Touch of Flame

Malachi opened his eyes to the cool breeze blowing through the open balcony door. He looked outside, it was dawn and birds were chirping outside. A sweet scent filled his nostrils before the calm breath and heartbeat besides his made his head turn.

Ravina.

She was sleeping in his bed, hair spread and expression relaxed. Her lips were slightly parted and her chest rose and fell in a slow rhythm. Her robe was almost coming off, showing the hallow between her breasts and the thin silky fabric revealed the shape. Her legs were also exposed, coming through the slit of her robe that was only held together with a belt around the waist.

He just stared at her for a moment in awe and disbelief. He found her more beautiful each day. He wanted to scoop her fragile body into his arms and hold her when he took notice of her arm in his hand. Slowly he eased his grasp around her, noticing the redness. How long did he hold her? Hopefully, he didn’t bruise her.

Malachi tried to slowly push himself up, his body throbbing with pain. The wound in his stomach felt like a knife twisting in his gut. He reached for the blanked and covered her from the cold wind, then unable to remain in a sitting position he let himself fall back again.

He turned to the side feeling sore from sleeping in the same position but this one was no better. At least, he could enjoy having her in his bed. Now he wondered why she wore a robe. Were the clothes uncomfortable or did something happen while he was gone?

Malachi looked at her scarred hands and wrists. He reached for her, touching the scars gently, feeling them with the tip of his fingers. The one on her wrists looked deep and cutting wrists… she could die. The time when he could care less if the world burned down was gone. She was giving him hope that this could work. That perhaps she could truly become his breedmate. That perhaps, their world could still be better although he wasn’t sure how when things were worse than ever.

He had to find her sister for her. It was the least he could do to help her. To make her happy.

He touched her face gently, tracing the small shape of her delicate face. Then he went back to sleep, not finding a reason to leave her side.

When he woke up again, she was gone. He forced himself to sit up straight, the pain still present. He would have to go out and shift for a while to heal faster. Going out through the balcony he shifted and took a short flight before coming back. Then he got rid of the bandages. The wounds were deep to heal fast so they were still there but looked much better.

Aware that Ravina was on her way up, he turned to the door as she entered. She had a tray of food. “Good morning,” she smiled faintly, pausing a moment and looking at his wounds.

After making an assessment she placed the tray on the table. “I see you are better,” she said.

“I am,” he stepped closer. “Thanks to you.”

A faint pink colored her cheek. She was dressed in lavender and smelled like it.

“Well, to heal fast besides sleep you need good food.” She motioned for him to sit.

When they both sat down she reached across the table and placed her hand on his forehead. He became still. She touched him with her palm and then the back of her hand. “Better. I think I am learning your normal temperature,” she said.

She didn’t like to be touched but she certainly didn’t mind touching.

“Your brothers were here asking about your condition. I told them you were alright and to come by once you are awake,” she informed.

He nodded. “Do you want to go out?” He asked.

She looked at him questioningly.

“You must feel locked her. I will take you wherever you want.”

She frowned. “You are sick. You should rest.”

“In a while, I will be even better than this. The healing will be faster from here.”

She studied him carefully, contemplating her answer. “Alright.”

After breakfast, Ravina offered to put on new bandages. Until the wound was completely healed, she thought it was important to protect it from infections. Although at this point, he didn’t think it was bad, he didn’t protest knowing she would insist. Besides he got to have her close to him.

He washed himself up and changed before she began to bandage him. He watched her and he could tell when she became aware of his gaze. If not for her heartbeat he wouldn’t be able to tell. She was good at keeping her emotions hidden.

“I think I have touched you enough for a lifetime,” she said as she tied the bandage.

He chuckled. “I don’t think so,” he replied. “This barely counts as touching.” He took her hand and placed it on his chest, watching her expression.

Her fingers curled slightly as if avoiding contact the way her eyes avoided his gaze. He dragged her hand down his chest slowly and she flattened it out, the softness of her palm caressing his skin. Her gaze followed her hand. He could hear her heart racing in her chest as he dragged her hand lower and lower.

Her gaze began to waver as she looked below his bandage. Her face became red fast and she withdrew her hand. Her wide eyes looked up at him. She recalled the accident from last night because he had never seen her so red. He could even feel the heat from her face.

“I’ll wait downstairs,” she hurried to say.

Oh well, that was an accident and not the most comfortable grasp even for him but she would touch him eventually. He wanted her hands everywhere on his body and his hands would have a memory of their own of what her body felt like.

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