Blood Floweret

« Chapter One »

They were like suicidal kids, telling each other not to commit. 

Maybe that's how all the broken people in the world ended up finding refuge in each other. They all knew the same pain, the same agony, and they just wordlessly agreed that they needed someone to understand. Once they found a purpose to live, that was their lifeline, and for most, it was saving others. Spreading their story. Protecting others from the darkness. 

She exhaled, her arms tucked between her body and his. He never let go of her. It was officially their first hug and her best hug. She hardly remembered a time where someone didn't lay a hand on her with ill intention. It was nice to feel his thumbs gently rubbing circles in her shoulders. Her entire body responded to him and she felt safe. For the first time in a long time, she was safe.

He sighed and she listened to the sound of his lungs within his chest. 

She sensed he wanted to say something. Perhaps he felt the need to fill the empty space around them with more stories. She wouldn't have minded that much but she was really enjoying the silence for once. A type of silence that wasn't threatening or brooding but calm and protecting. She relished in this moment because it wouldn't last forever. She would have to face reality. 

But this time, she glanced up at her mate, she wasn't alone. 

Finally, Cassius sighed once more, and then he said, "When I lost my mother, I felt like my whole world was over. She was my rock and without her, I felt so alone. As a half-blood in a werewolf pack, I felt like an outcast, but Leon and Asher never saw me like that. You didn't want to let me in because you didn't think I would understand but trust me when I say I've experienced a lot of pain."

She was quiet for a moment before she whispered into his chest, "Doesn't it hurt talking about stuff like that?" 

He gently grasped her chin, tilting her head up, and his kind green eyes glimmered, "My struggle and my pain brought me more strength than I ever could have imagined. Yes, it hurts, but it's part of me, whether I like it or not. I am not proud of what happened, but I've learned to be okay with it, and embrace who I am today. That's the difference, that's the power of healing."

"That must be nice." She said. Her soul longed for that. Still, she felt like his revelation about his mother made their emotional connection stronger. They had both lost people they loved.

He wiped away the stray tear that trickled down her cheek, "Don't worry, my little valor, I will help you as long as you let me. It's a long process to heal but you are already so strong."

"I-I..." Her bottom lip wobbled and she couldn't form words.

"You've hurt for so long," He murmured, "I just want to take all your pain away."

He gently pressed a kiss to her temple. His soft lips lingered there, as if he was afraid to pull away, and she sighed softly. She never wanted this moment to end. Her little box of emotions was quiet for once as it sat without its lid and nothing threatened to spill out. She had burn through it all in her release, a long-awaited one at that, and yet she knew it wouldn't be long before things built back up. 

Cassius sighed, "Come on, we should get back. You need to eat." 

She groaned, popping open an eye, she had been intently listening to his steady heartbeat, "Do you always ruin perfect moments?" 

"I'm a pro at it," He winked, "Now let's go before Leroy releases the Enforcers. They will grumble about it for a week and I'll probably be stuck on border patrol. I hate that job." 

She wanted to smile but it wasn't quite there, so she stated, "You have history with everyone." 

He chuckled, green eyes glinting to hers, "Absolutely. I never let anyone go feeling left out. Its even more fun when Reeve and Mikica come to visit." 

"When do they come?" 

"A few months, I think, its almost that time of year again. Reeve comes down to visit the graves of our fallen." They had unconsciously began walking back towards the pack houses. Their hands intertwined once more. 

"In the Aloysius War?" She queried. 

He rubbed her knuckles with his thumb, "Yeah. Its hard to believe that's been eight years now," He paused thoughtfully, "That would also mean I met Mikica six years ago. Gosh, she's all grown up now." 

She didn't really know what to say. She hadn't experienced the true love of a family, she didn't even know how that was supposed to be, so she couldn't relate to the fondness that glimmered in Cassius' eyes. She had only ever trusted Fabian and he was her best friend. She studied the side of Cassius' face in thought. He and Fabian would have gotten along, very well, their personalities were similar. 

She stopped thinking. She was too tired to succumb to those thoughts. Cassius squeezed her hand, as if he sensed her thoughts, and she exhaled roughly. This would be a long journey. She had only touched the tip of the iceberg and there was so much below the surface of the water. She had more demons to face, more emotions that would rage to be let out, and she wanted to be able to handle it. 

When they made it back to the Alpha's House, everyone else had already gotten their breakfast and dispersed to carry on their pack duties. Cassius paid no mind and led her into the empty kitchen. He purposefully led her to a chair at the island counter and she sat. 

"What would you like to eat?" He asked, leaning on the counter with his elbows, a silly grin on his face. She had no idea how he could be so happy all the time after being pushed through extremely heavy emotions. He talked about his past like it was nothing. She was exhausted. 

She shrugged, "Anything is good." 

"Alright, does a bacon and egg omelet sound good?" 

"Yeah, thank you." 

"Don't mention it," He turned to pull things from the refrigerator, "You have taken care of everyone else for far too long, it's my pleasure to take care of you." 

"You don't have to." She mumbled. 

He shot her a wink, "I wouldn't want to do anything else." 

She could hardly keep her eyes open. Her wolf was purring in absolute satisfaction as they watched their mate cook for them. Something about it made her little heartbeat a few beats quicker. Still, her eyelids drooped further and she found herself leaning on the counter. 

A plate was set down in front of her and she almost startled out of her skin. She blinked rapidly and looked up at her mate. He was grinning, did he ever stop? She hoped he wouldn't. It was contagious and maybe someday she would fall victim. Maybe someday she would be able to smile back and he could bring joy back into her life. But for now, she could only nod in thanks. 

"Do you want to take a nap after breakfast?" He asked, setting a glass of orange juice in front of her, and then he took a seat next to her. 

"I don't...really like sleeping." She answered quietly. 

"Okay," He nodded. Was there anything he didn't understand?

She only managed to stomach half of the food he made and she felt extremely guilty about it but he simply smiled and slid the plate in front of himself. She sipped on her drink while he devoured the rest of the food. She couldn't seem to stop watching him, she wanted to memorize every line of happiness on his face. He had the key to happiness and she found herself wanting to know the secret. 

She wanted him to teach her how to heal. 

♦       ♦       ♦       ♦       ♦      ♦

I am ready for this. 

Just a fun fact, these books are set six years ahead of when we last left Aloysius in Book Five. Obviously, things are different, characters have mellowed, and children are abundant. Its happy times. I can't wait for you guys to experience it all!