Betrayals of Spring (Forever Fae #2)(19)
She’s treating me like the scared Meliantha from the past. I’m not that girl anymore and to be treated like it infuriates me.
“You don’t need to treat me like a baby, Calista. I can take care of myself now if you haven’t noticed,” I say angrily. Her face falls at my outburst, so I soften the next words I speak. “I appreciate your concern, Calista, but I’m not stupid. I know to stay here with Finn and Ashur, and I didn’t need you to have to tell me. What I need you to do is stop underestimating me. Can you do that?” I don’t want to be mean to her, but I need her to be fully aware that I can take care of myself. The dark sorcerer is after my power this time, and I plan on being ready.
Calista looks back and forth between Finn and me, and with the band wrapped up and in her hands, she turns to head down the hall. A few minutes later she’s back with a sleeping Merrick in her arms and Ariella following in her wake.
“What about the ball tonight, Calista? What are we going to do about that?” I ask quickly. If the dark sorcerer is here, he’s bound to try something malicious.
She gives me a faint smile and answers hesitantly, “The ball is still going to happen and as long as you’re not alone, you will be safe. Rest for now, sister, and I’ll see you tonight.”
Dealing with the dark sorcerer can’t be easy for her. I know it’s been five years, but the traumatic events she went through during her capture are bound to leave scars on her soul. I may not have been captured and watched my best friend die, but knowing the dark sorcerer has had his way with me intimately has left some deep wounds on my essence as well.
Calista and Ariella leave quickly and I’m left alone with Finn. My time with him may be coming to a close if what I suspect is true about Kalen. If he’s the one I’m supposed to be with, then I have to let Finn go. Standing before me, Finn’s face displays an array of emotions making it hard for me to tell what he’s truly feeling.
He takes my face in his hands and sighs heavily before pleading, “Mel, I can’t begin to express how sorry I am. You know I would never hurt you. Please don’t let this come between us.” He takes a deep breath and leans his forehead against mine.
I can hear the anger rumbling in his chest when he adds, “If the dark sorcerer ever, ever lays a hand on you again, I promise I’ll do everything in my power to make him regret it.” Finn is a very strong warrior, but I don’t think his ability for air and wind is going to damage the dark sorcerer. I’ll never tell him that, but it warms my soul to know that he’ll risk his life to go up against the dark sorcerer to protect me. I would also do the same for him. I may not be in love with Finn, but the thought of being without him or losing him to death will be an extreme agony.
I kiss his cheek softly and I look at him with sheer determination.
“I know you would do that Finn, but if the dark sorcerer tries this again, it will be me that makes him regret it. He’s toyed with me for far too long.”
He tilts his lips up in a slow smile and chuckles.
“Of course you would, Mel. Why don’t we rest for a while before getting ready for the ball?” He looks down my body and his eyes take on a lusty glow when he adds, “I can’t wait to see you in your dress tonight. I bet you’re going to have all the men demanding to dance with you.”
My eyes go wide at the thought of my dress. I’m sure everyone’s going to have something to say about it. I wonder if Kalen is going to be one of those men to ask for a dance, and if he is, what am I going to say to him? I have a few hours until the ball, so I’ll worry about that when the time comes.
I smile sweetly at Finn and tease, “I’m pretty sure I’ll be dancing with you most of the night. You are, after all, my date.” His eyes sparkle and I laugh. “Come on, let’s go find a room and relax. I’m sure tonight is going to be eventful and we’re going to need our rest because of the long journey here.”
We walk through the kitchen and down the hallway to find a room. There are so many to choose from, so I pick the first door I come to. I open the door and inside is an immaculate king size bed with a light purple comforter. Actually, everything in this room is purple, and there are flowers everywhere. Did Kalen do this for me, too? If he did, I think he went a little overboard with the purple. It is still beautiful, though. Finn walks past me into the room and begins to take off his warrior armor; however, he doesn’t stop there. When he’s done taking his clothes off, he lies down on the bed naked and pats the area beside him.
My stomach is in knots while I slowly remove the breastplate from my chest and then the vambraces from my arms. I don’t want to give him the wrong impression by taking off all my clothes. He’s very understanding, so I’m sure he’ll understand if I don’t want this to go further at the moment. I give him a faint smile and I know my eyes are conveying to him that I’m not in the mood. He smiles and shakes his head while patting the bed again. I leave my leathers on and I climb onto the bed beside his naked body. I honestly don’t think sleep is going to come easily for me.
Finn moves closer to me from behind and presses his warm body against my back. He wraps his arm around my waist, and he snuggles closer as I lay my arm over his. We entwine our fingers and I grip his tightly. Finn has always been a comfort to me, but I don’t think anything is going to calm and relax my rapidly beating heart. The terrible warnings from my soul are screaming at me saying that something terrible is going to happen tonight. All I know is that whatever it is, I’ll be ready.