Chapter 21
Sleep wasn’t my friend that night. I’m glad I chose to sleep in my own bed because I tossed and turned the whole night. When the first light of dawn first started to show I gave up on the idea and went downstairs. I had just settled in with the book I’d been studying last night when Erik came downstairs.
“Couldn’t sleep, either huh?” He asked pressing a kiss to my head.
“Nope.” I replied, popping the p.
“I just spoke to Frode, they are about an hour out.” He squeezed my shoulder and turned to make himself some coffee.
An hour. Excitement grew inside me.
“How is Rune, this morning?” I put the book down and turned so I could see Erik.
His back was to me, his dark t-shirt was stretched across his shoulders. Erik stays quiet a moment longer before turning to me.
“He’s healing.” Without saying more, he grabs a mug and waits for the coffee to brew.
“That was…. vague.” I climbed to my feet and walked to him.
The need to touch him, to be near him was overwhelming. I was tired and didn’t have the energy to fight it. Wrapping my arms around his narrow waist I pressed my cheek into his back. His hand wrapped around both of mine and held them to his stomach.
“He’s fine. Sore, and tired, but fine. He’ll come home and sleep and, in a day, or two he’ll be right as rain. This isn’t the first or last time one of us will be hurt doing our jobs.” He added the last bit quietly.
“Well, I guess it’s good I’m a trained medical professional then, huh?” I asked, trying to lift the mood.
“I guess so, kitten.” He squeezed my hands before finishing making his coffee.
The hour drug by, and I found myself pacing in front of the window when Frode pulled the SUV into the driveway. I was out the door before the engine was off, Erik stepped out behind me.
“You guys are up early.” Frode said as he walked around the car and grabbed the bags from the back seat.
My eyes were on Rune who was rubbing his eyes as we woke up in the passenger. He smiled when he saw me waiting on the porch and he opened the door. Slowly, he climbed from the car and pulled himself to his full height before moving to the house. Frode followed closely, keeping a cautious eye on his brother.
I held myself back from running and hugging him the way I wanted. Erik hadn’t been detailed in his wounds, and I didn’t want to cause more damage or pain. With his clothes on I couldn’t see anything, but he was moving more stiffly and slowly than normal.
Once Rune got to me, he smiled and pulled me gently into a one-sided hug. He kissed the top of my head and ushered me inside. Rune eyed the couch before turning to his brothers.
“As much as I’d like to stay awake, I don’t think I have a choice. I’m heading to bed. Do you need anything before I head up?” He directed to Frode.
Frode shook his head and Rune slowly made his way to the stairs. I glanced at Frode and gave him a hug. He chuckled and when I looked up to his face, he pressed a kiss to my lips.
“Go, we all know that’s where you want to be. We’re not going anywhere or doing anything today. I spoke with my father, and we are yours for the next two weeks. Go tend to Rune, there’s a medical bag in the master closet.” He said, squeezing me gently.
I nodded and all but ran upstairs. Entering the bedroom, I found Rune sitting on the bed with his elbows on his knees and head in his hands. My heart broke seeing him in pain. I closed the doors and walked over to him.
“Rune, are you alright?” I asked, kneeling in front of him.
“I’m fine, sore, but fine. I’m just going to get some rest. Lay with me?” He reached for his boots, wincing.
“Let me help.” I placed my hands on his arms, and when he sat back up straight, I moved for his boots.
I helped him out of his boots and socks, went to his draws to find some comfortable clothes. Turning back to him I saw that he’d taken off his shirt, and there was a bandage on his chest upper abdomen.
“Do you want to shower?” I asked.
“No, we stopped and got cleaned up after the healer. I just want to sleep.” He said with a small grin.
I nodded and moved toward him.
“When was you bandage last changed?” I asked, slipping into doctor mode without realizing it.
“Last night before we left.” He said.
“It should be checked.” I set the clothes down and moved for the closet, where Frode had mentioned supplies.
I found a medium sized duffle bag and saw that it was filled with emergency medicine supplies. Grinning, I moved back out to the bedroom to find Rune changed and laying on the bed with his arm over his eyes. He raised his arm over his head when he heard me approach and smiled.
“If I’d known this would get your hands on me, I may have had an accident before now.” He grinned.
I rolled my eyes and set the bag on the edge of the bed. He put his arm closet to me around my waist, moving it out of the way, but also establishing a connection between us. I carefully pulled the dressing off, and mentally winced when I saw the deep claw marks on his torso. They had been cleaned and stitched but were long and looked painful.
“Hey, I’m fine Astrid.” His hand squeezed around my hips.
I nodded, and realized I’d been standing there taking in his wounds too long without moving.
“The dressing looks fine; I’ll just retape it.” I said, getting to work.
“I know, but I know you needed to see.” He growled as I set the bag on the floor.
I climbed onto the bed with him, laying on the opposite side of his wounds so I could be against him. I know shifter heal fast and he’ll be back to normal within a day or so, but it still wasn’t easy.
It only took a few moments for Rune’s breathing to steady and then his soft snoring to start. I smiled, knowing he was getting the rest he needed. I pulled my phone from my back pocket of my jeans and pulled up my book app, settling into my newest novel.
The sound of the door moving over the carpet pulled my attention from my book. Frode came into the bedroom and sat on the other side of me. I glanced at the clock on my phone and saw that two hours had passed.
“Are you hungry?” He asked, his warm hand settling on my hip.
I shook my head but turned to face him. At some point Rune had shifted and had his back to me. I had curled up against him, enjoying his warm body. Frode’s hand moving up my side to my face brought my attention back to him.
“I missed you, little one.” He purred as his nose moved back and forth against mine.
“I missed you, too.”
“I’m glad your back is healed. Erik said you shifted and ran the other day.” His face moved closer to mine, his lips hovering just above mine.
I nodded. Unable to resist I pressed my lips up into his. He responded immediately and pulled my body against his. Our lips came together fast and hard, only pulling back when we had to breathe. Rune shifted and a warm hand fell on my thigh, pulling me away from Frode. My face heated, as I looked over my shoulder and saw Rune’s dark eyes staring at me.
“Don’t stop on my account.” His eyes were heavy with lust and his hand moved up over my hip giving it a squeeze.
“You heard him, little one.” Frode said with a grin.
I smiled shyly and leaned into Frode, kissing him gently before pulling away. A frown formed on his swollen lips, but he let me pull away.
“I’d like to talk and learn about you all more before we take things further.” I lowered my gaze, not wanting to see the disappointment on his face.
“Look at me, little one. I’m not upset. I respect that and am willing to talk whenever you want.” He said, not putting any pressure to have a conversation now.
I smiled and nodded as I met his gaze.
“I think if Rune’s ready to be upright for a while I’m ready to talk. But I can wait if he wants to sleep longer.” I looked at Rune to see his response.
“I’m hungry anyway. Let’s get some food and then we can talk.” Rune said, bringing my hand to his mouth.
I nodded and followed him and Frode out of the bedroom. I had never shared my story with anyone. I never thought anyone would believe me. Fear and anxiety filled me as we drew closer to the kitchen. Swallowing hard, I grabbed a plate that Erik handed me and sat the table. It was time, and my mates deserved to know. I was going to share my dark secrets.