[©Lynnifer Ice – January 1, 2024]
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"Theoretically, it should," Liam bobbed in conclusion letting my mouth close as the last of the potion trickled down my tongue. "It can't sever the connection entirely but it'll dampen the pain being shared with her."
As I drank down the last of the nasty concoction, almost immediately after, I could sense it working as the pain lessened more and more until it ultimately disappeared as if it had never even been there in the first place. I could still discern emotions that I didn't identify as mine but my body was relaxing as I took deep breaths, not yet registering that I was relaxing against Blake until I heard him clear his throat. He looked like he was going to say something but I beat him to it first.
How is this even possible?
"What just happened? Why was I in so much excruciating pain?" I asked, not bothering to move away from Blake because his cool skin felt fabulous on my warm and unfortunately sweaty body.
Since when did I become comfortable leaning against someone I just met?
"I don't know if you'll be convinced, but you just achieved what takes most marked pairs months to do. You linked with Xinith from the mark. What he is currently feeling, you were feeling it too," Blake slowly clarified, letting his thumb brush against my shoulder.
Pairs? Last I checked, Xinith wasn't marked.
"You mean to tell me that Xinith is getting hurt by whatever was pursuing us before?" I asked in a much smaller voice than I had intended. My eyes unintentionally followed where he brushed my shoulder. I was not sure if I should convey something about the comforting gesture or not.
Why am I acting like I genuinely care? I shouldn't care about what happens to that jerk!
"That's most likely the case. I'm sorry you had to go through that. It would probably be easier to show you than try to explain what's going on with him."
Why would YOU be sorry? That doesn't sound suspicious at all…
"Show me how?" I frowned, my brow furrowing in confusion as I looked at the floor. It was starting to feel uneasy that I seemed so carefree…not that I would ever admit that out loud.
"Do you trust me?" Blake softly asked.
I likely shouldn't, but here we are.
I could feel his gaze focused a little too intensely on me. I cleared my throat, becoming increasingly aware that I was acting way too comfortable with someone I barely knew. I would not allow myself to act like this with any of my male companions in Italy… So, why am I allowing myself to act like this now? Perhaps, I have finally begun to lose my mind?
"I think maybe a bit? I want to fully but I've never had a vampire for a friend," I dryly swallowed, my eyes looking anywhere but at Blake.
There is probably a good reason for that…
"Sorry to cut in this sweet moment, but due to the severity of the pain that Alex was feeling, I think it's best I leave to help Xinith. I think he's in over his head again," Liam interrupted, slowly moving to leave the kitchen until Blake glared at him.
Strange. I thought I had been given the impression before that none of these guys were that fond of Xinith. I must have misunderstood.
"You want to go help that bastard?" Blake spat as he narrowed his eyes toward Liam, "Absolutely fucking not. It's not the first time he's been in a fight. He'll be fine on his own." His voice was filled with chilling authority, that it even gave me goosebumps.
They make it sound like he gets into fights all the time…
"Are you being for real, Blake? Just because YOU can't stand the guy, doesn't mean I feel the same. You weren't there when he handed Alex to me. He was visibly outnumbered and if he was getting injured to the point where she could feel it, he obviously NEEDS help! He's not immortal, Blake! You can say whatever you want, but I'm going to back him up," Liam huffed before he swiftly turned his back on Blake and stormed out of the dorm, slamming the door behind him.
"I can't believe Liam just-!" Blake nitpicked before Sasi nudged his shoulder. I could feel Blake's muscles tense and then relax only to tense again but more intensely. At this point, I was wondering if it would be wise to move away, but I was reluctant to move an inch.
"Perhaps, it's not my place, but I think Liam has a point… So, maybe consider biting the molar this time," Sasi cleared his throat before pulling up a chair close to us. "I also think that maybe you shouldn't be holding Alex when you are clearly on the verge of losing your head."
What's that supposed to mean?
"Should I just move over to my own chair then?" I bit the inside of my cheek, not fully understanding why everyone was acting the way they were. I could only think that it must have something to do with their history with each other. However, I was starting to feel grateful for the suggestion to move away from Blake until…
"I wouldn't advise that. You might fall off when Blake… Eh, well he can explain that. For now, just come over here and sit between my legs facing Blake. I'll make sure you don't fall," Sasi gestured toward the empty spot between his legs on the seat of the wooden chair.
So… It's not okay for me to sit by myself on a chair but it's okay to sit way too closely to someone I barely know? Yes, because that just makes all the sense in the world! …Not.
When I hesitated a moment, I heard Blake click his tongue before gently sliding me off himself. I blinked before slowly feeling myself gliding over to the empty spot between Sasi's legs. I stiffly sat with my hands on my thighs, my legs pressed tightly together. From my peripheral vision, I saw Sasi raise his arms, his palms open as his arms hovered by my sides without touching me. I stared at Blake who let out a deep breath before looking me back in the eyes, preparing himself.
This position is beyond awkward.
"Just close your eyes then," Blake instructed which I quickly followed before I felt his chilly fingertips brush against the mark on my shoulder. "This might tingle a bit, but it won't hurt. Stay focused and regulate your breathing, and you'll be able to see through Xinith's eyes. Before you ask, yes, there's a good possibility he'll feel the direct connection since it seems the bond is stronger than we thought."
Now I'm kind of mad at myself for chickening out last minute about removing this annoying mark. I should have just gone through with it, no matter how bad the pain would have gotten.
"See through his eyes, like looking through a looking-glass or something? How can a human have that kind of ability? That doesn't make sense, Blake… It's a bit far-fetched."
Someone remind me how I got myself put into this crazy fairy-tale... There's no way I can ever tell someone about this and think that they'll believe me. They'll probably think I've gone crazy. Would my Aunt believe me if I told her?
- End of Chapter Twenty-Six -