Anxiety gnawed at Dane as he sat in the darkness. Half an hour had passed since he found Athens’ room empty and he debated whether to hunt for her. Her scent filled the air, sharp and intoxicating. The presence of her duffel, carelessly tossed on the bed, made him linger. He was about to get up from the armchair when someone opened the door and flicked on the light.
Dane sat upright and covered his eyes from the brightness flooding the room. A paper bag landed on the nearby table and somebody gasped.
Dane uncovered his eyes when he heard Athens speak. “You’re back!” she proclaimed.
“You thought I wouldn’t return?” Dane said, grinning. As she walked past him to the bathroom, he reached for her. Her jeans and shirt hugged her curves, leaving nothing for Dane to grasp as she twisted out of his reach.
Athens scowled at him. “I’m still mad!”
“I know,” said Dane. Her anger jabbed him like needles. Despite this, her presence warmed him and he ached to bury himself in her. He followed her to the bathroom and watched from the doorway as she scrubbed her makeup off.
Large teal eyes studied him in the reflection when she was done. She turned to face Dane. “I’m sick of being here,” she said. “I’m serious. I need to leave.”
Sorrow weighed on Dane as he entered the bathroom. He placed his hands on the counter on either side of Athens, pressing her to the cabinet with his body. Her eyes locked on his and her breathing quickened.
“What are you do-” started Athens before Dane’s lips pressed hers into silence. She sighed softly and Dane felt her anger dissolve into quiet hunger. His hands moved to the small of her back as she moulded herself to his powerful frame.
“I missed you,” whispered Dane as he brushed his tongue against her neck.
A flood of her fury crashed into him and he froze as Athens’ body tensed. Teal eyes flashed at him as she pushed him away. “You’re the one who walked out,” she said, folding her arms across her chest. Dane experienced the gesture as a physical wall between them and he swallowed hard, searching for their connection. Her anger ebbed into him and he sighed, relishing its presence. Anger was better than emptiness. She walked back into the room and plopped on the side of the bed.
“I know,” said Dane, kneeling on the carpet in front of her. “I’m sorry.”
“No you’re not,” said Athens. Dane blinked at her, remembering that their connection went both ways, allowing her to perceive his lack of remorse.
“You’re right,” he admitted. “I’m not sorry for walking out… because I had to.”
“Why?” she said. “I thought you weren’t coming back!” Tears filled her eyes.
Dane sighed.
“I spent the entire day waiting for you,” she spluttered. Her anguish yanked at him, bringing guilt.
“But you weren’t here when I came,” said Dane.
“I couldn’t take it anymore and I went for a walk,” she said. “I was so alone! I thought… you didn’t want me anymore. Because of what I did…”
Dane stood up and pulled her to him. She didn’t resist as he wrapped his arms around her and let her weep into his chest.
“I was scared…” Athens whimpered. “I even thought somebody was following me.”
Ice gripped Dane’s chest at her words. “Someone was following you?” he echoed.
“I don’t know…” she said, looking up at him. “I said I thought-”
“We have to leave,” said Dane abruptly. He released her and reached for her duffle.
“What?” she said as he held the bag out to her.
“Come with me,” he said. The words he had spoken to Aelia centuries before echoed through the ages, bringing dark terror and sadness. Tension racked his body as he waited for her reply, considering whether to take her by force if she refused. He reached to her over their connection, grateful it was still there.
“Come where?” she said.
“Someplace safe,” he said, gesturing for her to take the bag from him.
Athens tentatively gripped the bag, her eyes wide. She shook her head slowly, staring into Dane’s steel eyes. Anguish filled him as she threw the bag back on the bed. “Not until you tell me who you are,” she said.
Dane closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. The seconds ticked by in the silence, counting down to the inevitable encounter he would have to face. He opened his eyes and faced her anxiety with new conviction. “Come with me and I’ll tell you everything,” he said. He suppressed the rising thought that she might feel repulsion towards him. He prayed their connection would be enough for her to accept his darkness.
Athens stood silently and Dane could sense her turmoil, as though she were caught in a crashing wave.
“Please,” said Dane, holding out his hand. “I’m doing this to protect you. Wemust leave now.”
Athens swallowed and nodded as she took his hand.
Dane smiled as her warmth filled him. “Hurry,” he said, picking up the duffel bag.