The Gift: An Awakened Novella Page 10

  “We won’t know for sure until she wakes up, but it makes the most sense,” Hunter says. “Nice work, Ciera.”

  I smile. “Thanks, but it was a collaborative effort.”

  “Well, thanks everyone. Now get some rest, please.” Hunter turns and starts to head for the barn.

  “I’m coming with you!” Declan shouts, and I watch as he runs after Hunter.

  Everyone else disperses and I’m left standing alone on the porch.

  I walk back to my cabin, and I can smell the rain in the air. I take a shower and lie down on my bed, pulling out my phone.

  Me: How’s Aria?

  Declan: Still the same.

  Me: I hope she wakes up soon.

  Declan: Me too.

  Me: Want some company tonight?

  I want to be there for him. I can’t imagine how this must be affecting him.

  Declan: I’m hanging out with Bennett tonight.

  Declan: I’ll text you later.

  I stare at my phone, feeling my eyes fill up.

  Why is he letting me fall if he had no intention of catching me?

  Standing at the kitchen counter in nothing but my jeans, I look at the alcohol selection, which is freshly replenished, since I gave Abby some cash to pick some stuff up the last time she went into town with her mom. I decide on the Tennessee whiskey and grab a glass from the cabinet, pouring the amber liquid in.

  I lied to Ciera. I told her I was chilling with Bennett tonight.

  Why? I don’t fucking know.

  This girl is everything. So why am I standing here, staring out the window at the rain, when I could be with her?

  I’ve been doing things with her that I’ve never really done before: faking an injury to spend time with her, texting her whenever I get a chance.

  She’s the first thing I think about in the morning and the last thing before I fall asleep.

  Even before our parents died, I wasn’t the relationship type. The only other person I ever had anything with that I could even consider as being close to a relationship was this girl back in high school, Stefanie. But I chose sports and school and then she ended up moving to North Carolina. Last I heard, she was married now to a guy named Ethan.

  A knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. I down the rest of the whiskey and set the glass down on the counter and pad my way over to the front door. When I open it, denim-blue eyes are staring up at me.

  Fuck.

  Ciera is standing there, soaked, in a yellow sundress. Her usual golden blonde hair is now a dark brown from the rain. I step aside and let her in.

  Apparently I can’t avoid her even when I want to. And I was trying to avoid her.

  She’s everything good in this world, and I’m just not. Pain and death seem to follow me wherever I go. I couldn’t protect my sister. I couldn’t protect her. And I refuse to allow her goodness to be tainted by the darkness that surrounds me.

  “How’s Bennett?” she asks, whirling around and looking at me. She crosses her arms over her chest, pushing her tits up.

  I look away as I walk past her and back into the kitchen. “Well, hello to you too.”

  That came out harsher than I intended. I can feel her eyes on me as I pour more whiskey into my glass and down its contents. I set the glass in the sink and grip the counter.

  “I’m sorry,” I sigh. “I didn’t mean to snap. And I’m sorry that I lied to you.”

  “Why did you lie? Are you avoiding me?” she asks, her voice soft.

  “No.”

  Yes. I lie. Again. Fuck.

  I start to walk out of the kitchen, and Ciera follows me back into the living room.

  “Did I do something wrong?” she asks, her voice sounding shaky.

  I turn around to face her. “No.”

  That’s the truth. She could never do anything wrong.

  “Are you mad at me for keeping Aria’s headaches from you?”

  “No.”

  Again, the truth. Was I upset at first? Hell yeah, I was. But at the end of the day, everyone was trying to help her. I can’t be mad at that.

  “Is it someone else? I saw you with Abby earlier,” she admits, wrapping her arms around her stomach.

  My hands fall to my sides. “What? I’ve known Abby since I was a kid. We’re just friends. Besides, I’m pretty sure she’s been shacking up with Zayne.”

  “Oh,” she whispers softly. “Then what is it?” She steps closer to me. “Is it because I told you I was a virgin?”

  “You being a virgin has nothing to do with it.”

  “Then what? Please Declan, tell me what I did.” Tears start falling down her cheeks.

  “You didn’t do anything, Ciera. That’s just it. You’re amazing. You make my world brighter just by existing in it. And I don’t deserve that. You deserve so much better.” Fuck. I run a hand through my hair. “I’ve been with a lot of women; I can’t even remember their names. I couldn’t even protect my own sister. I couldn’t protect you! I don’t deserve—"

  Shit. This isn’t coming out right.

  Ciera’s hands fall limp at her sides, the action cutting me off. “You don’t have to protect me. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself. But now I realize that falling for you was a mistake. I was just going to be another notch in your belt, another name you could forget.”

  “What did you just say?” I ask, not believing my own ears.

  “Nothing. Just forget it. Forget me,” she murmurs.

  I clench my jaw and squeeze my eyes shut; I feel her walk past me.

  What the fuck am I doing?

  I turn and catch up to her just as she gets to the door. I place my palm flat on the door and push just as she starts to open it. She flinches as it slams shut, but she doesn’t turn around. I can feel a shiver work its way down her spine from how close I'm standing.

  I lean down to whisper in her ear. “I could never forget you, sunshine. You are not just some girl to me.” I lower my hand to her shoulder and move her wet hair back from her neck. “You are so much more than that. What I feel for you, it scares the shit out of me. I haven’t been avoiding you because you’re a virgin or because there’s someone else. There is no one else for me.”

  She turns her head and looks up at me through dark lashes. I glance down at her lips as she turns her body around.

  “You got hurt because of me. The vampire that killed our parents has been looking for Aria and me. I should have never gotten out of that car. I’ve never been a boyfriend.” I reach up and cup her cheek and bring my forehead to hers. “I always avoided relationships. In high school, I didn’t want the distraction. But now it’s because I don’t want anyone to get hurt because of the life my sister and I live.”

  “Declan, if you hadn’t been there, I would be dead,” Ciera whispers. “My life will always be in danger, whether you’re here or not. I feel safe when I’m with you, more so than with any shifter on this Compound.”

  My heart swells as I reach up and cup her cheek. “I love you, sunshine.”

  Her eyes grow wide at my revelation.

  “I’m pretty sure I’ve been in love with you since the moment I met you in the medical room.”

  “What did you say?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

  “You heard me,” I breathe.

  She grips my wrist as I bring my lips down to hers. Kissing her is like a breath of fresh air. I swipe my tongue on her bottom lip, and she opens for me. My hands travel down to her waist, and I dip down and run my hand up her bare leg. I deepen the kiss and push her hard against the door. She brings her leg up and wraps it around my waist, and I let my hand travel up her dress to cup her ass. I feel her lace panties against my palm and groan into her mouth. She runs her hands through my hair as I pick her up, her back slamming into the front door again. My dick is straining hard in my jeans, and to my surprise, she reaches down and grips me.

  “Fuck,” I hiss as she squeezes.

  I swear, if my pants hadn’t been in the way, I
would have come. That would be a record for me.

  “Take me to bed,” she whispers into my mouth.

  I don’t hesitate; I pull us away from the door and make my way up to my room. I kick my bedroom door closed behind me and lay her down on my new queen size mattress, not breaking our kiss.

  I love this woman. And I want to make her mine in every way possible.

  I slip my hand back under her dress and run a finger down the center of her panties.

  “You’re already so wet for me,” I murmur, and she writhes under me.

  I remove my hand and I swear I hear her whimper. I pull back and our eyes lock. Her lips are swollen, her eyes are hooded, and they darken as I go to pull away. She clasps my cheeks in her small hands, holding me in place. I adjust my weight, placing both hands on either side of her head. My arms are starting to shake, but it’s not because I'm not strong enough. She’s doing things to me, things that have me excited and nervous at the same time.

  “I love you, Declan Matthews, and I want you. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. You deserve love. Please let me give it to you,” she whispers.

  My jaw clenches and I stare down at her in disbelief.

  Our gazes lock, and she reassures me with a small smile before leaning up and pressing her lips against mine. I bring my knee up, placing it just between her legs, and push myself off her. I stare down at her, and she’s looking at me with so much love in her eyes that it makes me forget why I ever started running from her in the first place.

  I grab the hem of her dress and lift it up. She sits up so I can get it off over her head, then fumbles with the button of my jeans. I quickly grab her hands and hold them above her head.

  “I’m making you mine in every possible way tonight,” I whisper in her ear.

  I kiss her neck, down to her collarbone, making my way down to her breasts. One hand keeps both her arms above her head, while the other comes down and releases one breast from her bra. I flick my tongue across the rosy peak, and she moans in response. I let go of her hands, and grab her other breast, releasing the other from the cup. I play with one nipple as I nip and suck on the other.

  Ciera is writhing underneath me, pushing her chest further into my hands and mouth. I love how responsive she is.

  I make my way down her stomach and kiss just above where the top of her underwear touches her stomach. She raises her hips slightly, begging me with her body. I glance up at her; our gazes lock as she watches me expectantly. I smile as I hook my fingers around the top of her panties and tug them down. I toss them to the side and push her legs open. I gently kiss the inside of her knee, making my way up to her sweet spot. When I finally reach the apex of her thighs, I hear her head hit the pillow.

  She moans as I swipe my tongue down her center, then I insert a finger.

  God, she’s so ready for me.

  Her hips come off the bed as I insert another finger, working her up to a climax. I place my palm flat on her pelvis to keep her still. I feel her walls clench around my fingers as she comes undone, and I catch her release with my mouth.

  So fucking sweet.

  I kiss my way back up her body, and she clasps the sides of my head, bringing me up to her lips and kissing me hard. I let her reach for the button of my jeans, giving her full control. I lean back so she can sit up and I watch as she unzips me and when my dick springs free, her eyes grow wide. She bites her lip and looks up at me. I could come just from that look alone.

  That would be another first.

  I reach down and grip the base of my cock, slowly stroking myself. I take her hand and place it under mine, guiding her along my shaft. Our gazes lock and I see a look of determination cross her delicate features. She nudges my hand away and then wraps her mouth around the tip of my cock.

  Oh, fuck me.

  I toss my head back as she takes me in her mouth, swirling her tongue around the tip as she goes down. I hit her teeth a few times, but I don’t give a fuck. This is the best blow job I have ever gotten because it’s from her. I run my hand through her damp hair as she bobs up and down. I refrain from thrusting my hips, letting her have all the control. When I feel my balls start to tighten, I gently yank her head away and bend over to kiss her.

  I’m hungry for her now. I reach into my nightstand and grab a condom, quickly rolling it on before returning to kiss my girl.

  She hooks a leg over my waist as I line my dick up to her entrance.

  “I trust you,” she murmurs.

  I stare into her beautiful blue eyes. She’s giving me all of her. And she’s taken all of me. She will always have all of me.

  I slowly enter her, inch by inch. Fuck, she’s so tight. She winces and tenses up, so I stop moving.

  “Relax, sunshine. I’ve got you,” I whisper, before peppering soft kisses all over her face as I slide all the way in.

  I don’t move yet, knowing I need to let her get used to my size and being inside her. When she opens her eyes, she nods, letting me know it’s okay to continue. I pull out slowly and repeat the process until I feel her hands on my lower back, pushing me in faster.

  So, I give the lady what she wants. I quicken my thrusts, loving the way she feels. And it’s all mine.

  “Declan,” she moans.

  God, I love that sound. Especially when it’s coming from her lips. I go faster now, not holding back, and she starts meeting me thrust for thrust. I catch her release with my kiss, then I bury my face in her neck, groaning as I come hard inside her.

  Both of us are sweaty and breathless, but neither one of us lets go. I reluctantly pull back and look into her eyes.

  She smiles up at me. “I love you.”

  I kiss her forehead, her cheek, her nose, then peck her lips. “I love you too, sunshine.”

  I pull out, kissing her as I do. I get up and head to the bathroom to dispose of the condom. When I come back to my room, I throw on a pair of gym shorts, grab my guitar, and pull up a chair. Ciera wraps my blanket around her, sitting up in the bed. I start to tune my guitar, getting used to the feel of having one in my hands again. Once it’s tuned to my liking, I start to strum a song. It takes a few chords, but finally Ciera’s face lights up.

  “I know that song!” she says excitedly.

  I continue to play “You Are My Sunshine.”

  “Is there an instrument you can’t play?” she asks.

  “Anything you have to blow into.” I wink and she laughs. “To be honest, I’ve never actually tried to play anything other than guitar, piano, and drums.”

  “Apollo is the god of music and poetry. It makes sense that you’re drawn to instruments,” Ciera explains.

  “Now I feel like my whole life has been a lie when you put it like that,” I joke.

  Ciera frowns. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “I know you didn’t, babe,” I reassure her. “Do you remember the other day when you asked me what I wanted?”

  She nods. “Yeah.”

  “Ask me again.”

  “Okay. Declan, what is it that you want?” She smirks.

  “Well, thank you for asking. Let’s see, I want passion.” I smirk, then my face turns serious. “And a lifelong adventure with you.”

  I watch her eyes tear up, then she gets up from the bed, the sheet falling to the floor. I set my guitar down as she straddles me in the chair, her lips crashing down on mine. I grab her hips as she grinds into my growing erection, and for the second time in my life, I make love.

  “Ms. Campbell! Ms. Campbell!” Maggie says as she runs over to me.

  She’s finally found the plastic crown that I hid from her. She loves to play castle and make me the princess. Guess who’s the queen?

  “You need to put on the crown! It’s time for a royal ball!” She forces the crown on my head, and I wince as the prongs stab into my skin.

  I gently place my hands over hers. “Oh, is it? Here let me help you.”

  I adjust the crown so it sits on my head comfortably. Movement in t
he doorway catches my eye, and I look over to see Declan leaning against the frame, amusement all over his features.

  It’s been a few weeks since we admitted our feelings for each other, and we’ve been nearly inseparable ever since.

  Maggie leans in close. “Oh, it’s the prince!”

  She was trying to whisper, but from the laughter in the doorway, I know that Declan heard her. I look around the room and notice the boys are playing with the Legos again, and I’m praying that Tucker is over the phase of putting them up his nose. Callie and Peyton come over and stand next to Maggie. The three of them are giggling uncontrollably.

  Declan strolls into the room and up to me. “So, are you the queen and are these the princesses?”

  Maggie snorts. “No. I’m the queen. Ms. Campbell is the princess. And Callie and Peyton are my royal best friends.”

  “Ah. I see. Well, then, Queen Maggie, if this is a ball, then where’s the music? Surely, you have to dance at such a royal event?” Declan questions her.

  He and Maggie have a growing friendship. He really cares about her, and when he’s not able to make it to walk with us at the end of the day, he asks about her. She makes him play her lullaby from time to time, more so on the days her parents are stuck at work. He later told me that he originally had written the song for his mom, but then he saw how sad she was, and he wanted to make her feel special, to have something that was all hers.

  “Good point, Prince Declan.” She whirls around, and her eyes grow big as she sticks out her bottom lip in a great puppy dog look. “Ms. Campbell, the best teacher-slash-princess in the whole entire universe and beyond, can we please turn on the radio?”

  She laces her fingers together by her chest and closes her eyes tightly. Callie and Peyton both give me the same looks. I have to admit, the girls are good.

  “Well, we can’t have a ball without music, can we?” I say, and I get squeals of delight from the girls.

  I get up from my chair and turn on the stereo. Ed Sheeran’s “Give Me Love” plays softly in the room. I turn around and see Maggie staring at Declan, who is staring at me.