Chapter Four

 

 

There was a tap at the door that made her body stiff before she curled into a ball. Maybe if she laid still, he would think she was sleeping. The tap came again, and she opened an eye giving the room a once over looking for a place to hide.

“Sage? Are you up?”

She shivered as the sound of Jim’s voice came through the door. What game was he playing? She calmed her breathing knowing it wouldn’t work but there was nowhere to hide. If she could just outlast him, she could run away. It didn’t matter where she went, she’d go to Alaska if it meant getting away from him.

“I asked you a question bitch.”

Please go away.

This is going to hurt. Fear whimpered, but she didn’t blame her. It always hurt when Jim hit her.

The door handle rattled, and she knew he was coming in. She turned her head just enough so she could see him. He was tall six feet even with blue eyes that should make you think of heaven, but it made her think of hell.

Please go away. It was the mantra whispering through her head. All she wanted was a chance to get away to live a nice quiet life where no one bothered her or even noticed her.

You want to be one of the apparitions. The alien in her head told her. Our kind was never meant to be like them. All you need is your other.

What she needed to do was get the hell out of here before he beat her to death but there would be no escaping for her.

“Sage get up.” He took one fist and slammed it into the palm of his other hand. It was how he let her know he was going to beat the crap out of her.

Not again she twisted in the bed the sheets holding onto her hot body. She wouldn’t be able to survive him beating her.

She watched horror on her face as he approached her. If she were going to die she might as well go out fighting. When he bent over her, she yelled as loud as she could and started hitting him, kicking him. Words that would embarrass her in the light of day came out her mouth.

He backed up, but she couldn’t stop, rage fueled her tirade. She stood up and followed him still screaming and hitting him until she became tired. Her arms fell at her side as the heat of her body poured over her making it so that she was too weak to fight back. She dropped to the floor waiting to feel his heavy hands on her.

She looked up to see his face warped with anger. What had she seen in him that attracted her? How could she miss that fact that he was a cold-blooded killer?

“Do it.” The longer she waited for him to hit her, to make her pay for the audacity of fighting for her life, the more she knew that tonight she would die.

“Sage.” The disgust and the pure venom that poured out of his mouth had her crawling towards the bedroom door.

Maybe he’ll let us leave, hope spoke.

Fear whimpered in the corner not wanting to be a hitting bag anymore.

She crawled faster only to find him blocking the doorway.

“Just do it,” she screamed using the rest of her energy.

“I will.” She cringed because the voice was almost tender for a moment.

He reached down, she closed her eyes as she saw his fist coming for her face. When her body was lifted, she tightened it. Was he going to throw her out the window? Were they high enough for her to die from the impact?

She felt herself being moved and tried to fight, but her strength was gone. She was falling. Her eyes opened to find herself sitting on a lap being held in a chair. A hand was stroking her back like she was an infant and the person holding her was rocking slightly.

It was the guttural sound of the voice holding her and the words that finally got through to her.

“I will kill him unless you chose to do it yourself.”

Her head started to rock back and forth. “No, please no,” she whispered.

“I hurt you.” Her heart was breaking. She didn’t know Caden, but he didn’t deserve her rage for trying to help her.

She broke down in his arms allowing the bitterness she was feeling to flow out.

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m not.”

“I hit you.”

“And kicked me. It’s okay. You needed to fight back, and I am happy you chose me.”

“Why?” She looked at him with fever bright eyes.

He put her on the couch and went to get her meds. When he came back, he had them and a glass of water. He picked her up before he gave her the pills and then made sure she took her inhaler. Wrapping his arms around her, he began to rock slowly and speak in a language she never heard before. The words flowed making her feel cherished. Eventually, her eyes closed and she slept. He kept rocking her until her fever finally broke.

He stood and took her to bed lowering her carefully so she wouldn’t wake. Once he was sure, she was comfortable his fingers trailed over her cheek.

“Because you’re my mate.” He answered the question she asked earlier before leaving the room.

 

*~*~*~*

 

 

Sage woke up to a smell that made her stomach rumble, and she knew she was in trouble. She slipped out the bed and looked at her white nightgown lying on the floor and carefully moved to her suitcase where she had the matching red robe for the gown she was wearing.

Her moments of breaking down last night as well as the feel of being held by Caden helped to put her thoughts in order. She had been ready to give up. Let fate have its way even if it meant the end of her existence. Honestly, she was pretty sure part of it was because she felt like a house landed on her. The meds seemed to be helping to some degree, she was feeling better today.

The rest of the reason was because running was tiring, and she was weary and wanted to rest. The only rest she thought she would get was in death but time spent being held told her differently, it reminded her that there was still more in this world to look forward to. There were green eyes that could enchant and black hair that could fascinate. She shrugged off the drug induced dream from last night. There was no way she would ever be able to fight Jim like she did in the dream. Memories of Caden holding her, rocking her teased her mind. She shrugged that off as drug induced too.

She pulled herself together before she walked into the living room not knowing what she would find. Caden was lying on the couch that wasn’t long enough for him. His arm was above his head pulling on the muscles in his chest. She could see those muscles clearly since he was shirtless. He should be made to wear a shirt. How was she supposed to keep her panties dry if he went around like this?

Her mouth opened, and she licked her lips. This was the first time in over a year that she had a sexual thought towards a male. What was happening to her?

Your body is waking up. About time, her libido was laughing happily.

He’s ours; you just don’t get it yet. Her alien side chimed in.

She shook her head trying to dislodge the thoughts and the other voices that were pouring in one after the other.

Yes, she was going to get her life back in order and stand up for truth, justice, and the American way. That didn’t mean she got to keep Caden, or that she even wanted him.

Are we lying to ourselves now?

Once again, she ignored the alien voice in favor of getting a little closer to him. She wanted to touch him, so she put her hands behind her back. No touching someone else’s mate. Mate, someone who would spend forever with you. She rejected the thought. Yes, she had seen many people who were married well into their old age, but that wasn’t in store for her. When this was over, she was becoming celibate, although she’d have to be far away from him. He made her want to straddle him and yell ride em cowboy.

She took a step backward. A hand reached out and grabbed her pulling her down. A slight ‘ump’ came out as she hit his hard chest before she punched him.

“You scared me.” Her heart was beating wildly as her nipples tried to rub against his chest. It was taking all the self-control she had not to rub her throbbing pussy against his thick thigh.

“You don’t look scared to me.”

“Well, looks can be deceiving. I thought you were asleep.”

“Nope, I just didn’t want to scare you by being awake.”

She looked down, his eyes were bright and full of mischief. Laughter that she couldn’t hold back came from her. The joy in the smile he gave her did it, and her body relaxed on him as she let the joy of life run away with her for a little while.

“You’re not supposed to do this.” She thumped him on the chest once again. His chest was warm and thick making her want to spread her hand and allow her palm and fingers to bask in the warmth.

“Do what?”

“Make me smile and laugh. I need to remember that I have nothing to be happy about.”

He sat up placing his hands on her to make sure she ended up sitting on his lap.

“Will not enjoying life change anything you’re going through?”

“No. Are you saying I should just ignore what happened to me? Should I act like it never occurred?”

“I have a brother, a twin; his name is Xander. He says I’m the reasonable one. I make the plan to discover how to deal with what’s happing. If that plan doesn’t work, then he says that’s where he comes in. He makes a different plan to destroy the enemy coming after us. All I’m saying is we work to get your life back, and if that doesn’t work, then we go to Plan B.”

“I bet your mother found the two of you to be little hellions when you were kids.”

“We don’t have a mother.”

“I don’t have a father.” She jumped up and bit her lip not wanting to talk about families. “What smells so good?”

“The soup, I was about to check on it when you came out here in your seductive gown and robe.”

She blushed. Red cheeks and red hair she must look a mess. “Lead the way to the kitchen. I need to check out this soup.”

He stood and went to the kitchen with her following him.

“Have a seat it’s time for your meds.” She sat while he pulled out the pills.

“I don’t need that.” She eyed the albuterol before pushing it away.

“Then why are you struggling to breathe?”

A frown tilted her lips before she listened to herself. “How can you hear me breathing? I can barely hear myself.”

“I have exceptional hearing. It has kept me alive more than once.”

She took her meds and then picked up the inhaler.

“You don’t know me. Why do you care?”

“Do I have to know you first to care?”

Did he? She had reached out to so many people asking for help and receiving nothing. Not that she blamed them, they were afraid. In her world, you needed a reason to help someone you didn’t know, and she hadn’t given him that reason.

“This may sound jaded, but I’ve come to understand that people need a reason to help.”

“I’m different, but I can give you reasons.”

“What are they?”

“You’re not ready to hear them yet. When was the last time you ate?” He went to the stove to turn off the soup, then picked up a bowl and started to fill it.

“It’s been a while.”

“That I know. How long?”

She looked down playing with her fingers. “Does it matter?”

“Yes.” He went to get her a spoon.

“Two weeks.”

Her words hit him deep making him stop. He stood still with his hand in the drawer holding the spoon.

“Why?” He brought it back to her and pulled up a chair as she sniffed at the soup.

“I thought it made sense.”

“Explain to me how not eating made sense.” He dipped the spoon in the soup and held it before her mouth until she finally opened wide and took the bite.

“That’s good. You made it?”

“There was a time that I made almost all the food. Sometimes Xander cooked, but mostly it was me.” He dipped the spoon in the soup and fed her another bite. “You were explaining to me about not eating.”

“Things got messed up in my head for a while. I wasn’t sure who I was anymore. I kept hearing an evil voice that told me I would be better off dead. I knew it wasn’t coming from me, but it felt like it. I thought at first if I stopped eating, then I would be like everyone else. They ate salads and carrot sticks so they can be swimsuit ready.

“If I looked like the world, then they would stop pursuing me. I could be left alone to live my life. Then I thought I’ll just starve myself to death. After a while, I knew it wasn’t the answer, but I kept it up as a way to punish myself. I’m full.”

She turned away and stood up. Caden was in front of her, but she never saw him move.

“You’re not done. I can smell your hunger. You’re going to sit down and eat.”

“You can’t tell me what to do.”

“You’re right, but you’re going to sit and eat because you know it’s the right thing to do. Save your anger for the one who upset you. I don’t deserve his wrath.”

She sat on the chair with a loud thump. He was right. It was so easy to get angry with someone when you knew they wouldn’t hurt you.

She picked up her spoon and started eating. The soup was better than good. It reminded her of when her mom used to spend all day in the kitchen and come out with meals that her grandma used to make.

He was standing beside her; she could see him out the corner of her eyes. His arms were crossed over his chest making the muscles stand out. His legs were spread making her eyes want to roam over his lean hips and thick thighs.

“You’re still here? I thought you would have run for the door by now.”

“Why, because you raised your voice and showed some spunk?”

“Spunk?”

“The life force within you that would rather fight than lie down and die.”

She took bite after bite until she was full.

“I’m full.” He took her bowl and placed it in the sink.

She stood looking around the kitchen. It had a homey type of feeling to it. For a moment, she wished she could stay here forever.

“Do you want to watch television with me?”

He turned around to look at her. “I’d like that.”

She went into the living room and turned it on. He came and sat on the couch with her. He wasn’t holding her like last night, but he sat close enough so that she could feel his body temperature. He wrapped her up in a blanket making her feel protected.

“You must run warm.”

“I do. Does it bother you?”

“No, I like it.”

They turned to look at the screen.

“What is this?”

“Reruns.” He gave her a blank look. “You know when they play movies or series from a long time ago, reruns. This is Wonder Woman. Did you ever watch it when you were a kid?”

“No.”

“You were probably too busy watching something military. I’m sorry to have to tell you; you missed out.”

“This Wonder Woman can avoid bullets with her bracelets?”

“Yep, she is tough. No matter what happens, she can take care of herself.”

“Is that why you like her?”

“I like that’s she strong. No one messes with her. There was a time I thought I was strong too, then I went on the run.”

“Running means; you're not strong?”

“Yeah if you run away from your problems you're viewed as weak.”

“What if running is the only way to stay alive?”

“I don’t know.”

“Maybe you should think about it. If you're running to protect your life, I think that means you're strong.”

 

*~*~*~*

“What’s this?”

“A picnic.” He laid out a thick blanket on the floor, and there was a picnic basket filled with different foods.

“Did you cook this while I was taking a nap?”

“I did.”

“Why didn’t you tell me, I would have stayed awake and helped you.”

“Have a seat. You still need to sleep Sage and take your medicine you’re getting better, but you’re not well yet.”

I will be because you're taking good care of me. Instead of saying it out loud she sat and watched as he took out fried chicken and potato salad. There was a fruit salad to go along with it.

“This looks and smells good. How did you become a cook?”

“Long story.”

“You don’t have to tell me.”

“Remember you asked. I was created to be a warrior, a killer, you decide what I am.”

“So, you are military?”

“I was, some things you never forget. In war, everyone has a job to do. No job is less gruesome or tiring than another job, but some take more out of you than others. My unit, this unit was always a first line unit. We saw the enemy and fought the enemy before anyone else was involved. If they got by us, then another unit came in for clean up, but they'd better not get by us.”

“Xander and I were always a team. We knew what the other one would do without taking the few seconds necessary for mental communication. Saving those seconds made us better than any other team. We became the two who walked on the front line before anyone else.

“There were other teams like us, but they consisted of five or six. Where it was just the two of us. There was always the pressure, the knowledge if one of us screwed up, we were both dead. Every day I fought knowing my brother’s life was in my hands.”

“I can’t imagine that type of pressure.”

He shot her a smile but his eyes were glazed over, and the expression of horror on his face was enough to undo her.

“Our last time on the battlefield, we got separated.” His hand clenched, and his teeth looked like they were elongating.

She shook her head knowing she was seeing things. Her hand reached out to hold his.

“There were two groups of the enemy. I was surrounded by one, and he was surrounded by the other. We needed to time our attack to keep them from detonating their fire bombs. I waited toying with them until I was sure that Xander was ready to attack. At first, it went off without a hitch. I took them all down; that's when I heard the explosion.

“Then Xander was gone. I couldn’t communicate with him; I couldn’t feel him. A vital part of me felt dead.”

He stood and started pacing the room. “I think I was in a daze. I couldn’t think; my feet walked looking for Xander. Declyn found me that way. That’s why he’s Alpha if he hadn't found me; I would have died that day. He told me that I wasn’t far from where Xander went down and together we would find him. It’s hard to have hope when you can’t feel your twin.

“There was a hole with debris in it. Declyn and I dug and gradually the others in the unit found us, they helped until we found Xander.”

“He was alive.” She breathed the words knowing his twin was here in the compound.

“Barely. When he was finally able to talk, he told me there was a third group we were unaware of. It was their fire bomb that took him down and the dead bodies of those that he killed saved his life. I should have breathed a sigh of relief, but I didn’t. I knew we could die, or I could, and the other would be left alone, but the reality of it.”

She got to her knees and crawled over to where he was. then she wrapped her arms around him. They stayed there holding each other for the longest time.

“The reality of it is enough to stake your soul to the ground and never make you want to get up.” In that moment, she understood him.