Love Me, Still(14)

“Rest, my heart. Your mates will watch over you.”

Cael moved away and Riyu bent to kiss her as well. His lips were hungrier than Cael’s. More impatient and demanding. He nipped lightly at her bottom lip, tugging downward until she opened for him. Then his tongue swept in, tasting her, allowing her to taste him.

He raised his head, breaking the kiss. Her eyes followed him, feeling the same hunger she knew rolled within him. He reached out his hand and touched her swollen lips. “Rest now,” he whispered.

Chapter Seven

Over the next few days, Cael and Riyu did everything in their power to make Heather smile again. They dragged a tree into their cabin, and with the help of their mother, decorated it until it sparkled from head to toe.

Christmas was but two days away, and normally, it would be a delightful time between Heather and her mates. Last year they had sledded down the hills, played in the snow, laughed and loved with a joy that still made her ache.

This year the atmosphere was tense, sorrowful and filled with so much regret that it made her uncomfortable.

Heather rested, concentrating on regaining her strength. Cael and Riyu bullied her into eating, and already she could feel the results of the nourishment.

But the nights. The nights made her ache. Her mates slept on the floor while she lay alone on the bed. She wanted them next to her but was too afraid to issue the invitation. So she huddled amongst the furs, mourning her loss.

Christmas Eve afternoon, the encampment was alive with holiday festivities. The joyous sounds of children scampering about, the adults laughing and jesting, they assaulted her ears as she limped through the snow.

She needed some time alone. She must make her decision. She couldn’t go on like this, wanting, needing but so afraid.

She approached the edge of the woods and took refuge underneath the beautiful fir trees. She sank into the snow, leaning against the trunk, uncaring of the wetness bleeding into her clothing.

Quietness descended. Not even the stirring of wind could be heard. Then she heard the soft echo of a lullaby. She cocked her head, the melody eliciting a long buried memory. She knew this tune.

It curled around her. She could feel the tendrils of comfort. So odd and yet so pleasant. A soft glow sparked before her eyes. She blinked, thinking she was seeing things, but the light took shape.

The soft hum of the song grew louder. A woman appeared before Heather, her eyes alight with love, a soft smile showing tender on her face.

“Mama?” Heather whispered.

My precious daughter. How I ache for you.

Tears filled Heather’s eyes. “I miss you, Mama.”

I’m here, my angel. I’m always here.

Heather felt her mother’s love envelop her like a hug. “What am I going to do, Mama? I hurt so much. I don’t want to hurt anymore.”

Oh my darling love, what a terrible time you’ve had. But you’re strong. So much stronger than I ever was. Listen to your heart, Heather. Sometimes forgiveness is the hardest thing to give, but the most cherished thing to receive.

Forgiveness. Wasn’t love all about being willing and able to forgive? Love wasn’t perfect. No one was asking her to forget.

“I love them,” Heather whispered. “So much. I don’t want to live without them.”

You are not living now, my angel. And you need to start. You have so much to give. So much life ahead of you. Just waiting for you to reach out and grasp it.

“I’m afraid.”

Her mother’s voice, so gentle and loving, soothed over her. My darling, of course you are afraid. But in time, you will no longer fear. It will fade and each day will get easier. You’ll see.

“I love you, Mama. I wish…” How could she put into words that she wished her mother hadn’t left her, that more than anything she wanted her here with her all the time.

I know. I know. I wish it could be so. But I’m never far away.

Heather felt her mother’s presence grow lighter, and she opened her mouth to protest.

Merry Christmas, Heather. My wish for you is to live without regret.

“No, Mama. Don’t go.”

But she was gone.

Heather lowered her head to her lap and wept. All the grief, the pain, the betrayal and the lost hope poured from her in a vicious torrent. But when her sobs quieted, she felt lighter than she had in weeks.

She stood to her feet, shaky from the expended emotion. In the distance she saw Niko striding toward her. She sucked in a breath, knowing what she had to do.

She waited until he approached her. He cocked his head to one side, studying her.

“You’ve made your choice,” he said.

She nodded.

He reached out and took her hands. Then he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I wish you happiness, little one. Know that I am never far away. If you ever need me, you have but to call.”

She threw herself into his arms, her injured leg buckling underneath her. She hugged him tight. “Thank you, Niko. You are the truest friend I’ve ever known.”

“Come. Let me help you back to your cabin. Your mates never should have let you wander this far.”

She settled into his side and walked slowly beside him, his arm tight around her waist.

Chapter Eight

Cael watched as Niko approached with Heather. He’d been watching Heather ever since she’d retreated to the edge of the compound. He’d seen Niko approach her, then watched as they embraced. And now they returned. Together.