Chapter Twenty-Six

Blythe still couldn’t believe the verdict the Council had come to. There was a chance that Leo would escape his guard and attack Shannon. He could even come after Blythe. She shivered.

“Are you cold?” Killian asked, looking down at her. They were walking back to their room. Merrick had escorted Shannon out first, planning to take her back to Leo’s room to get her stuff. Neither of them seemed happy. Leo went next, shooting a grin at Blythe, though his eyes promised revenge. She’d never forget that look. It would haunt her dreams.

“I’m just scared and confused. I can’t believe they let him live.”

“I’m surprised Joel let it happen. They must have outvoted him. He’s normally very fair. But this is extreme. It’s putting lives in danger.”

“What if he comes after Shannon or me?” Blythe voiced her fear.

“He won’t last until the baby’s born. I will end him.”

“Is that allowed?”

“Joel didn’t say that we couldn’t defend ourselves. I’m sure that if he came after Shannon, Merrick would do the same. Council member or not,” Killian replied. They finally reached their room. Killian maneuvered her so that he could open the door with her still in his arms. He didn’t want to let her go. She was wearing just a shirt they’d found in the infirmary and he was ready to get it off of her and put her in the shower.

“Merrick didn’t vote. What if he could have changed the vote?” Blythe reminded him.

“I was wondering about that. I think he was just as shocked about the whole Shannon thing as we were. I still can’t believe she’s going to be living with him. Merrick is still a man with needs.”

“Will he hurt her?” Blythe asked, her eyes going wide.

“No. I don’t believe he will. We can go visit her every day if you like.”

“I’d like that. I want to know that she’s safe. Her and the baby.”

“They will be. Merrick will protect them.”

“I need to shower,” Blythe smiled at her mate.

“Yes, you do.”

“Are you saying that I stink?”

“No, but you reek of Leo,” he admitted, his face darkening.

“Then let’s take a shower.”

“Certainly,” Killian kicked the door closed behind them and walked Blythe over to the bed. He set her down gently, still conscious of her battered body. He still wanted to get his hands around Leo’s neck and rip that bastards head off. If he dared come after Blythe or got anywhere near her, he was a dead man. Killian saw the look he’d given Blythe and it had taken everything in him not to kill the bastard right there and then.

Killian smiled down at his mate, glad that she was still alive. He walked over to his dresser and pulled out two shirts. One red and one black. He then went to the next drawer and got out a pair of basketball shorts. He turned around to find Blythe sitting down on the end of the bed.

“Ready for that shower?” he asked.

Blythe started to stand and Killian was instantly by her side. He shook his head and handed her the clothes. “What?” she asked.

“Don’t get up. Let me take care of you,” he commanded. She rolled her eyes, but didn’t move. She could sense that he needed this.

Killian went into the bathroom and turned the water on. He knew that it was going to be cold, but he’d warm Blythe up and try to make it short. He really needed to talk to someone about getting warm water.

He walked back into the bedroom and picked Blythe up. She left the clothes in her lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. He carried her into the bathroom and kicked the door closed. He set her on the sink and took the clothes from her. He set them on the back of the toilet seat and then turned back to Blythe.

“I’m going to take your shirt off,” he told her before reaching for her shirt. Blythe helped him take it off of her. She shivered and her nipples puckered before his sight. He licked his lips, his cock jerking in his pants. He wanted her, but she was in no condition to take him.

Leaning forward, he kissed every one of the bruises that were on her arms and then up to her neck. He kissed down her chest and placed a loving hand over her stomach. “I’m glad that no baby was in here. He wouldn’t have made it through what you did. You are strong, remember that. Don’t let anyone ever tell you different. I honestly don’t know how you survived. You had the will to live,” he whispered lovingly to her.

“Oh, Killian,” Blythe grabbed his head and lifted it. Her eyes were filled with tears and the lines down her cheeks proved that she couldn’t hold them in. She kissed him softly. “Thank you.”

“I mean it. Every bruise is a testament to how strong you are. You didn’t let this break you. Even when you were broken and exhausted, you went to help Shannon. You have an amazing character and you never give up on people. We had our ups and downs, but I wouldn’t ask for another mate. You are the perfect person for me, inside and out. I love you with all of my heart and swear to you that what happened today will never happen again. I swear to you that I will protect you and lay down my life for you.”

“I love you,” Blythe told him. Her heart was beating for one person only. It was Killian that kept her alive and made her want to live. “I’m only here because of you. It was you that I thought of when I almost gave up. I knew I needed to live for you. You needed me. I didn’t want you to end up like Walker. I couldn’t leave you like that. You’d be an emotional wreck without your mate. I see you as my heart and soul. You are everything to me and I’m glad that I changed my mind and let you claim me. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

“Let’s get you cleaned up, my love,” Killian kissed her forehead and then moved forward. “Wrap your legs around my waist.” She did as he asked. He pulled the curtain back and stepped into the shower. He moved the shower curtain back and then turned so his back was to the water. “It’s going to be cold.”

“I’m ready for it,” Blythe smiled at him. She buried her face in his chest and he wrapped his arms around her. He stepped backward until the water cascaded around both of them. Blythe shivered and he quickly moved her back out from under the spray.

“Hold on to my neck and lean back a little,” Killian commanded.

“Okay.” She did as he asked. Killian reached behind her and grabbed some shampoo. He squirted it onto his hands and then lathered it into her hair. He massaged her scalp, watching her eyes close and her neck relax. He smiled at the picture she made.

“Let’s rinse it out now.” He moved backward, letting the water rinse the soap out of her hair. He washed the soapsuds running down her face and neck and between her breasts. Her nipples were hard and he longed to suck on them. He kept his instincts under control. Right now he was showing her that he could care for her. “Now, I’m going to set you on your feet.”

“I don’t think I can stand.”

“Hold on to me.”

He let her slide down his body, hissing as she moved down his cock. He moved back from her a bit and let her grip his shoulders. He grabbed the soap. “I’m going to wash your body now.”

He lathered up some soap on his hands and then started at her hands. He washed each finger before placing her hand back on his shoulder. He went down her arm and then repeated it with her other arm. He got more soap on his hands and started at her neck. He did her shoulders and then down to her breasts. He heard her suck in a breath when he grazed her nipples and he could smell her arousal. He bit back a growl. She was in no condition for lovemaking.

Killian went down her stomach. The picture of her pregnant with his son filled his mind and he couldn’t wait for it to come true. He’d keep trying with her and if they didn’t have a baby, they’d make due. He really wanted one, and Blythe seemed to want one too. She’d make a great mother. He hoped he could be a good father to the baby.

“What are you thinking about?” Blythe asked.

“Hmm?” he asked, coming out of his thoughts. Killian realized that he’d stopped moving. He continued down to her legs and washed between her toes. He told her to turn around and grab the wall.

“What were you thinking about?”

“Your belly round with my child,” Killian replied. He washed up her leg and to her butt. He cupped her cheeks and slid between them. “I will take you here one day. What do you think of that?”

Her flush of arousal and gasp gave him his answer. He moved on to her back and then down her shoulders to cup her breasts. He flicked her nipples and then pinched them. She leaned back into him and moaned.

“You’re not ready for this yet. You’re still hurting,” he reminded both of them. He had to stop this. She was just too damn cute when she was naked. He couldn’t help but want her.

“I want you,” she breathed.

“Let me rinse you off.”

“You didn’t wash my pussy,” she spun and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Are you afraid to lose control?”

“Yes,” he nodded.

“Let me,” she took the soap from him and lathered up her hands. She slid down her stomach to her curls and then to her swollen lips. She touched her clit and rubbed around it. Killian growled, unable to take his eyes off of her. She pressed harder, circling it faster.

“Enough. Finish,” Killian growled, grabbing her arm. Blythe smiled at him, knowing she was teasing him. Part of her wanted him to lose control. But she also knew that she was sore and needed rest and time to heal.

Killian spun them until she was under the spray. She shivered and then she was being pulled forward into his arms. He reached around her and turned off the water. Then he jerked the curtain back.

“Crap, I forgot to set us out some towels.”

He stepped out of the shower and quickly grabbed a towel.

“What about you?” she asked, motioning toward the shower.

“I’ll come back and shower after you fall asleep.”

“I can wash you,” she smiled at him.

“No way. I don’t have that much restraint.”

Killian opened the towel and wrapped her up in it. He gently rubbed her down, drying her off. He let her put it on her head and loved the way the towel made her ears stick out. She looked so cute. He flicked her on the nose and she growled at him. He laughed.

“What’s so funny?”

“You growled at me,” he told her.

“I did?” She looked surprised. He laughed at her expression.

Turning toward the sink, Killian grabbed the red shirt. He pulled it over her head and let her slide her arms into it. It fell to mid-thigh and smelled of him. He liked her wearing his clothes. He smiled at her. He grabbed a towel and quickly dried himself off and then ushered her into the bedroom. He let her walk, wanting to see if it bothered her.

Killian tucked her into the bed and made to go back into the bathroom. Her voice stopped him and made him turn back around. “Stay with me until I fall asleep,” she begged. He smiled at her and lay on the covers. She snuggled into him, laying her head on his chest. He wrapped an arm around her and held her tight. He breathed in her scent and listened to her heart. She was alive.

“I love you,” she yawned.

“I love you too,” he smiled at her, shaking his head. “Now sleep. I’m here. Nothing will happen to you.”

He listened to breathing and felt her body relax. She’d fallen asleep that easily. He waited a few more minutes, loving the way she felt in his arms. He slowly moved out from under her and went back to shower.

Before he got into the shower, he stood in front of the sink, gripping it until his knuckles turned white and he could hear it cracking beneath his grip. He breathed in and then out. Looking up, he saw that his teeth were poking over his lip and his eyes reflected the beast inside. He could still smell Blythe’s blood and the sound of her fading heartbeat would forever ring in his ears.

He’d almost lost his mate. He wasn’t going to let her out of his sight. He couldn’t go through that again. She was his whole world now. Nothing would ever happen to her again. He’d kill anyone that dared to touch what was his. He didn’t care who it was. Heaven help whoever decided to test his patience when it came to his mate. He was nothing like his parents and Blythe was nothing like his mom. She was faithful and kind. She deserved his love and protection. He’d failed her thus far. Never again.

Spinning away from the sink he ran his fingers through his black hair. His blue eyes flashed back to his normal color and he felt his teeth recede. He looked back into the bedroom, taking in his mate’s sleeping form. He listened to hear her heartbeat. It was strong and steady.

Stepping into the shower, he washed away the day’s events. He washed his hair several times, and his body the same. He wanted to get every pore cleaned from the thickness of Blythe’s blood. He finally stepped out twenty minutes later, his skin cool to the touch. He walked into the bedroom after drying off, not bothering to put on the clothes he laid out for himself.

Looking down at Blythe, Killian knew that she’d forever hold his heart. She was beautiful with her black hair splayed out around her head on the white pillow. Her cheeks were flushed, but when he touched her face she felt cool. He saw her shiver and realized that she was cold.

Killian pulled away from the bed and called upon the tiger inside. He let the change flow effortlessly over him, embracing the beast. He shook out his fur and yawned. His tail flicked back and forth and he scented the air. No one was close enough to bother the beast. He jumped up on the bed and stretched out beside his mate. He used his nose and pushed the sheets up. He wiggled underneath and turned around. He wrapped his body around his mate’s, making sure that she could feel his heat. She instantly cuddled closer, a smile gracing her lips. Even in her sleep she trusted him.

Blythe’s eyes opened and she blinked the green orbs at him. He licked her nose, causing her to giggle and swat him playfully. He purred as she reached out to pet him. She’d never done this before. He lay perfectly still, wanting her to feel safe around him. She sat up in bed, the shirt rising up to bare her legs as the sheet fell away. She crossed her legs, sitting Indian style. Killian fought not to breathe in her heavenly scent. His tail flicked back and forth until it landed on her leg. She reached out and grabbed it. She wrapped it around her wrist and then let it fall back to her lap.

“You’re beautiful,” she whispered. “May I?” She held her hands up and indicated she wanted to pet him. He nudged her hand with his head and she took the hint. She ran her fingers and hands all over his body. She was exploring him slowly and it was hard to stay still. What he really wanted to do was shift back and sink deep inside of her. She was a temptress and that smile made him want to rip the shirt off of her and show her who she belonged to.

He couldn’t hold his form anymore and let the change flow over him. When he was completely human, Blythe’s hands rested on his side. He pulled her toward him and kissed her hard. It was a claiming kiss and one that was brutal but passionate. She moaned and opened for him. Her hands kneaded his chest and he felt the sharp little pricks of her claws. He kept forgetting that his mate was now a tiger too. He couldn’t wait to see her form. He wondered if she would be orange and black like him, or if she would be all black? Would she have a lot of white? He was very curious.

“What are you thinking?” Blythe whispered against his neck as she nibbled on the skin there.

“I wonder what your animal side will look like. Will you look like mine?”

“I’ll probably be smaller,” Blythe laughed.

“Yea, maybe. I would hope so,” Killian smirked. “You’re supposed to be sleeping.”

“How could I sleep knowing that you lay awake beside me? I can think of a lot of other things that I’d rather be doing than sleeping.” Blythe cupped his face. She leaned forward and kissed him softly. Then she traced his lips with her tongue and sucked his lip into her mouth. She nibbled and bit. Killian growled and flipped them until she was on her back and he was over her. His knees were beside her thighs and his hands by her head.

“You need to rest. You’ve been through a lot today,” Killian reminded her.

“Then be gentle,” she told him, raising her hips toward his. He bit his lip and closed his eyes. Killian called upon all the patience he had. He could not take advantage of his mate right now. She wasn’t ready. Her body was adjusting to the change and still healing from Leo’s abuse.

“No. Not tonight.”

“Then if you won’t touch me, then I’ll do it myself,” Blythe taunted. She reached her hand down between them and slowly circled her clit. She moaned and bit on her lip. Killian growled and grabbed her hand.

“Enough!” he snapped. “You asked for this.”

After positioning himself, he sank deep inside of her with one thrust. He felt her tense as her body adjusted to him being inside of her. Then he moved. Blythe’s hands dug into his back and her legs wrapped around his waist. She crossed her ankles above his butt and helped him set a rhythm.

“Faster love,” Blythe commanded.

Killian bent down and kissed his mark on her neck. He licked it, tracing it with his tongue as he pumped in and out of her. Right when he knew he was about to come, he sank his teeth into the mark. Blythe screamed as she came and her channel tightened around him. He kept his teeth in her neck as he roared his release. He collapsed over her and then rolled to the side, pulling himself out of her warm heat. He pulled her close and kissed her forehead.

“You’re going to feel this tomorrow,” he warned her.

“It was worth it. Now let’s sleep,” she whispered.

Killian closed his eyes and fell asleep with the scent of their lovemaking in the air and his mate in his arms.