Chapter Five

Blythe woke screaming. She sat straight up in the bed and screamed again. She felt someone stir beside her and then a weight settled over her as she was pressed back down into the bed with a hand on her chest. She opened her eyes and saw Killian sprawled out over her, eyeing the door, his teeth bared. When he realized no one was in the room, he removed his hand and turned to look at her.

“I’m sorry,” she said softly. “It was a bad dream.”

Killian sighed and lay back down on the bed. His breathing signaled he was still awake but his eyes were closed. She rolled away from him, feeling the tears coming on.

     Her dream had been about her parents. The house had caught fire and she was trapped in a cage like an animal unable to help. She’d had to watch her house burn to the ground, her entire family trapped inside. It scared her. What were her parents doing now? Were they in danger? Did they miss her or even think about her?

She felt her body start shaking as she cried softly. She hoped Killian couldn’t hear her, but knew he probably did. He probably thought she was weak. She heard him move and thought he was getting up. Instead, he rolled her toward him and pulled her into his side. Her head rested on his chest and his arm was under her, wrapping around to rest on her other side. His free hand grabbed hers and placed it on his chest. He covered it with his own and didn’t say a word.

Blythe was afraid to cry anymore. She sniffed and sucked back her tears. She didn’t want them to drip on his chest or for her nose to start running. She was tense against him, not expecting his comfort.

“Wanna talk?” Killian asked, surprising Blythe.

“About what?” she asked. She had so many questions; she didn’t know what she wanted to ask first.

“Your dream,” he replied.

“Oh,” she whispered. She shook her head, knowing he could feel it.

“Then go back to sleep. I won’t hurt you,” he said softly. He adjusted his arm, bringing her closer. Her whole body was pressed against his side while his arm trapped her there.

“I have so many questions,” she whispered, trying to persuade him to talk more.

“Tomorrow.”

Closing her eyes, Blythe knew it’d be some time before she could go back to sleep. She listened as Killian’s breath settled and fell again into sleep’s embrace. His arm slackened a bit and she debated about going to take a shower. She didn’t have any extra clothes because her bag hadn’t arrived yet, but maybe she could find another shirt like Seth did earlier. Without underwear or a bra it would leave her uncomfortable, but she felt disgusting and wanted to bathe.

Waiting a few more minutes to make sure Killian was still asleep, she was scared to move. Finally, when she was sure he wouldn’t wake, Blythe started moving away from the warmth of his body.

She crawled down the bed, but didn’t make it far before a hand on her foot stopped her. She turned around to find Killian’s eyes open and staring at her. She blushed and then looked down at his hand.

“Where are you going?” he growled.

“I can’t sleep and I really want to take a shower. Can I use yours?” she asked, hoping he’d agree. He grunted and released her foot. She took that to be a yes and completed her escape of the bed. She disappeared into the bathroom and closed the door. This one didn’t have a lock and she bit her lip. What if Killian walked in on her? The shower had a see-through curtain and she didn’t want him seeing any more of her naked body. Baring her chest was enough, even if it wasn’t by choice.

She turned the water on in the shower and stripped out of her pants. She tossed them on the floor, but folded the shirt on the sink. She’d been too scared to grab a different one, so this one would have to do. She set a towel on the toilet seat near the shower and then climbed in.

The water was still cold and she shivered and jumped to the back of the shower stall. She leaned against the cool wall while the water continued to warm up. Remembering how quickly Killian had washed the blood off of him earlier, he must’ve used cold water. No way was she doing that.

She waited a moment and then stuck her hand under the water, testing the temperature. It was still cold, but not as cold as before. Then a thought struck her. Did they even have warm water? Her face paled and she wondered about this shower after all. Needing it, she took a deep breath and stepped into the cold water.

When she felt clean and was frozen stiff, she stepped out of the shower and wrapped the towel around her. Her teeth were chattering and her body shook. She was freezing. She dried off quickly and pulled the long shirt over her head. It stopped at her knees and was baggy enough to hide the fact she wasn’t wearing a bra. She just hoped that when she bent over, it didn’t show her ass.

Opening the door and peeking into the bedroom, she saw Killian still on the bed. She turned off the bathroom light, left her pants on the floor and towel on the sink, and stepped into the room. Killian’s eyes flew open and surveyed her body. She couldn’t keep from shivering and she saw him move.

He got out of the bed and walked toward her. His hands rested on her shoulder and his face darkened. “You’re cold.”

“You d-don’t have w-warm w-water,” she stuttered. He growled.

“Come,” he commanded, walking back toward the bed. She bit her fingernails nervously, but followed him. He stopped at the side of the bed and pulled the cover up. Blythe stood there for a moment and then it became clear. She walked over and lay exactly where he had been moments ago. The warmth immediately settled in her and she sighed in relief. He dropped the covers on her and then turned to walk away.

“Where are you going?” she asked. She noticed he was wearing only sweatpants and the front was tented. He didn’t answer and she blushed. She closed her eyes and listened to him moving around. When it grew quiet, she opened her eyes and looked for him. She gasped when she found him standing next to the bed.

“Are you hungry?” he asked, his voice even sexier in the morning. Blythe nodded, her belly answering for her. She blushed, wondering if she’d ever get the red out of her cheeks. It seemed everything embarrassed her nowadays. She slid out of the bed and stood beside him. He didn’t move.

“Are we going to get food?” she asked.

“Don’t leave my side. You have no mark,” he told her. Before he moved to the door, he picked up a wrinkled piece of black cloth lying on the floor and pulled it over his head. He then turned and started toward the door. She followed closely behind.

“What is this mark everyone keeps talking about? What does it mean and how is it given?” Blythe questioned. Killian stopped suddenly and spun around to face her. He showed no emotion, looking like a living statue at that moment.

“It means you belong to me,” he answered. He went to keep walking, but she stopped him with a hand on his arm.

“You didn’t answer my other questions,” she reminded him. “How is it…?”

She trailed off when she saw someone walking toward them. She hid behind him, grabbing onto the fabric of his shirt.

Killian pressed her into the wall, using his bulk to hide her from the passing stranger. The stranger didn’t speak to them, and kept his distance. When he was gone, Killian moved and Blythe slid around to stand in the front of him.

“Are you going to answer me?” she asked.

“I would have to bite you.”

That stopped Blythe’s questions or her desire of a mark to protect her from others. She didn’t want those teeth anywhere near her. She shut her mouth and didn’t plan on opening it until it was time to eat. Killian watched the expressions on her face and his face darkened. Blythe wondered if she’d done something wrong.

“Let’s go eat,” he commanded. Blythe followed closely behind him. The shirt she wore smelled like him and was also solid black. This guy must like black clothes. She fingered the material, hoping that it hid everything important. She was surprised that Killian let her out of the room in only his shirt. Maybe he hadn’t noticed.

They passed many rooms, some of the doors open, but no one inside. They stopped halfway down the hallway, and then turned right when they reached two large doors. Killian pushed them open and they stepped into a cafeteria. It was huge, bigger than the one at the arena. Several eyes turned toward the door and Blythe once again moved behind Killian. She didn’t let go of his shirt as he kept walking.

He led them to an empty table and motioned for her to sit down. “I’ll get your food. Don’t talk to anyone.”

Blythe knew that wouldn’t be a problem. She didn’t trust shifters. They could act all sweet and friendly and then turn into monsters that wanted to rape her. She kept her eyes on the table and her hands in her lap.

She only looked up when someone sat down at the table. It wasn’t Killian and her heart started racing in panic. He smiled at her and leaned comfortably back in the chair, resting his feet on the table.

“Hello there darling,” he drawled. “What is your name?”

“Go away,” she whispered. His face fell and he put his feet on the floor, leaning forward.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly. She looked up at him surprised. What game was he playing?

“Yes,” she replied, though she wasn’t so sure if that was the truth. The man didn’t seem to believe her and his face darkened.

“Did Killian hurt you?” he growled. Blythe’s eyes widened and her gaze sought out Killian. He was carrying two trays and headed toward the table. He didn’t look happy to see another man sitting there. “Did he hurt you?”

Blythe turned back to the man. She shook her head. Killian had been gentle with her. She’d been afraid at the beginning, but then she’d seen a different side of him. She was beginning to feel safe around him.

“You don’t have to lie for him,” the man placed his hand on the table, reaching for her. Blythe jerked back, not wanting him to touch her.

“Kip, you’d better be getting far away from her,” a man called. Blythe sought him out with her eyes and he smiled at her.

“I ain’t afraid of Killian,” Kip waved him off.

“He killed Diego,” the man lowered his voice.

Kip didn’t answer because Killian had finally reached the table. He set the two trays down and then pulled Blythe’s chair away from the table and stood in front of her. He crossed his arms and growled.

Kip got to his feet and copied Killian’s posture. “Did you hurt her?”

“No.”

“Look at how scared she is! You’re lying. You can get in serious trouble if you hurt your mate, Killian. Mates are precious and few,” Kip yelled at him.

“He didn’t hurt me,” Blythe spoke up. She stood and stepped to the side of Killian. He looked angry and shot her a glare.

“Then why do you look so sad and scared?” Kip asked. “Prove it.”

“Diego attacked her, trying to rape her.” The man from earlier stepped up toward the table. “Killian killed him. Of course she would be afraid.”

“I don’t need you interfering in this, Shayne,” Kip snapped.

“You’re going to get yourself killed. You’re calling Killian a liar and threatening his mate.”

“They’re not mated; she doesn’t bear his mark or his scent.”

Killian let out a growl and took a step around the table toward Kip. Kip held his ground, daring Killian to attack him. “Please don’t fight,” Blythe whispered, hiding her face in her hands. There had been enough fighting.

Killian stopped and looked back at his small mate. She looked ready to cry and he could smell her fear. He glared at Kip and went back to her side. He pulled her into his arms and held her. She breathed softly and the threat of tears slowly passed.

“Go away, Kip. I’m trying to feed my mate,” Killian snapped. Kip and Shayne left, but Killian didn’t release her. Blythe tilted her head up to look at him, feeling a lot of eyes on her back.

“I’m sorry,” she said.

“For?”

“Causing you trouble.”

Killian moved her back and looked down at her. He shook his head. “I protect my own.”

Blythe sat back down and he pulled the chair around to sit beside her. He met all the eyes that were staring at them and dared them to keep staring. Eventually the cafeteria came alive with the sounds of conversation again.

Not feeling that hungry anymore, Blythe only picked at her food. Killian seemed to swallow his whole and ate extremely fast. When he was done, he raised an eyebrow at her almost full plate. She pushed it toward him and hugged her stomach.

“I’m not hungry,” she told him. He growled and pushed the plate back toward her.

“Eat,” he commanded. She shook her head. “Fine.”

He stood, grabbing both of their plates. He carried them over to a bucket and tossed them in it after raking the food into the trash. Then he moved toward the doors. Blythe jumped to her feet, knocking her chair over. She didn’t bother to pick it up, but weaved around tables as she hurried to catch up to him.

Killian didn’t acknowledge her presence. He turned left to head back down to his room, but stopped outside of a door close to the split. He knocked and waited for it to open. When it did, Blythe peered around him to see who it was. It was Seth.

Killian gripped her shoulder and shoved her toward Seth. “Watch her,” Killian commanded. He turned and left, leaving her with a shocked Seth.

“Come in,” Seth muttered, moving aside to let Blythe past.

She stepped into the room and he shut the door behind him, locking it. Blythe grew nervous. Would Seth attempt to rape her too? Would he succeed? She backed away from him. “Why am I here?”

“I have no idea. Did you do something to make him angry?” Seth asked. Blythe shrugged.

“I didn’t finish my breakfast.”

“Oh,” Seth muttered. He turned and walked over to his bed. He sat down and eyed her up and down.

“Can I ask you some questions? Killian doesn’t seem to want to answer me.”

“Sure. I’ll try to answer them,” Seth smiled. Blythe sat down in the middle of the floor on a soft black rug. She ran her fingers through it, smiling.

“How many were found this year?” she asked.

“Only five. The rest either made it to midnight or hid well. All of our shifters returned,” Seth answered.

“Did Hayden or Milo get a mate?” she asked.

“No,” Seth looked surprised.

“They tried to take me, but I escaped them each time. Killian was the one that actually succeeded.”

“Oh, okay. Hayden has been longing for a mate for some time. He’s the only one left in his family and he’s really lonely.” Seth got more comfortable on the bed. “Milo couldn’t care either way. He wanted one, but he also didn’t want the responsibility of one.”

“Responsibility?”

“Yes. Having a mate is hard. Everyone is constantly trying to take her away until she is claimed fully or pregnant,” Seth told her.

“What is a mark?”

“That is a question for Killian.”

“He just told me he’d have to bite me,” Blythe replied.

“There’s more to it than that. A mark can be very intimate.”

“How so?”

“Please ask Killian. He’ll be pissed if I start answering these questions.”

Blythe rolled her eyes. “Why does everyone fear him?”

“He’s a tough bastard and has never lost a fight. He’s strong enough to be an alpha, but doesn’t want the burden.”

Leaning back, Blythe looked up at the ceiling. “Did he really kill Diego?”

Seth was quiet for some time. She looked up at him and he seemed torn with how to answer. “He did, but that doesn’t mean you need to fear him.”

“Why did he kill him?”

“Because of what he was trying to do to you,” Seth answered honestly. Blythe closed her eyes.

“This is all my fault,” she sighed.

“No!”

“Yes,” she insisted, opening her eyes to look at him.

“He was the one that attacked you. You didn’t ask for him to rape you,” Seth growled, getting to his feet.

“Yes, but Killian didn’t have to kill him.”

“It is the shifter way. If he had shown mercy, more shifters would come after you. They would view Killian as weak. He did it to protect you from harm.”

“How come you don’t have a mate?” Blythe asked, rolling to her side. She looked up at Seth.

“It hasn’t been my time. I’m hoping next year will be, but I’m not sure.”

“Do you want one?”

“Yes.”

“You’d make a good mate, Seth,” she smiled at him. He smiled back.

“Would you like a tour?”

“A tour of what? Your bedroom?”

“No,” Seth laughed. “Of the fourth floor.”

“Is that where we are?” she got to her feet. “How come there aren’t any windows?”

“They don’t want us escaping.”

“Have you ever been out of this building?” she asked.

“No. You’ll have to tell me about the outside world some time. Right now, let’s give you the grand tour. I’ll also see if we can set up a meeting for you and one of the other girls found in the Running. I’m sure you’ll want a friend.”

Blythe turned to face him and noticed how sad he seemed. “What’s wrong?” Blythe asked, stepping toward him. The way his face was so childlike, he reminded her of her little brother. Oh, how she missed her family. She wondered what they were doing and pictured her mother at the stove fixing breakfast before her siblings went off to school. She was finished with school and had always helped her mother around the house before heading off to the bakery.

She missed the scent of fresh pastries and cookies. She’d loved to bake and make new things. Trying new recipes and seeing her customer’s reactions had always pleased her. She’d loved seeing their faces light up after taking a bite.

“We’re so few in numbers nowadays,” Seth interrupted her thoughts. “The women are getting pregnant and some are dying in childbirth. I don’t have all the tools or medicine to help them. The guards won’t send out my letters, knowing I ask for more supplies. They’re slowly killing us.”

“Oh Seth, I had no idea,” Blythe pulled him into a hug. He needed comfort and a friend. She would provide both. “Outside, back in my home, we were all taught to believe you guys had just as much as we did.”

“We have so little,” Seth admitted.

“I’ll see if my family can help. When I get a letter from them, I’ll write them back and ask for help.”

“Thank you,” Seth smiled. “Do I finally get to know your name?”

“My name is Blythe,” she said softly.

“That’s a beautiful name for a beautiful girl.” Seth looked down at her and Blythe realized how close they were. Before she could move back, Seth leaned down and pressed his lips against hers. Blythe’s eyes widened and she jerked away.

“What are you doing?” she asked. She heard a noise and turned to find the door standing open and Killian standing there. He looked pissed. How had he opened the door?

“Killian, wait,” Seth held up his hands. Killian roared and then attacked.