Filed To Story: Traded To The Lycan King Novel (Colette & Merikh) by MG Wattsons
“Have a spare mattress with fluffy blankets in any of these bags?” I ask him with an arched brow.
“You know, funny you should mention that…” He grins widely, hooking his thumb over his shoulder like he might actually try to play it off like he has one.
“Oh shut up,” I roll my eyes, a laugh tumbling from my lips as I shake my head, playing with my fingers. My stomach is fluttering and my cheeks feel red. It feels like I am a teenager all over again, flirting with the boy I like. Ironically, it’s the same damn boy.
“You could always use me,” He winks and I frown at him before I look away and tuck my hair behind my ear.
“I didn’t mean like…..That came out wrong.” He scrambles to fix what he said, but I realize he is struggling between his two personalities. The one I knew and loved and the current broken and angry version.
“It’s fine Hayes.” I mutter before I clear my throat. “Don’t take this the wrong way. Sometimes I enjoy picking on you and bickering, but can we keep the sexual things to a minimum?”
“Of course,” he says, looking away.
The fire highlights his cheeks, showcasing the smooth burns that weave over his skin, up his neck and to his cheek and temple. The shadows play in the grooves of where his skin will never heal and I can’t help but need to touch it, to make it feel better even if he can feel nothing there.
I rise onto my knees, leaning forward as my fingers gingerly reach out and touch his delicate skin. He stiffens, his muscles working in his neck and jaw as they clench.
Hayes doesn’t stop me as I inch closer, getting a better look, tilting my head from side to side as I trace a muscle line down his cheek, across his chin and down toward his collarbone. The normal skin around it goosebumps with my touch as I slip my hand over his cheek and turn him to face me. Our eyes meet, my breathing hitches.
There he is. This beautiful man is both broken and perfect at the same time. A soul that I wanted desperately to match mine now finally fit. I don’t know how I know it, but I can sense it. A wave of understanding washing over me.
There is no letting him wit won’t survive it. Just like won’t survive him killing himself.
“Grossed out?” He breathes, but I know he is sensing a shift between us too, something bigger than the quick sex. This is more intimate, life changing.
“You are so handsome.” I tell him truthfully. “Scars and all. So perfect.”
His chest heaves up and down as he watches me close before he reaches up and takes my hand from his face. He lifts my palm to his lips, pressing a soft kiss there before giving me a sad smile.
“You are a much better liar than you used to be,” He murmurs. “Try to get some sleep.”
Then he clears his throat before he stands. “When you feel those sparks, let me know so we can take care of them.”
*Hayes*
Dean frowns, a heavy sigh escaping him as he places his hands on his hips and weighs what I have told him.
“And you think it’s a good idea?” He asks, finally looking up.
“No, but I think it’s our best option.” I admit. “Is it ideal? No, not at all, but I’m trusting my instincts here.”
He smirks, his cheek dimpling as he tries to hold back a chuckle.
“Forgive me for saying this, Hayes, but since I have known you, all your instincts have done is find us in fights, almost dying.”
“That was anger. This is logic. It’s obvious that what we have been doing isn’t working, so we need to pivot. Find a better angle, a better plan, and I think this is the way to go.” I admit. “Look, I know trust is hard past a certain extent with me. But if you could just afford me a little grace here, it would help-“
“I trust you.” He says, cutting me off, the skin around his eyes wrinkling as his brows furrow. “What I need to know is that you can trust yourself.”
My lips press together, and I look away, my gaze drifting to Kyra where she stands and stretches as the others wake everyone up. Can I trust myself when I don’t even know what the hell to do about her? About this disgusting spring of hope flowing in my gut? I want her; I want a life with her, all the while knowing I deserve no such thing and I can’t ever have it.
“That will be something I have to figure out along the way.”
“Hmm,” Dean mulls in thought, and I cross my arms over my chest, watching him.
“Hmm what?” I ask, and he looks at the others.
“You should at least take Marcos with you.” He exhales. “Four is better than one.”
“Marcos is a great fighter, but he will only cause tension. We already have tons of that with taking the dragon with us.”
“Yo! You guys ready?” Koda hollers over to us. I give Dean a firm nod and he gives me a weak smile.
“Well, I guess if all goes well, we will see you soon enough.” He reaches out for my hand as I slap mine into his, seizing it in a firm grip.
“You will see me soon. Just make sure you stick to the plan, okay? No letting people wander off and search for us.” I say firmly.
“Marcos will not follow you guys.”
“Good. When you see my brother…” I pause, swallowing the roughness in my throat, “Tell him I hope to see him soon.”
His eyes widen, but instead of asking questions, he nods his head.
“Sure thing,”
I reach down near my feet, swooping up two bags, mine and the one I prepared for Kyra. As I stride over to her, my heart thuds like a drum before going into war. I am putting my faith in her and her dragon friend to find Ezrah and get what we need. Knowing what I know now, I realize that the mission of just simply finding the egg is truly just the beginning of the journey.
“You two come with me.” I say, walking past them and into the woods.
Dean calls the others with him, the two of us agreeing it would be much faster with a lot less bitching if we just separate and explain to our group the plan. Kyra and Teiran don’t utter a word, the two just following until we have walked far enough that Kyra clearly grows curious as she slides up next to me. My lip twitches up into a soft smile, a weird sense of excitement growing in my stomach.
“Yes?” I say, feigning annoyance.
“Just curious what the plan is.” She shrugs like she isn’t interested.
“We walk this way until you pick up a scent or see something.” I shrug and she cranes her head to look at me.
“And the others are hanging out at camp?” She asks, her eyes narrowing as she picks on the fact I am not being exactly forthcoming with all the information I have.
I come to a stop, turning to face her as Teiran walks up to us.
“We will find Ezrah on our own from now on. The others have gone to inform Mexikh and Colette of who we have found and hopefully see what they think of our new parasite.” I say, look him.
swne at Teiran seems amused by my comment, but he says nothing, only nodding his understanding.
“You think that all of us will be able to take on Ezrah?” She asks, shocked.