Page 48 of Guided by the Stars (Creating Destiny #1)

Daemyn pushes his way between us, placing me behind him in protection, while putting his hand against Alexius’ shoulder in warning.

“Back the fuck off right now. You’re stepping over a line.

” Alexius’ hands ball into a fist, and I shrink back as they engage in a silent stare-down, looking ready to tackle each other.

In defeat, Alexius’ nose flares while he shakes his head.

“Everything around us is dark, filled with torment and looking to destroy anything beautiful. I don’t want that for you.

If you’re smart, keep your distance and avoid knowing our world,” he spits out, his voice laced with disgust, before storming out the back door.

Daemyn’s heavy sigh gives away his irritation, but he gives me that sweet, comforting smile.

“Don’t let him get to you.” His hand reaches for my wrist and he picks it up with care.

“He’s pissed you got caught in the crossfire.

These bruises…make him right. Our world is dangerous.

” His head dips lower and his soft lips come to my wrist, giving me a kiss on each bruise.

***

Alexius headed straight to the shower after his workout, avoiding me altogether for yet another day.

Every time he sees my wrists, he draws himself further away.

Of course Daemyn is caught between us, standing strong by my side.

With a bit of guilt, I knowingly took advantage of this today when I asked to sit outside for a while.

Without hesitation, he brought me some tea and left me to my thoughts.

I know in time I’ll go in, but it’s nice to enjoy the peace of the trees swaying in the breeze.

Stress just keeps building. It’s been a few days since Hera’s so-called games and although Daemyn has tried to explain most of it, I’m still tossing and turning at night, reliving it.

Even the cracked door isn’t helping. It petrified me that one or both of them could have died.

Daemyn assures me it is close to impossible, but the images of their bodies laying limp that night have struck fear in me.

The worst part is knowing that one way or another, I will have to lose them.

Frustrated with myself and the thoughts crossing my mind, I get up and walk towards one of the apple trees I’ve been admiring. The branches are low enough that I can step up on my toes and pick a red apple, reminding me of Adriane.

One year we had this bright idea to go apple picking.

When we got to the orchard, we ran in all full of excitement only to discover that we were too short to reach half of the trees.

Lucky for us, Adriane was determined and ended up finding a hot, bulky guy to lift us.

He ended up staying with us, shamelessly flirting all day.

I still don’t know if she ended up having sex with him in that orchard or not, but that’s the beauty of Adriane, when she wants something or someone, she isn’t hesitant to tell them.

She also has no problem telling them no.

If she were here, maybe she could clear my head with this hot and cold mess that the Beast inside gives me.

With a sad sigh, I pull the apple towards my mouth, ready to take a bite, when my body stiffens and my eyes bulge in fear. “No!” I yelp at the sound of a buzz and I freak out, dropping the apple.

Just as I do, a huge, nope, correction, gigantic evil wasp lands on my hand and I lose any rational control.

Panic sets in, and I squeal and dart around, looking like a buffoon dashing around in circles, but I don’t care.

The buzzing increases and in my panic, I let out a shrill shriek and continue to run towards what I hope is the house.

Without looking, I crash into a solid wall. It’s warm, and it wraps arms tightly around my waist, and the smell of fresh rain washes over me. Alexius places his hands against both of my cheeks, lifting my head so my face tilts up to his. He asks urgently, “What happened?”

When I can’t answer, he rubs my arms and looks my body up and down with genuine concern. Daemyn, one step behind Alexius, asks “Are you hurt?” I shake my head, breathing in and out heavily.

Alexius pulls me into his chest, letting my head rest and my breathing return to normal. When I feel calm enough, I stare into his stormy eyes and apologize, “Sorry, it was a bee. I hate them.” I’m not allergic or anything, they just scare the crap out of me. Always have.

Daemyn’s laughter roars and I glare at him as he shrugs. “By the gods, Baby Girl! You ran around like a sleipnir!”

“A what now?” I ask, not sure I want the answer, but I take the bait anyway.

Alexius now is the one who chuckles, “A sleipnir is an eight-legged horse. It’s the fastest creature known to us.

” As he pulls me into another hug, he says, way too calmly, “I got you. I know bees here are bigger, but they are also stronger and their sting is full of antioxidants and antibacterial.”

Annoyed, I try to pull away further as Alexius places his arm around my neck, keeping me close. His fingers stroke my shoulder as he leans in next to my ear whispering, “If you’d just listen and stay near me, I wouldn’t have let this happen.”

Oh, sweet son of a god! My head has whiplash from all these mood swings.

Purposefully, I walk out of his arms, brushing my hand over his chest. “Whatever you say, your highness,” I try to say with a lustful laugh over my shoulder as I make my way towards the back door, knowing they will follow.

Daemyn laughs and slaps Alexius on the back. “Alright kids, let’s do this family dinner. ”

He has been trying to get us together in one room since the Hera incident. I caved and agreed when he explained that he would teach me how to prepare one of Alexius’ favorite meals. But with the way Alexius has been keeping his distance, this may be more hurtful than pleasant.

“Alright, what are we cooking?” I ask, tapping my fingers on the counter, noticing the patience running low between us.

Daemyn turns to Alexius and bows in exaggeration before lifting his arm as if to present the fridge. “Gentleman’s choice tonight.”

Daemyn chuckles while looking at me, giving me an innocent shrug with that knowing smirk of his. This guy keeps me on my toes, I never know what plan he has up his sleeve.

Alexius closes the door with a ton of supplies in his arms and then makes his way towards me. One by one he places the ingredients on the counter, leaving me with an amazed smile on my face. Onion, cheese, tomato, bread and ground meat!

Busy arranging the ingredients, Alexius mumbles, “Thought you told us you and Adriane loved going out for burgers? Figured we should try that for a change, love.”

I turn, facing an unprepared Alexius. My hands fist into his shirt as I lean up towards his ear. “Maybe a sweet prince in shining armor after all,” I whisper before placing a tender, thankful kiss on his cheek. He just melted a piece of my heart to his.