Things That Should Stay Buried - Casey L. Bond Page 0,88
sighed contentedly. “Thank you.”
“Whenever you want to see them, let me know and if it is safe, we can look upon them for a moment.”
I nodded and hugged him tighter, squeezing my eyes closed and breathing in his cinnamon scent, feeling the muscles ripple beneath his skin. I never wanted to let go.
Kes was waiting by my door when I returned. He was livid.
“You’re the most stubborn, foolish—”
I smiled and interrupted, “I think you mean, ‘thanks for saving my Guardian ass.’”
“Is that what you think you did? No, Larken. You distracted us. We could’ve been killed just trying to protect you! The next time they attack, if you aren’t with us, stay away. Far away.” His icicle blue eyes were cold. I drew back, stung. He looked at me the way Kestrel had. In a flash, the ferocity thawed and he pinched the bridge of his nose, a sure sign an apology was on the way. I could breathe easier.
“Is Helena okay?”
“She’s fine.” He faltered, then pulled me in for a hug. “I’m sorry. I was just scared, and then the fear turned to anger.”
I hugged him back. “It’s okay.” He scrubbed a hand down his face. His stubble game was strong. “You need to shave.”
He huffed a laugh. “Go to bed, Larken.”
“But it’s dawn,” I said, yawning.
“I know.” His words were weary and sounded as tired as I felt.
“We need a beanbag or a recliner or something in here. You shouldn’t have to sleep on the floor. You’re in a body as mortal as mine.”
“Whatever; I don’t even care.” He yawned and settled by the fireplace already lit by a comforting glow.
The battle raged through my mind; not the part about Cancer sneaking up on us or even when I sliced her pincer off, but the part where Kes was fighting back-to-back with Aries. Kes could vanish. He could heal. He was strong. But he wasn’t invincible in this body, and I wasn’t sure I would survive watching Kestrel’s body finally die.
ARIES
I couldn’t believe she came to defend us. I knew she loved her brother. Within moments of waking, she’d placed herself between us in the tomb, fearing for his safety. But this time, she came to defend me.
My heart swelled to the point that it threatened to burst.
I sat at my desk and leaned back in the chair, staring at the intricately painted ceiling.
Larken was so different from how I expected her to be.
She’s so much more.
22
I woke to find Aries sitting next to the fire, silently watching me. My skin prickled with awareness.
“You know,” I began, “it’s weird to watch someone sleep.”
“Is it?” He smiled.
“Yes.” I smiled back. “Where’s Kes?”
“Keeping watch…”
He didn’t say over Xavier, but I knew that was probably the case. Aries wouldn’t like it, but I made a mental note to check on my foolish prom date.
He brushed the hair off his forehead as he stood up. “Helena is here.”
I opened my mouth to thank him for not punishing her for what happened last night, but he disappeared as Helena flung open the door. I stood stock still, waiting for her to rail at me for threatening her with the knife she’d just given me, but she walked over and hugged my neck.
I patted her back awkwardly. “So, you’re not mad?”
“Oh, I’m furious.” As she pulled away, the grin she gave was feral. “But I’m much happier about the fact you’re alive and Cancer didn’t snip your head off. How you cut her pincer off, I have no idea, but I’m glad you did. That took guts.”
It really didn’t. It was me or her, and I chose to fight. Truthfully, I got lucky. If her claw had been an inch in either direction, my head would’ve rolled across the dark stone.
Helena brushed her purple bangs aside and grabbed a tuft of fabric from her enormous purse. “Blood red,” she said. “Because they tried to kill you and you cut them. You didn’t let them cut you. Don’t forget that.” She threw the bag on my bed and told me to strip, but I stubbornly held onto my hoodie. “It’s warmer today,” she cajoled. “I promise you don’t need sleeves.”
Warmer sounded amazing.
“Bold?” she asked.
I smiled. “Absolutely.”
After I stripped down, she placed the beginnings of a dress over my head and began working elaborate knots into the fabric. “Kes gave me your knife, and if you promise never to pull it on me again, I might even give it back.”