Chapter Nine

“Let me go!” Blythe tried to rip herself out of the man’s grip, but it tightened painfully, causing her to cry out.

Killian growled and made to get to his feet. He was slow and every move was pure pain, but he feared what the man would do to Blythe. She’d come to help him and that was against the rules.

“You stay the fuck down,” the man snapped, kicking Killian in the face. Blythe screamed and Killian’s body went flying backward. His head slammed on the ground hard enough for her to hear a crack echo in the room. Blythe fought harder and finally ripped out of the shifter’s grip.

“You killed him!” Blythe felt tears in her eyes as she picked up Killian’s head and placed it in her lap.

“Get up! You broke the rules and now have to face the Council.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You broke the rules. You tried to help the prisoner. That is against the rules and now you’ll fucking pay for it.”

“He’s hurt and bleeding everywhere! You need to help him,” Blythe argued, not fully understanding what was going on. Shifters were crazy. Who went around beating someone to death? She wasn’t going to let Killian die. This man needed to help him. “Do something!”

“You’re coming with me,” the man growled. He grabbed her by her arm and forced her to her feet. Blythe barely managed to set Killian’s head down before it fell out of her lap. She struggled all the way to the door, yelling Killian’s name. He didn’t move and Blythe feared he was dead.

"He's dead! You killed him!" Blythe felt her heart skip a beat. He couldn't be dead. She had too many questions, too many confusing feelings. Now she'd never get answers and the world had lost another.

Yes, he'd freaked out earlier, but he had to have a reason. Blythe figured something had made him lash out and she had wanted to know what it was. Everyone she'd talked to said he had a rough past. Maybe he didn't know how to act around her either. He could be afraid of love. This was all her fault. If she hadn't run and let him explain, he'd still be alive.

A sob left her lips and tears flowed unchecked down her face. She stared at Killian's body until it was out of sight.

"Quit crying! He broke the rules and got a punishment. Shifters aren't allowed down here without just cause or permission. He deserved the beating! Plus he was accused of hurting a potential mate." The man rolled his eyes. “I don’t know why you feel sorry for him.”

"What is your name?" Blythe asked, forcing herself to stop crying. She was dragging her feet and doing anything possible to make it difficult on him.

"Why the hell should I tell you?"

"Because I'm going to tell Walker you killed my mate, you bastard!"

"Wait," he jerked to a stop. Blythe fell into him and he caught her. She looked up at his face and saw confusion.

"Why are you stopping?"

"That guy is your mate?"

"Yes! I have his mark!" Blythe pulled her shirt down at the neck and showed him her fresh mark. His eyes widened and he groaned.

"Why didn't anyone know? I was told he was after a female and came on our level after her. No one told me you were his mate. That's a just cause to break the rules. Fucking hell!"

"You killed Killian for no reason!" Blythe was beyond pissed. The man shook her and growled.

"Listen, lady, he's not dead. It takes a hell of a lot more than that to kill us. He probably just passed out. Damn!"

"Killian!" Blythe screamed, jerking out of the startled shifters grip and racing back down the hall. She flew into the room where Killian was and knelt by his side. She laid his head back in her lap and ran her fingers through his hair.

"I'm sorry I was so rough with you," the man said softly. Blythe looked up to see him standing in the doorway with his arms crossed. “You should have told me from the beginning you were his mate. Why did they say he was chasing a female down here? Was that you? Why was he chasing you?”

"What is your name?" she asked. She wasn't ready to forgive him for beating Killian up and letting her think he was dead. She sure as hell wasn’t answering any of his questions. He was rude and she wanted to make sure that Walker knew what he’d done.

"My name is Tristan," he replied. He froze and listened to someone approaching. He growled. "Be right back. Then you’ll answer my questions."

Blythe watched the hazel-eyed giant close the door with a dark look on his handsome face. Looking down at Killian, Blythe shivered to think of Tristan beating on his body. Tristan was wide and thick. His entire body had no fat on it and was solid muscle. His face would have been the face of an angel except for the scar that ran over his top lip and bottom before stopping below his chin. When he wasn't being such an ass, she thought he might be quite nice. His dark brown hair complimented his darker complexion.

"Blythe."

Her eyes shot to Killian's and she gasped when she saw his one good eye open. She felt tears in her eyes again and sniffed.

"I'm so sorry!" she whispered.

"No..." he gasped before wincing with pain.

"This is my fault. I shouldn't have run from you. You frightened me and I reacted. I didn't give you a chance to explain. They could've killed you, Killian!"

Before Killian could respond, raised voices outside the door caused both of them to look. Blythe was ready to protect Killian. No one was going to hurt him anymore. She'd do whatever it took. She was tired of being weak.

The door flew open, causing Blythe to jump and a slight rumble to come from Killian's throat. Seeing who was on the other side caused both relief and worry to seep into Blythe's mind.

"What the hell is going on?" Walker asked. "Blythe, why are you here?"

"Why was Killian beat, Walker? What's going on?" Blythe asked angrily. "I didn't want any of this to happen. I was frightened and just didn't want him near me! You took this too far!"

"He broke the rules," Walker stated calmly. “We were just following our protocol. We can’t let one shifter get away with it. If we did, then all of them would expect it. They’d think the Council was weak.”

"Walker, stop lying to make yourself feel better. You know damn well you just wanted to see Killian's ass kicked. You used me to do it and I'm fucking pissed," Tristan spat.

"Tristan, there is more here than you know," Walker growled.

"Then fucking explain it to me!"

"Blythe is not his mate. Yes, she has his mark, but she is not claimed. That means she can find a different mate. Earlier she came running down our halls screaming for me to help her. She wanted away from Killian because he scared her. Because he is not her mate, he broke the rules in coming to our floor. Blythe is human and it doesn't apply to her," Walker answered.

"Yet she just said she didn't ask for you to have me kick his ass and she even claimed that he was her mate. So this whole thing is a bunch of bullshit. You're a Council member, Walker! Next time get some fucking answers before you act. I’m not going to be your muscle and do the dirty work. Fuck you."

"Tristan," Walker growled, taking a step forward.

"What are you going to do, baby brother? You know as well as I do that I can kick your ass. Threaten me and act all tough but in the end I'm the better fighter."

Blythe was taken aback by what she was learning. Now that she knew they were brothers she could see a resemblance. Tristan was bigger, but Walker was still huge. They had the same eyes, but Walker had light brown hair and a lighter complexion. He was definitely still tanned, but not as dark as his brother. She also noticed that his wounds and bruises had healed from earlier. She was relieved that this was one truth that Lorna had told her before the Running.

"How soon will Killian be completely healed?"

"His swelling is already going down in his eyes and lip. He should be almost completely healed by tomorrow."

"That's amazing!"

"It's needed," Walker snapped, his fists clenching. "We fight often, with humans and shifters alike."

"How come there aren't many guards? I thought this place would be swarming with them," Blythe mused.

"It's the weekend. Tomorrow this place will be swarming with guards. They only work Monday through Friday. On the weekends, only a few are stationed on the first floor to make sure we don't escape," Tristan answered her.

"Why are you guys kept in here?"

"That's enough questions. I'm going to my mate and to sleep in my bed. Tristan, find a cot for Blythe and she can sleep in here with Killian. Guard the door just in case someone catches her scent," Walker commanded. “She still is unclaimed, even though she bears Killian’s mark.”

"Yes, boss," Tristan rolled his eyes. “Get the fuck out of my sight.”

"Shut up and don't sass me," Walker growled, punching his brother on the arm as he walked out the door. Tristan shook his head.

"Brothers," he shrugged. Blythe smiled, knowing the feeling. A sense of loss hit her and she missed her family. She needed to get some paper and write to them. She had so much to tell them and she knew they'd have questions. Then it hit her. Carrie had said that they didn’t let her have the letters her father promised to write her. He’d never get hers either. She didn’t even have a pen and paper anyway. Tears threatened to fall, but she held them back. She’d cried enough for the day.

"If you want, you can sleep in my room and I'll keep an eye on Killian," Tristan offered. Killian growled and his eyes darted to Tristan's.

"No!"

"Thanks," Blythe replied, "but I'll stay with Killian."

"I'll go get you a bed," Tristan left.

Killian's hand covered hers and she looked down. From what she could see, Tristan had been right. Killian was already healing. His eyes were now both open, but still slightly swollen. His lip was back to normal size and not cut anymore.

"What are you thinking?" he breathed.

"Just thinking how fast you heal."

"Oh, I see."

"And I'm glad you're not dead," she bit her lip.

Killian took a deep breath, closed his eyes and said, “I’m sorry.”

Blythe knew it must’ve taken a lot for him to admit that. He didn’t seem the type to say sorry or admit he was wrong. She smiled down at him, even though he couldn’t see her. She brushed his hair back and squeezed the hand on hers.

“I’m sorry I ran. Like I said before, this is all my fault,” Blythe offered.

“I overreacted and lashed out at you. I don’t know how to be a mate, Blythe. I am overprotective, dominating, and I think I’m always right. Seeing Walker and Carrie together reminded me that I never had that love before. My parents hated each other. It’s a miracle I’m even here today. My father drilled into my head that love was a weakness because of what my mom did to him. He thought she loved him but love is a lie.”

"Will you tell me what happened to you growing up? I can tell that you must've had a rough childhood. Plus, people have hinted at a rough past. I'm just trying to understand." Blythe kissed his forehead, willing him to help her understand.

"The gist comes down to the fact that I don’t believe love exists. People say they love you, but they don’t mean it. It’s a lie used to get people to do certain things, believe certain things. It makes people do stupid stuff. Love makes people blind. My father was a fool to love my mother. She was a liar," Killian spat. "I'm sorry, Blythe, but I can never love you."

Blythe felt like the earth had opened up beneath her and swallowed her whole. Her hand froze in his hair and she turned her face away to hide the look of pain on her face. Her heart and soul felt heavy. They were supposed to be mates. How could he expect them to have a relationship with no love between them? To her, it seemed impossible. She felt tears in her eyes, but pushed them back. She wouldn't let this break her.

"Blythe?" Killian's hand came up and cupped her cheek. She leaned into his hand and turned to face him. She placed her hand over his on her cheek and smiled at him.

"Yes?"

"What's wrong?"

"I'm fine," she mumbled.

"You’re lying. Tell me!"

"I don't see how we can have a relationship or be mates and have no love," she replied. "I can't do that, Killian. I want... no, I need someone to love me. I believe in love. I’ve seen it with my parents. They love each other. They loved me and my brothers and sisters. Love truly does exist. Just because your parents didn’t love each other doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Yes, people lie to get their way, but not everyone is like that. Do you believe that I’m like your mother?"

"I can't do it. Love is a weakness. I can't see myself falling under its spell. I'm sorry," Killian sighed. “You may not be anything like my mother, but I don’t know you that well yet. So far all you’ve done is run from me, kissed my brother, and made me kill a guy. I did that all because you’re supposed to be my mate. You’ve made me do terrible things. Already I’m falling under your spell. I won’t let it happen again.”

"There are different kinds of women, Killian. There are those that can be with a man only physically and not emotionally. I'm not her. There is also the girl that doesn't want a commitment and moves on from man to man each night. I'm not her either. Then there is the woman that wants her man to be faithful and love her. She wants to fall asleep in their arms every night and know she's protected and loved. That is the kind of woman I am. I don't see how this will work without you even trying to love me."

"You're asking too much," Killian shook his head.

"Am I?"

"Yes!"

"You're not the one who has been taken from her family and thrown into a strange world to mate and procreate! How am I asking too much? I didn’t ask for Diego to try to rape me. I didn’t ask for you to kill him. I didn’t ask Seth to kiss me; he did it on his own. All of these things you’ve done have been by your choice alone. I can’t force you to do anything. You made the choice, now you have to live with the consequences! How dare you accuse me of putting you under a spell?! You aren’t a puppet, you have no strings, and I’m not a witch. Own your actions!" Blythe was furious.

"You haven't been locked in a cage your entire life, never knowing what the real world looks like! I was born and raised in this prison! You were lucky to have brothers and sisters and work. You could even go to school and learn. None of us have an education! Your world was amazing! At least you got to spend half your life out there! Stop being so selfish and consider someone else!"

"How dare you!"

"No! How dare you! I never wanted a mate. I didn't want to compete in the Running! I never wanted you!"

Blythe felt like she'd been slapped. If she thought his earlier comment hurt then this one was like a knife in her heart. She jerked away from him and climbed to her feet, not caring if his head hit the ground. She turned away from him and headed toward the door.

At the door, she hesitated, seeing if Killian would call her back. When he said nothing, Blythe closed her eyes and opened the door. She looked up at Tristan and saw his look of anger and understanding. She burst into tears. Here she was, running away from Killian again, but at the moment, she couldn’t stand to be in the same room with him. She needed to be away from him. She needed time to think.

Tristan pulled her through the door and slammed it behind her. He wrapped his arms around Blythe and let her cry. “I’m sorry. Killian is complicated. I think he should be the one to tell you his past, but know this. If he ever does love someone, I see that person being you. You’ve done so much for him and sacrificed too much to be here. I know you didn’t ask for this, but I’m glad you’re here. I’m sure he didn’t mean that last part. If he hadn’t wanted you in the Running, he wouldn’t have taken you and brought you here.”

“Is there somewhere else I can sleep?” Blythe asked, noticing the cot leaning up against the wall. She definitely didn't want to sleep anywhere near Killian at that moment. She wanted to be far away from him until she got her emotions under control. She was glad that Tristan had given them the moment to get things out in the open. He hadn’t interrupted them, but she was sure he heard every word. Oh well.

“You can stay in my room. Follow me.” Tristan led her down the hall and to one of the far doors. He opened it and motioned for her to go inside. Blythe bit her lip, wondering if this was such a good idea. What if he tried to do what Diego attempted? There was no way Killian could protect her. She didn’t even know if he would.

“Where are you staying?” she asked.

“You’ll be safe here. I won’t hurt you. I have to guard Killian. He has a lot of enemies.”

“Thank you.” Blythe entered the room. She felt him step beside her and then light flooded the room. She turned to find a lamp close to the door.

“Lock the door when I leave. Don’t open it for anyone but me or Walker.”

“Okay.”

“Sleep as long as you like. I won’t bother you and don’t need to be in here for anything anytime soon,” Tristan told her.

Blythe looked around at the meager belongings and decorations. There was nothing that told her anything about Tristan. Just as he was slipping back out the door, she stopped him. “Tristan, wait.”

“What is it?” he asked.

“Can I ask you a few questions?” She knew hardly anything about this man, but felt she could trust him. She hoped he would help her out by giving her some answers to the many questions floating around in her head.

“What kind of questions? Will this take a long time to answer?”

“I want to know some of the history of this building and stuff like that. Plus, I have some questions about the Running and mating.”

“Well, that seems like it may take a while,” he sighed. “Let me go get someone to watch Killian. I’ll be back in a minute. Make yourself at home. I see you already have pajamas on, but if you want to change and get the blood off of you, then there are some shirts in the top drawer.”

“Thanks,” Blythe blushed, not even noticing that some of Killian’s blood was staining her shirt and legs. Tristan shut the door and she locked it. She leaned against it and sighed for a moment before heading straight to the bathroom. She had to pee and wanted to wash her hands and face. She was sure her face was puffy and her eyes would be red from her crying. She looked in the mirror and winced.

After using the bathroom and washing her hands, Blythe cupped her hands and splashed water on her face. She looked up into the mirror and sighed. She could see why Killian didn’t want her. She wasn’t as pretty as the other girls in her village and she was weak. Wiping her face on her pajamas, she stripped out of them and walked into Tristan’s room. She opened the top dresser drawer and pulled out a green shirt.

Pulling the shirt over her head, she walked over to the bed and threw herself on it. She sighed and breathed in Tristan’s scent. He smelled really good and she wondered if he wanted a mate.

“No, I’m stuck with Killian. I have his mark and a part of me still wants him. Even after he broke my heart,” she spoke to the empty room. “I will not be unfaithful to him. I’m going to prove that I would never lie to him.” Blythe was determined. She’d change his mind, once her heart had time to deal with the possibility that he would never love her.

Lying on the bed, Blythe was tempted to just go to sleep. Tristan was taking ages and she wondered if he’d found someone to watch Killian. Finally, a knock sounded on the door just as her eyes started closing. She started and scooted to the edge of the bed before calling out, “Who is it?”

“It’s me,” Tristan’s voice sounded muffled. “Open up.”

Blythe got to her feet and opened the door for him. She backed up to let him in and noticed two cups in his hands. He handed her one and kicked the door closed with his foot. He used his free hand to close the latch, locking them in.

“I brought you some coffee,” Tristan motioned to the cup in her hands. Blythe smiled.

“Thanks.”

“That’s what took me so long. I found someone to keep an eye on Killian and then went to the kitchen and made us something warm. Get comfortable. I have a feeling your questions are going to take all night.”

“Thanks for answering them for me.” Blythe sat on the bed, pulling the blanket over her legs so she wouldn’t flash him when she sat Indian style. “I don’t think I can sleep right now, even with being as tired as I am. My mind is all over the place.”

“Okay, let’s begin. What’s your first question?” Tristan sat on the bed beside her.