The Awakening (Wake Up #1)

by Sarah Brocious

Thanatos chuckled at her anger. "Um, Raina, you have forgotten one very important fact." He grinned down on her, finding some of the usual arrogance to taint his voice. "We are immortal."

  Raina stared up at him. His eyes gentled over her face. "Immortal," she breathed in relief, then rested her forehead on his chest. "I hate you."

  He chuckled, brushing a kiss against the top of her head. He reluctantly moved her to the side. He got down on his knees before Nolan.

  He grasped Nolan’s shirt and popped it open, a sharp tearing sound filled the air at the quick action. He discarded the material, revealing the ugly wound. With precision, he used his fingers like a tool, and uprooted a piece of metal, flattened out...it was sitting nearly above the surface...barely through the skin.

  "We're a little tougher than the average person," he teased. "We do not die. Our muscle and our skin though stronger than usual can still be wounded...we can still go into shock. It’s our gift...it protects us from being noticed, if those trying to kill us think their efforts are in vain....the gig would be up." As he took the metal from Nolan’s body, the skin over the wound healed over.

  Raina gasped. "But... couldn't you hurt him enough...that you could....finish him..." She faltered, not wanting to give him ideas.

  He laughed at this. "It’s not that easy. Killing an immortal would take much more. It would take a gift like Richards." He patted Nolan's chest. "Give him a moment."

  Nolan remained still...though the wound was completely healed.

  She knelt down, and laid a hand on his chest, over the now perfect skin, the defined muscle, the strong bone. No evidence he had just been brutally shot.

  "I had my chance Raina...did I hurt you? Did I take you?"

  She looked up at Thanatos in shock.

  "He will wake...if I stole you away it would only be a matter of moments before he would have found me...been on me before I knew it. His connection to you would insure that. But in these last few moments...while he's down, if I had wanted to do away with you...I would have."

  He knelt before her, tipped her chin up to look into his eyes. "He's given you mixed signals about me, hasn't he? Told you he doesn't trust me, and in the same breath trusted you with me? I had to do this....show him I mean it, prove to you I can be trusted."

  "So what is your motive?" she whispered.

  "To watch over you...to gain your trust as well." He smiled a handsome smile. "I'm sorry I scared you... I've told too many lies to him in this lifetime. I had to be dramatic." He shrugged as if it had been a simple fist fight between brothers. "He'll know now I mean what I am saying."

  She anxiously turned to Nolan, and with a relieved sigh, she set her hand again to his chest that lifted and fell in a steady breathing motion. He was coming back around. Relief rushed through her limbs, and to her chagrin, tears did the same to her eyes. She buried her face into Nolan’s chest and wept.

  Thanatos watched with his green eyes devastated. He swallowed hard. "He'll be awake in a moment. I don't want to be here when he does....he'll have to cool off."

  Raina continued weeping.

  He ached to comfort the crying girl...but she didn't want him. He shook his head and rose to his feet.

  His eyes fell upon the envelope of pictures, now spilled on the floor, probably because of the altercation. He lifted one of Raina and smiled sadly. So they had been sneaking about.

  "I will have this," he sighed, knowing she wasn't listening. Slowly he walked to the door. He opened it carefully, nearly running into a startled neighbor as he stepped out. He closed the door quickly behind him.

  "I think it was a car backfire, or maybe thunder," he answered, before being asked the question.

  Raina only heard snippets of the words he'd spoken to the neighbor. Her thoughts now were of the man below her. She felt his startled breath, then his hands in her hair, holding her to his chest.

  "Raina," he breathed in relief.

  She sat up and looked down into his lovely face.

  He reached up and wiped her tear streaked face. “Are you okay?"

  She nodded, leaning her face into his hand.

  Nolan closed his eyes. "I'm sorry you had to see that," he groaned.

  She smiled. "Well, now I'm a believer," she teased.

  He chuckled, and then groaned, rubbing his chest.

  "Are you okay?" Her hand went to where there one had been the bullet. Her fingers caressed the smooth skin there. She felt his muscles tense, so she removed her hand.

  His silver eyes gazed up at her. He sighed and squeezed his eyes closed. "Just give me a moment...I'll be just fine in a minute." He opened one eye teasingly. "It’s been a long while since I've been shot."

  Her mouth dropped open. "This is not very funny, Mr. Gregor."

  He shrugged, grinning in manly pride.

  She leaned down, kissed his cheek, and then got to her feet. "Well...I never want to witness that again," she mewled.

  He coughed, and rolled painfully on his side. "Where did he go?"

  Raina placed her hands on her hips. "Even if I knew I wouldn't tell you! You are going nowhere! Nolan, you were just shot!"

  He glanced down at his chest, wiped the remaining blood away with the tattered shirt. "Good as new," he mumbled.

  She frowned. "You go to bed! I'm going home."

  He frowned back. "You are not driving!"

  "Believe me...I'm sobered," she sighed. But to appease him, she went for her phone to call Emily...or Bradley. She'd never live this down with them...especially not Emily!

  Nolan was on his feet, and taking the phone from her. "I will take you home."

  Her blue eyes blinked in protest. "But is it safe?"

  He tilted her chin. "It’s a moot point now. You and I aren’t going to be apart...do you understand?"

  She blinked.

  His eyes clouded. "For now," he allowed. "I can't promise forever Raina. I will do what’s best for you...I promise you that."

  "Being with you is best for me."

  He shook his head, suddenly looking sad. "If only I weren't so selfish," he whispered.

  Raina closed her eyes and drew in a breath. "Please take me home, Nolan...I am so tired."

  He touched her cheek. "Grab your things, we'll go now."

  She hurriedly obeyed. She really needed the normalcy of her own home. Emotions assaulted her...the picture of Nolan on the ground...Elenora’s evil glare...Thanatos confusing words.

  She spun back around and felt a bit dizzy. It was all a little too much. How could one mortal take it all? What prize was great enough for so much turmoil? She rubbed her temples, and then glanced over at Nolan.

  His hands were already on her shoulders, his gentle grey eyes held her. "Aelan?"

  "Oh yeah, you," she mumbled sleepily, and felt herself give way to a faint.

  Chapter 16 Protectors

  The birds outside her window were very talkative this morning, Raina decided, as her eyes slowly opened. The rest of her senses were waking as well. She stretched leisurely, wondering why she still felt sleepy after a nights rest. Why did her head hurt? It pounded slightly, dully...enough to be annoying, and nausea inducing.

  She inhaled the scent of coffee. But that was silly...she hadn't made coffee! She reached her fingers for Turks soft furry body that would be near as always. Her hands came up empty. Her eyes widened, and she sat up with a start.

  "Turk?" she called, stopping momentarily to grasp her pounding head. She threw her sheet aside. "Percy?" She peaked under the bed for her little grey man...no cat! She straightened, running a hand through her hair in confusion.

  She glanced down at the oversized t-shirt on her body. One of her favorite night shirts, but she had not changed into it....Nolan. She blushed. He had played nurse maid to her fainting self once again!

  With a heavy sigh, she shuffled down the stairs. Her goal was coffee. She got an even better morning treat. She got Nolan Gregor, sitting at her dining room table, sipping coffee, looking tousled, and newly awakened. H
e was listening to music on his iPod, and beamed at her as if she'd taken him by surprise.

  He was beautiful. She felt self-conscious in her night shirt.

  "Coffee is nice and strong," he said softly.

  Raina grabbed her cup, and turned her back to him.

  "You slept soundly," he continued. "You needed it...your body went through a lot."

  Raina rubbed her temples. "I didn’t think I did enough to warrant a headache," she sighed.

  "You didn't," he spoke gently. "It was what your mind went through. I told you...I've felt Elenora's punishment before. Her mind spells can be brutal."

  Raina bit her lip. "Thanatos said he paid for helping me...do you suppose she was harder on him?" She crossed to the table and sat down in the chair beside him.

  Nolan frowned over the concern. "I suppose....but he has grown use to them."

  She nodded, still feeling concerned.

  "He deserves one hell of a headache for shooting me," he growled.

  Raina giggled at this, and then groaned at the throbbing in her skull. She laid her head down on her arms. She started slightly at the pressure of his fingers at the base of her skull. His hands worked miracles, kneading the muscles of her neck, and then weaving through her hair, applying pressure to the throbbing with the pads of his fingers. His touch was indeed healing...the pain was lifting. Raina wanted to groan at the pleasure, but held her breath.

  "Your magic?"

  He chuckled. "Yes."

  "You are a healer," she murmured softly, as his fingers sifted through her hair.

  "Hmm," he sighed.

  "Why is it such a bad thing? Why did you not want me to know?"

  He twirled a blonde curl between his fingers. "It’s not a bad thing Aelan....it’s the cost. I...I don't want to glorify what I am."

  "And that is?" Her eyes peaked up between the tresses he was playing with.

  "An abomination." He shook his head. "My life...it’s a curse!"

  "To me you are a gift. You didn’t...ask for it. Nolan, please don't say such things. You were cursed, yes...it happened, but you never planned it! And you have not taken advantage of what you've been given!"

  "I have had my moments."

  "Not like Elenora...or even Thanatos."

  His brow furrowed, and his fingers continued their play in her hair.

  The headache was nearly gone.

  "You deserve goodness Nolan. You've sowed it! Even to those undeserving!"

  He grinned. "I'm not always good."

  "You're good to me." Her eyes closed at his heavenly contact.

  "I take that back then...I’m always good to you, but could never be at all times to all people." He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear to get a full view of her face. "I wouldn't be doing this for Thanatos." He applied more pressure with his fingers to indicate of what he spoke.

  She giggled. "I would love to see if you did!" She sighed as more of the pain melted away. "Poor Thanatos...what he must be feeling."

  Nolan growled low in his chest, and tugged at her hair in chastisement, but even that felt good to her tender scalp. He eased the tug, by again weaving his hand into the thickness.

  "It’s so unfair," she whimpered.

  "Hmm?" he brushed a thumb over her temple.

  "I don't get to touch your hair."

  A deep chuckle came from him. She had shocked him with her change of subject. "No, you don't."

  Raina smiled, eyes still closed. "I'm lucky to have you here...to minister to me. I couldn't imagine having to deal with this on my own."

  “You want to check on him…don’t you?”

  Her eyes flew open in surprise. "Who?"

  His mouth tipped in a crooked grin. "You can't help yourself...you're too kind."

  "I'm not happy with him you know?" Her blue eyes flashed. "I hate that he hurt you.”

  "But you are still concerned that he may be suffering."

  She frowned. "And I hate myself for it."

  He tucked a finger under her chin. "It’s one of the things I love about you." His silver eyes softened. "Makes me jealous as hell, but it’s who you are."

  Raina smiled sheepishly. "A quick text?"

  He shrugged, giving up, lifting his coffee to his lips.

  Raina went for her purse and dug her phone out. She frowned...it was dead. She showed him the lifeless screen, and then headed for the charger plugged in on her counter. "Later then," she said with a shrug.

  She nearly jumped out of her skin when a loud pounding came to the door. Unthinking of her appearance, she hurried to it. She peaked out of the peephole and groaned. "Damn!" She pulled the heavy door open.

  "Where have you been?" Emily's dark eyes flashed. "You run out on me...leave me that garbled message, promise to call me? I should beat you! I've tried to call you six times just this morning!"

  Raina winced at the shouting words. "I'm sorry."

  "Sorry? I'll show you sorry! You'll know the meaning of the word sorry when I get through...with...you," her words wandered off at the end. She pulled in a breath, and then smiled. "Good morning, Nolan."

  Raina blushed, and followed her friends gaze. Her beautiful Nolan was leaning lazily against the entrance to the kitchen. His sleep tousled hair gave him a sexy appearance. His sweat pants hung low on his hips, his tank snug at his torso.

  "Morning, Emily." His soft voice made both girls stop and stare for a long second.

  Emily positively beamed, as her eyes fell on Raina.

  Raina groaned. "Don't look at me like that Em! It’s not what you think!"

  "I will be terribly disappointed if it isn't."

  Nolan laughed softly, pushed from the door way to return to his chair.

  "Don't leave me alone," she croaked after him. "Nolan, you get back here and defend my honor!" Raina's cheeks were flames. She swung back to Emily. "He brought me home… he slept on the couch.......that is all!"

  Emily shook her head. "Your story."

  Raina almost smiled.

  Emily grasped her friend’s shoulders. "I want a full report...not now of course, but you will call me," she ordered.

  Raina shook her head. "Em there is no story!"

  Emily rolled her eyes. "You have a sexy man in your kitchen, enjoying morning coffee with you, with bed head and bedroom eyes. You will not convince me nothing went on!"

  Raina frowned. "Em, you know me better!"

  Emily sighed, and nodded. "But a girl can dream can't she?"

  Pushing her toward the door, Raina allowed a nervous laugh. "Keep dreaming."

  "Raina...he's in your kitchen...you look adorable in your night shirt...go in there and get it girl!"

  Raina blushed. "Go home Emily. I will call you later today!"

  Emily giggled, and tripped her way outside.

  She wanted to slam door behind the giggling woman, but the fresh air touched her warmed cheeks, and she allowed the screen door to slap into place instead. Raina shook her head. She went back into the kitchen/dining room where her Nolan awaited. He hadn't returned to his seat. He leaned back on the counter and regarded her closely.

  Raina lifted her eyebrows. "What?"

  He frowned. "Should I be worried?"

  She tilted her head. "About?"

  A grin played at his lips. "That you've come in here to get it?"

  She blushed to the roots of her hair. "I won't be attacking you Nolan, no." Her eyes took in the sight of him.

  He smiled. "Thank you for defending my honor."

  "When you just left me to defend my own!? You as good as said...yeah I bedded her...without saying a word!"

  His silver eyes danced, and he choked on his laugh. "Bedded?"

  Raina made a face at him. "Isn't that one of those fancy words from your time.... meaning, you know." She blushed.

  "Are you calling me old?"

  She chuckled. "Maybe."

  "I don't know if I like that kind of sass from you."

  She gave a shrug.

  "As an elder, I cou
ld impose discipline!" His eyes flashed dangerously.

  Raina’s blue eyes twinkled. "Old man like you...you might break a hip trying!"

  Nolan’s teeth closed over his bottom lip, giving him a devilish look. "Do not tempt me to try!"

  Raina rolled her eyes, turned to the table, and saw his iPod sitting by his coffee cup. "Why did you bring this?" She reached over and snatched it.

  "In case I went for a run. I drove you home in your car...I thought I'd go home by foot. I like my music when I run." He reached for his iPod, and she pulled back.

  "Music? What do you listen to grandpa? Oldies?"

  "You might find a few in there...but I'm eclectic." He held his hand out for the gadget.

  "Ok grandpa, let’s just see."

  Nolan lunged for her, catching her around the waist, pinning her to his body with one arm, while the other reached for his music. "Don't want to break this while I'm throttling you!"

  Raina squirmed in his arms, successfully keeping the iPod from him. "Let me have a listen," she giggled, and nearly dropped it, as his fingers tickled her ribs. "Nolan," she cried.

  "My iPod," he growled, but the growl turned into a chuckle.

  Raina struggled, but her laughter made her fighting useless, and she soon tired, and finally gave up, and shoved it at his chest. "Spoil sport!"

  "That’s what I thought," he grumbled. His arm about her flexed, squeezing the air from her.

  Raina looked up at him with merriment. "I just wanted to hear what you like." She felt his heart pick up tempo, and she liked that.

  His silvers lit. "You just heard what I like." His voice dropped an octave.

  She frowned.

  "Your laugh Raina. It’s sweeter than anything I have on this." He tipped his head at the iPod. His palm, flat at her back, pushed gently, not allowing their contact to end. His breathing was erratic, and she doubted it was because of the struggle.

  "Yeah?" she sounded a little breathless too.

  He grinned. "Yeah."

  "My head is pounding...please don't add to my agony by making me throw up!"

  Raina gasped, and Nolan’s arm tightened.

  "Sorry to barge in on this love fest but..."

  Nolan growled. His distraction, had kept him from recognizing the green eyed devil’s presence...that was not good! He mentally kicked himself, and instinctively turned Raina away, protecting her with his body, but not quite able to hide all of her.