shook my head not wanting to sort through my own thoughts.
"I couldn't get warm enough to sleep." I said instead.
Without another word between us, Elijah's eyes shifted between my own, rummaging through my head no doubt. He knew I needed him to sleep and always wanted his warmth. He slid back on his cushioned chair and pulled my body down onto his lap, allowing me to sit sideways and dangle my legs across his waist. His broad arms wrapped around me, securing me to his chest as my head rested against the crook of his neck. 
A few brief hello's were exchanged between a few people around the fire before I turned my head to face towards the forest behind us. My hand rested on his shoulder as my chin was placed on top, Elijah's hand rubbing up and down my back, under the blanket I had cocooned myself inside.
My arms tightened around his neck when I heard wolves howling in the distance. His hold pulled me closer into his before he gently whispered into my hair, "just the boy's running patrol."
The thoughts in my head trailed off as I fixated on the tree line, mesmerized by the moonlight reflecting everything in its path. Between the cool night and the heat from the blue eyed man's lap I was resting in, it didn't take long for me to succumb to the darkness, surrounded by nothing but peace and comfort.