Chapter 27
Guardian Manor, Tetartos Realm
Sam found herself in a hallway one floor up, in a wing opposite from her own room. A slew of butterflies had set up residence in her stomach, and her mind wouldn’t stop the constant rerun of all Sirena had told her.
Could she do this? She remembered the pain etched in his gorgeous face as he moved toward her, completely nude and absolutely perfect, even with the wounds riddling his body. His beautiful ice blue eyes had searched her face before he gently touched her cheek. Her breath caught at the thought of being near him again. He’d made her feel safe in that hell; his warmth had surrounded and caressed her cold body. Even unconscious, his presence had been a balm. He’d come for her, believing she was some kind of soul mate. Sirena had said that he’d been desperately trying to find her from the day that Alex had come inside her head. How long ago was that? Days? It felt like she’d been in the clutches of that Nazi Fuck for a lifetime.
Her feet moved quickly and of their own accord, seeking him out. She badly needed to see him and was drawn to where Sirena had said Erik was recovering.
Sam didn’t think it was possible for her heart to beat any faster. All she knew as she padded down the halls and passed the staff that busily cleaned and bustled about was that she had to know he was truly okay. Had to feel his skin. She became aroused every time she thought of being intimate with him.
Shame hit her like a blow. Knowing her body responded when the bastards had violated her was what she struggled with most, even though Sirena had explained that they’d drugged her. It still left her feeling dirty, though she was grateful that Uri and Alex had dulled the terror, the debilitating panic; she felt she could move past it all.
She took a calming breath, wondering about the man she would see any moment. She replayed his words over and over. You’re safe now. He was beyond her dreams physically, and she owed him her life, but she didn’t know anything about the man, or he her. Would he want her, knowing how damaged she was? A part of her understood what Sirena had told her; this was fate, supernatural, not something either could fight. She would do what needed to be done. Repay her debt and take the power she needed, but she wouldn’t entertain thoughts of fairytales after what she’d endured.
She shivered, suddenly freezing again no matter that she’d lingered within the heated shower until her skin wrinkled, finally getting some warmth into her cold bones. She closed her eyes and could almost feel his warmth beckoning.
Sirena said that if she were strong enough to help Erik, she would, in turn, gain the power to protect herself from Cyril. The gut-clenching desire to be strong, powerful, after having been at the mercy of that bastard and his bitch was tempting, but she was lying to herself if she said that was all this was about.
She stopped and rested her forehead on the door she knew had to be his. Her heart continued to batter her chest. Her daring was gone, but her body and soul ached to go through that door. Taking deep breaths, she tried to calm herself. Erik was supposed to be asleep for a couple of days, according to the doctor. That would give her a little more time to adjust, and seeing him sleep, maybe helping in his care would be comforting.
Click.
She jumped back as the door popped opened. Uri and Alex stood just inside. Alex gave her a radiant smile and hugged her close. “We were just about to head your way,” Alex said gently as she ushered Sam into a huge suite. Thick, shaggy wool carpet sat beneath massive furniture done in brown and black in the sunken living room. There was a beautiful wood fireplace next to French doors leading out onto a big balcony. A wet bar was on one side with a table, and to the right, she saw a small kitchen with an island that faced the living room.
“We just came to check on Erik.” Alex studied her for a moment before asking, “Do you want to see him?” The other female gave her hands a light squeeze that bolstered her.
Sam took a deep breath, knowing she could do this. “I spoke to Sirena. I’d like to do what I can to help.”
Uri gave her a warm smile filled with concern before saying, “We would really appreciate that, but has Sirena told you what will happen when he awakes? He won’t be himself, Sam. He would never harm you, but I don’t want you to be frightened by anything.” He searched her face as she felt her cheeks overheat. The one part of her body that wasn’t cold.
She cleared her throat, guessing Uri knew about everything. “Yes, she explained.” Shit, it wasn’t like she was a virginal teenager, but the whole thing was overwhelming. Sirena had already explained that it would be impossible for him to hurt her; he would seek her pleasure beyond all else. For some reason she believed it. You’re safe now, played again in her head.
Uri nodded once. “You don’t have to do this and you can choose to go back to your room. He’ll be out for days.” He was assessing her, giving her an out, which she appreciated, but she had no intention of taking it. After a second he continued, “Alex worries about him being alone while we work, so thank you. I’ll let the others know you’re going to stay and watch over him. If you need anything, push the intercom button, and someone will come.” He nodded to a red button by the front door. “There’s one by the door to the balcony in the bedroom, as well.”
She lifted her chin and gave him an awkward nod.
“I’ll have someone come up with food and drinks for the fridge,” he said.
“Thank you.”
“I’ll have some clothes and toiletries brought up for you,” Alex said.
It warmed Sam to see that they seemed to genuinely care for her comfort. She tried for another smile. “I’d appreciate that. Is there anything I need to know to take care of him?”
“His wounds are healed. He won’t need anything but to have you close until he wakes up.”
She nodded at Uri’s soft words, hoping it came through more confidently than she felt.
Alex added in almost a whisper, “You were incredibly brave to come here and face the unknown. We understand the nightmare you’ve been through. If you change your mind, no one, especially not Erik, would think less of you, Sam.”
Sam saw hope war with concern in Alex’s beautiful features. Mind made up, she said, “I’ll be fine. I’ll ring if I need anything. Just, go find that bastard and take him down.”
Uri reached out and squeezed her shoulder, and Alex pulled her into another sisterly hug before leaving.
Sam felt her chest warm while new purpose and desire fought for control of her entire being. She moved toward the doorway she knew led to him. She felt him, felt the deep pull of him in her soul.