Chapter 28

Xavier vanished.

Rowan looked around and panicked. Had she done that? She want sure, she hadn’t been thinking straight there for a minute. She was still standing in a strange room. Rather like someone living room, yet it was eerily quiet and devoid of anything homey. She had no idea where she was other than a room with white walls and some furniture that didn’t look at all comfortable.

What if she really had incinerated him? Surly she would know if she had. She would feel it. Wouldn’t she? She loved him, she would know if he no longer existed. She didn’t feel sad, so she deduced that she hadn’t incinerated him, well that and there wasn’t any dust where he had been. Surly if she had done what she had thought then there would some evidence of him having been there. Maybe just sent him packing with his tail between his legs.... Oh god what if she’d given him a tail? She laughed out loud; it would serve him right for not trusting her.

How could he think that she wanted to have anything to do with that slimy sod? His words rand in her head as she looked around. He had put her through hell on a stupid misunderstanding, hadn’t trusted in her love for him.

He’s a man Rowan, she told herself, they never see the whole picture.

Should she forgive his mistake? He hadn’t even bothered to confront her, he just took off and left her to wonder what she had done. Was this the kind of man she wanted to be with?

Hell yes. With a few adjustments maybe. Like, he needed to trust her and not run from her anymore. He needed to be more communicative. Now that’s asking for the impossible.

Then she saw it.

A small blue, velvet box. Where had that come from? Picking it up she played with it, noticing it's softness, before opening it up.

Inside was a blood red ruby, in a tear shape. It was exquisite. She touched the ruby and it flared to life, glowing, the glow intensified before flashing. Causing her to drop the box.

She bent down to pick it up, but the ring had gone. It must have fallen out when she dropped it, so going down onto her hands and knees she searched for it.

It was only then that she noticed her finger. The ring was on it.

Holy cow. How had it gotten there?

She tried to pull it off but it wouldn’t budge. She stuck the finger in her mouth and sucked on it, but it still remained firmly attached to her.

She sat back on her heals. Whoever owned this ring was going to have to cut her finger off to get it back and judging at how expensive it looked, they probably would. She burst out laughing, she couldn’t help it. Her life seemed to go from one trauma to the next lately, and she wondered what the next thing would be.

*

“What were you thinking?” Xavier asked.

“That you were about to become shish- kebab, if I didn’t pull you out.” Daniel said.

“She wouldn’t have.”                      

“Oh believe me, she was going to.” Daniel said holding up his hands. “But, she has control back now, so I will take you back, if you wish.”

“Of course I want to go back. I need her, there’s no point in staying alive if she won’t forgive me.”

“Dear god, you humans are emotional. What is it that makes you feel so fully, that you would rather be dead than live without her?”

“I can't explain it, so I'm not even going to try. Just take me back, she’s probably scared witless.”

“You underestimate her Xavier. It's a bad habit to get into.”

“No. I don't, I just want to take care of her. I will never underestimate her again.”

“Good.”

*

The next thing he knew he was standing in the doorway, looking at Rowan kneeling on the floor. She was laughing, the sound filled the air and wrapped around him.

He took a step forward and she turned to look at him.

“Your back!” She stated.

“Uhuh.” He said while nodding his head. The picture she presented in front of him was breath taking and he just wanted to soak it up.

“You know, I'm getting kinda sick of you leaving me and then showing up. Is this what you do when things don't go your way? Will you be running off anytime things get a little uncomfortable?” She said, her voice stern.

“I’m sorry, it won’t happen again. I'm here to stay, if you’ll have me?”

“That depends.”

“On?”

Xavier’s heart took flight and he had to really concentrate on not grabbing her and kissing those incredibly sexy lips as she moved them, he was dimly aware of her words. After she had said it depends, he knew she would forgive him, because he would do whatever it took, whatever she wanted him to do he would do it.

“Xavier. Are you even listening to me?” She bristled; the fire in her eyes as she glared at him, snapped him into motion. He couldn’t resist her any longer.  

He crossed the short distance between them, wrapped his arms around her, as his lips sought to silence her. This is where she belonged, and this is where she would stay.

His fingers found their way into her hair and he deepened the kiss. His tongue danced with hers, her groan and response to him was beautiful to his ears.

His whole body screamed to claim her, make her his for eternity.

He was so lost in her that when she pulled back he felt it soul deep.

“You can't keep doing this. I want more than just this, Xavier. I want someone I can trust, someone who trust me.”

“I am that someone Rowan. I always have been.”

She frowned, her eyes turning hard and her voice losing its husky edge. Xavier swallowed hard to stop from kissing her again. She wanted to talk and he needed to give that to her, even if his whole body wanted her naked.

“I need to know you’re not going to run out on me again Xavier. That you will talk to me instead of disappearing and wallowing in your misery, because it's not just you who was miserable you know.”

Tears were swimming on the edges of her eyes until she blinked them away.

“I’m here, and I'm here to stay. The fires of hell wouldn’t keep me away from you Rowan. I'm so sorry I upset you, if I could take it back, I would. I wish I could.”

“ It takes two to make a relationship work, and I'm not sure you are capable of that kind of commitment. You may have forgotten, but I have seen your memories, I know how many women you have been with.” She said, never taking her eyes off him.

“They meant nothing to me, you mean everything. I love you. Please give me a chance.”

“I know they meant nothing, I saw that much, but how do I know that I'm not just another notch on your bed post?”

Xavier took her hand and kissed it. Then he noticed the ring.

The ring that had been in his family for generations, and was said to only fit the soul mate of the owner, and he was that owner. His father had taken it off his mother’s finger, and given it to him, this afternoon. The only way that the ring could be removed once on, was for him to take it off.

Xavier went down on one knee, still holding her hand, he slipped the ring down her finger to the tip and held it there.

“Princess Rowan. Will you marry me?” He asked, if that didn’t prove he was committed nothing would.

Rowan didn’t answer. Xaviers heart punded so loud in his chest, it was all he could hear.

“You’re my soul mate Rowan, we belong together. Please be my wife.” He said kissing her finger before sliding the ring back into place.

Chapter 27

“What are you doing? Take me home NOW!” Rowan blustered. She had had enough of people snatching her. This was going to stop and stop right now. She felt the power build in her, it bubble up from her toes filling her with energy and faith in herself.

“DANIEL.” Xavier shouted.

Rowan looked at him. He had lost the plot, clearly. And she couldn’t help but notice how handsome he looked in his Kilt. It was the first thing she noted when she saw him standing on the other side of the room from her. She had, had the urge to march up to him and lift it, to see if he was a true Scotsman. But she hadn’t been given the chance to do any of that.

Her father had marched to him, Xavier had dodged her father and swirled the blond around the floor, before throwing her at her father and grabbing rushing to her.

Did everyone think she was a piece of meat?

With her whole body screaming at her in pain, the power grew, she told herself to grow some balls. Not literally but figuratively, she added quickly, just in case it happened. She still didn’t have a handle on what she could and couldn’t do, but she was about to find out and so was he. She was not a door mat, and he had to learn that she had her own life to lead, and him popping in and out just wasn’t convenient for her or wanted. Her heart had been broken by him.  

Xavier was just about to find out that she had balls. She straightened her spine and threw her shoulders back. Held her head high, she was NOT a victim.

“DANIEL!” He shouted again, keeping his eyes on her.

“Fucking hell, I'm not deaf.... Shit you Idiot, I can be here.” Daniel said, materialising in front of Xavier.

She assumed it was Daniel anyway. A really good looking guy, and huge, had just appeared out of nowhere . She took an involuntary step back as her power surged a bit more. If Xavier was palming her off on someone else, she would beat his arse. Then drag him back and let her father beat him again.

“It's cool, don't freak out, but I need you to cloak us, her father, will be after my hide right now, and I need time, I need you to get me that time.” Xavier said. “Please.”

“By the looks of it, you should be more worried about her.” Daniel said, nodding his head in her direction.

Hell yeah, he should be more worried about her, she was about to break all kinds of whoop ass all over him, and if this guy wanted a piece of her, he would be regretting it too.

The power grew and grew and she held it in check, this time it would not control her, she would control it.

“I can handle her, just please hide us.” Xavier pleaded.

Oh he was priceless. He obviously had no idea who he was talking about. Well he would soon find out. Just as soon as she figured out what she was going to do with this power.

Did she want him dead. NO. Her body shivered against that thought.

Did she want to cause him pain. Hell Yes. Not permanent damage though, she might forgive him.

“Xavier, I really think you should handle her NOW.” Daniel said looking rather worried. “I’ll hide you, but I can't for long, so don't take all night. I hope you survive this, I really do.” Then he vanished.

Just like that. Poof and he was gone. Rowan really wanted to be able to do that to.

Then she would Poof off and leave Xavier in her dust.

“Well, you have me here. You have some guy, who poofs in and out hiding us. What do you want?”

“To apologies.” Xavier said, taking her hand.

She pulled it out of his, but not before the zing of desire shot up her arm and spread through her whole body, ridding her of all anger. She groaned out loud, before realising what she must sound like and straightened against that desire. She would not give in so easily. Even if everything in her wanted to strip that shirt from him and run her fingers under his Kilt.   

“I am an idiot. The biggest jack ass ever born, and I don't deserve you.”

“I agree.” She said. Not able to say much more. She may not hate him right now, but he didn’t have to know that. Not before he was on bended knees and grovelling for her forgiveness anyway.

“I really wouldn’t blame you for hating me, after what I have done to you babe, I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I love you, and if you will let me, I will spend every day for the rest of my life making it up to you.”

“What exactly did I do to you Xavier. What are you asking me to forgive you for?”

“It doesn’t matter. I was stupid and very wrong.”

“It matters.” She said, watching the colour drain from his face. He really didn’t want to tell her what she had supposedly done to him, to make him hate her so much and leave her without so much as a word.

“Please Rowan, I was an idiot, don't make me tell you how much of one I am.” He pleaded.

She crossed her arms over her chest to stop her nipples giving her away. Her desire was building with the power and it was playing havoc with her body.

“Tell me or take me home, because I can't forgive you, if I don't know what I'm forgiving you for.”

Xavier slumped down in front of her. On his knees, he looked like a broken man. Tears where streaming down his face as he touched her stomach, before leaning his head there.

“Please Rowan, please let me love you.” He sobbed. Yes he actually sobbed. The man that had gutted and killed people to save her, was on his knees sobbing.

“Tell me, or I leave.” She said, her own voice on the verge of cracking under the strain of leaving him hanging.  

He put his arms around her waist and keep his forehead on her belly. Before answering her.

“I thought you slept with Darkess.  I thought you betrayed me. I thought you wanted him. I didn’t watch the act in your memories, I couldn’t. So I didn’t know you hadn’t. Not until.....” His voice hitched and he stopped talking.

She ran her fingers though his hair, revelled in the softness gliding through them, before tightening her hold and yanking his head back. The pain of his betrayal had her power snapping around them, she clung to it, to keep it from incinerating him where he knelt.

 she wanted to look in his eyes for this.

His blue/grey eyes searching hers. She could feel his pain, see his desire and it didn’t help.

Chapter 26

He was between a rock and a hard place, walking into Rowans home, with a gorgeous woman, scantily clad. He might add, on his arm, one that he couldn’t afford to leave alone. Was not the way he wanted to do this. It was not going to win him any favours, he acknowledged ruefully. Rowan had already seen him in bed with Storm, this was going to add fire to the smoke. What a total mess he’d made.

 Had he not promised to take her, he would have left her. But his word meant something to him, and if he couldn’t make it up with Rowan, it would be all he had left.

 Xavier kept a tight hold round Storms waist as they entered the Ball. Partly to stop himself from searching the place for Rowan and partly to make it known that Storm was with someone. What else could he do.

“Remember. Behave.” He said, so that only she could hear him.

“Please.” She dragged out the word, rolling her eyes. “I'm not going to do anything. Will you relax already!”

“I’ll relax when we leave. Until then you stay by my side, got that.” He said sternly.

“Yes sir.” She said.

They had only just arrived and Xavier already felt strung out. The amount of men circling them was ridiculous. Like vultures just waiting for him to step aside for a moment, so they could swoop in and snatch her. How was he ever going to be able to find Rowan, if he couldn’t leave Storm’s side.

“Would you like to dance?” he asked.

“Um, I don't know how to.” She blushed.

“It's easy, I’ll lead you follow.” He said taking her hand and pulling her to the floor.

He held her ready to waltz, one hand around her waist the other held her hand as he moved them around the floor, trying to find someplace they could stand that wouldn’t draw attention to them. As well as searching for Rowan, she wasn’t here, he would know the minute she was, yet he couldn’t help but scan the crowed anyway. He wanted to see her.

He twirled and dipped Storm as the music finished. She giggled and let her head fall back, her eyes dancing with joy.

“May I cut in?” someone asked from behind him.

“NO.” He growled.

“Yes.” Storm said.

“I think you should let the lady choose.”

“please.” Her eyes pleading with his.

“Fine.” He said into her ear. “But behave, no amputations tonight. Promise me, I'm not upto fighting this entire line up to get you out of here. I have things to do.” He finished, kissed her cheek.

“promise.” She said before she squealed and dashed into the guys arms.

He stood to the side watching her like a hawk. Shifters were still flying very much under the radar, and he didn’t want to have to explain what she was. Not yet anyway and not tonight, not with what he had to do.

He also needed to try to come up with some way to make it upto Rowan. It would need to be something big. He hadn’t managed to come up with anything that would work. Nothing he could do would make up for his stupidity, but he was here, and he would try at the very least. He just hoped that she was a better person than he’d been, and that she gave him a chance to explain.

Leaning back against the pillar, he put his hand pocket, his fingers brushing  the velvet box there.

The pressure pushing in on him to go find her was almost painful. He focused on Storm and pulled his hand from his pocket. He couldn’t just find her, he needed a way to get her to listen to him, and he would only get one chance at this.

Storm was dancing around and her exuberance for life and happiness filled him with hope. She really was the most enchanting little thing; he was not surprised in the slightest that she was the centre of attention here. What did surprise him, was the way she was dealing with it, she positively glowed. Maybe he’d been worried about nothing. She really did seem to be having fun and no one was armless yet. It was the yet that worried him though, he had seen how quickly she could shift and her moods were just as quick to change.

Xavier grinned as yet another suitor wanted her to dance with them, and the current one looked annoyed at her acceptance. The way she was mowing them down was astronomical, yet they kept lining up for it, each one, no doubt thinking he would be the one to catch her eye.

If Rowan were here, he could share his joy with her, they could laugh about it together.

He sighed, what the hell was he going to do?

“What are you doing?” Shae’s voice catapulted him out of his debate. He hadn’t thought that he would have to deal with her parents before seeing Rowan.

“Just having a drink and enjoying the Ball.” He replied, voice a little shaky.

“I can see that. But what are you doing here?” She clipped, still standing behind him. He hadn’t turned around to address her because she looked too much like Rowan, and it would finish him. He wouldn’t be able to stay here and contemplate what to do, he would take off to find her and probably screw things up.

“You invited me, remember.”  He said taking a drink.

“I knew I should have rescinded your invitation. You’re not welcome here Xavier, you’ve done enough damage. Now leave before I have you removed.”

“I will leave when I'm good and ready. Call your guards if you wish, but I'm staying.” He said, not knowing what he would do if she did call the guards, she certainly sounded like she would. He just hoped that she wouldn’t want to call that much attention to the fact that he was here.

 “Are you trying to destroy her? Breaking her heart wasn’t enough for you, you came back to make sure you finished her off. Well I'm not about to let you do it. Alexion will deal with you.” Shea said walking off.

Great, he needed to talk to Alexion anyway. Do things properly. But after talking to Shae, he wasn’t sure Alexion would hear him out.

He had made a huge mess of things and he had to put them right and in the right way. Asking her father was not something he could avoid, tradition was tradition. Being a Prince didn’t make it any easier.

He saw Rowan on the other side of the room and his heart took flight. She was the most exquisite thing ever to grace this earth, and he had been foolish enough to let her go once. Now he planned on getting her back. His blood heated and his desire went supernova. Everything about her was more perfect then it had a right to be. Her blood red dress hugged her soft curves, leaving very little to the imagination. He felt the desire of the men in the room turn from Storm to Rowan and his possessiveness roared to life.

Alexion strode towards him, blocking his view of Rowan and bring him back to the here and now. His heart sank at the murderous glare on Alexion face. He wouldn’t have the chance to speak to him. Alexion was going to kill him. SHIT!

He made a split second decision, and just hoped that his quick plan, the one he had just made, panned out.

He made a dash for Storm and cut in rudely.

“I need you to keep the king away from me. Can you do that without shifting?” He asked quickly, while the irate current suitor bristled behind him.

“I will try. What have you done?”

“Nothing yet. It's what I'm about to do. If I fail, leave right away and tell my parents I tried.”  He said. Spinning her at the King and dashing towards Rowan.

“And you said I had to behave.” She called after him before colliding with Alexion.

Chapter 25

“You can't go like THAT.” Xavier said exasperated.

What was she trying to do to him. At this rate he would have to fight ever male at the ball to keep them away from her.

“But. Ameera said I looked like a Princess.” Storm said, her eyes bright with unshed tears by the looks of it. He had hurt her feelings. Well better that then have her rip someone’s arm off for touching her, he’d already been through that.

“Go and change.” He said holding his ground against her pout.

“NO. And you can't make me.” She stomped.

“Fine stay like that, we won’t be going.” He said, trying not to smile at the look on her face.

“You are a big meanie. I should’ve gone back to Darkess, at least he was mean all the time. I knew what to expect with him. You. You just treat me like. Like. like...” Tears started rolling down her cheeks and she hiccupped.

That did it, that and the look of fear on her face. She had him wrapped around her little finger anytime that look came out to play. He knew she was manipulating him, but he just couldn’t argue with her. Not when she cried.

“I'm sorry sweetheart; you do look like a Princess. Almost. Here put this on and you can be my Princess for the night.” He said handing her the silver silk bolero and fastening the button.

Her silver silk dress, really was a stunning piece of craftsmanship, he had to admit. He just wished it was on someone else and not her.

 It shimmered with every movement, the lights would dance with the crystals as she walked, creating a firework colours to light her up. Drawing the attention of every male, no doubt.

The dress had a very polite scoop neck, until she turned around. It dipped down so low, you could almost see the top of her bottom. If she didn’t have the most luminous, flawless skin, it wouldn’t be so bad.

Her figure was on display, as the dress clung to her like a second skin. It wasn’t fitted, the material just wanted to touch every inch of her.

Every male at the Ball, was going to be on a heat seeking mission to nail her. While he was going to have his work cut out, trying to keep them from her, and her from ripping their arms off.

He groaned. What was his mother thinking? Storm drew attention wherever she went, she didn’t need fancy clothes for that, and she certainly didn’t need this much of her on show. This was the last thing he needed, being there was going to be hard enough.

Tonight was going to be a very long night.

Storm’s face lit up, the fear and tears disappeared immediately. Just as he knew they would.

“If you really want me to change. I will.” Storm said, clearly not meaning it. She twirled around and let her skirt float around her. Before looking at him.

“No need sweet heart, but you must stay with me when we’re there. Ok.” He said lifting her chin. “Now, I need to get ready, go and fix you glitter.” He said pushing her gently towards the door.

“I love you Xavier.” She said, kissing his cheek before flouncing down the hall, singing.

 Xavier’s heart contracted at those words. Love.

“You look worse than I feel.” Daniel voice brought him up short.

“What are you doing here?” As if he didn’t know, there was only one reason he would be here. Rowan. He was here to drag him back to her, so she could feed.

“That’s what I’d like to know. There I was, minding my own business, when everything changes. What have you done?”

“Me? I haven’t done anything.” Xavier said, looking at him for the first time. “You look like hell.”

“Hmmm, funny that.”

“What’s happened?” He asked sitting down. By the looks of Daniel, this wasn’t going to be good.

“Why aren’t you with Rowan?”

“That’s not important right now, whatever brought you here is.” Xavier said, trying to avoid that conversation. He didnt know what to say about that anyway, not like he could tell Daniel the truth.

“Well that’s what I'm trying to figure out. Something’s changed with her, and you’re the best lead I have. Unless I go to her, but as she doesn’t know who or what she is yet, I don't think that’s the best way to find out. Too much information would kill her right now. So here I am.”

Xavier hadn’t known that Rowan was so fragile or that she didn’t know the truth yet.

“I don't know what’s changed. I haven’t seen her in a week.”

“That’s it then. You’ve changed the future, not her. Let me congratulate you on destroying everything.”

“What? You can't be serious. How do you figure that?”

“Because I told you that she would love the person she was bonded too, and here you sit without her. That will be killing the love inside her and only darkness will remain. You saved her only to end the world Xavier, well done. Your job was easy, you only had to love her. Which you already did, so what happened? What am I missing here?”

“Shit. I, a, well,” this was not going to go down well; Daniel was her father, how could he explain that he didn’t trust her and without that he couldn’t love her. “I don't love her. I can't love her.”

“You can lie to yourself all you like, but I know you do. So tell me, why you are resisting it?”

“I can't tell you. But I don't love her, so what are we going to do now?”

“Xavier.” Daniel said coming to stand in front of him. “Be very sure of what you are saying here. You are the only one that can make things right.”

“I can't pretend to love her, she will know.” He said rubbing his face, feeling the weight of the world on his already burdened shoulders.

“Tell me why. I know you loved her so what’s changed?”

“She let me down.” Was all he could tell Daniel, he just couldn’t bring himself to tell him the gory truth.

“How?”

“She wouldn’t know love if it bit her, lets just leave it at that.”

“You are wrong about that.”

“Of course you would think that, she’s your daughter, But trust me, she doesn’t love me. never did.”

“Of course she loves you, has done from the moment she saw you. Why do you think I let you live that first night you saw her. I know her inside out Xavier. So what makes you think otherwise?”

“Your sweet daughter tore my heart out and spat on it when she fucked Darkess, and not just that but she wanted it, almost begged him for it.” Xavier’s anger and hurt exploded from him, he wasn’t the one to blame for this and he wouldn’t let Daniel think he was.

Daniel let out a groan before answering him.

“ You fucking idiot. Jealously. That’s why I'm chasing the hounds of hell. I'm surrounded by fucking idiots. I give the world my daughter, and this is what I get. Jesus Christ, I should give up now.” Daniel said, sitting down hard as he continued muttering to himself.

Xavier didn’t know what to say to that.  

“Please tell me that is not the only reason. That she somehow disgusts you or that you have suddenly decided to be gay. Because if this is the only reason for you destroying the world then really I should bother saving it.”

 “What. Her not loving me back isn’t enough for you? I should just be there and let her use me for blood and sex whenever she feels the need. I don't want to live like that, and if it means I have to fight those hounds with you, then I will. But I'm not going to stay with someone who doesn’t love me the way I love them, that’s harder than fighting. Trust me.”

Daniel looked to the ceiling and sighed before levelling a gaze so intense on Xavier it made him flinch and want to sink back from it.

“Now you listen to me. I really shouldn’t bother telling you this, you certainly don't deserve to know, but since it involves saving the world, and my daughter. I guess I should let you in. She has not had sex with anyone but you, has definitely NOT let Darkess near her. So whatever you think you know, you don't. My grandchild has an idiot for a father. I.. will... never regain my place in heaven at this rate. You better get your sleep now Xavier, because those hounds of hell you so want to fight, are nothing compared to what is to come.”

Xavier was speechless, utterly dumbfounded. He was going to be a father.

Chapter 24

Rowan, ran from his anger and hatred. What had changed? What had she done to deserve this? Why was he so angry with her? Furious tears streaming down her face making it hard to see, she lost her way, had no idea where she was going anymore, as long as it was anywhere far away from him, she didn’t care.

The look in his eyes, as he threw her out, haunted her. She had never seen such rage before, and never wanted to be on the receiving end of it again. She had to find out what she had done to him, because that kind of anger didn’t spring from nowhere. Somehow she had created this, that much was clear.

Rowan reared back after running into someone.

“I'm sorry.” She said and tried to move past the person.

“Rowan. What’s the matter my dear?”

“Why does everyone know who I am, yet I know no-one. I'm sick of it. Just let me pass, please.”

“I'm your father Rowan.” Alexion said taking her in his arms. “There, there my dear. You’re ok.”

“How would you know if I'm ok? You haven’t even bothered to come and check, and I’ve been here for hours.” She cried. Snot and slobber choking her.

“We thought you needed to rest, before everyone descended on you, little one. It's been hard staying away, but you’ve been so ill, we didn’t want to risk over taxing you.”

“Really? So it's not that you didn’t want me here.”

“Oh, little one.” He said wrapping his arms around her. “Nothing could be further from the truth.”

Rowan just sobbed, great big heaving sobs. She cried in earnest for everything. The last 48 hours had been hell. Everything she had been through, everything that she had learned. Her body shook from the force of her sobs and once she started she couldn’t stop.

“My name is Alexion, you can call me that if it's too soon to call me father.” He said rubbing her back affectionately, comfortingly. “Would you like to see your mother, I know she’s chomping at the bit to see you. I’ve had to keep her very busy, while you rested.”

Rowan shook her head, no. She couldn’t deal with anyone else right now, she was only hanging on to her sanity with the barest of holds, and one more person would tip her over the edge. She wanted to see her mother but it could wait until she was able to deal with more.

Alexion walked with her to her room, picking her up when her legs gave way. She buried her head in his shoulder and continued to sob.

“What must you think of me?” she said, when she was finally able to say anything. She felt like a complete wet blanket, a total cry baby, and she was sick of it. She had done nothing but cry and be pushed from pillar to post recently, and she’d had enough. She was not going to be a blubbering idiot anymore.  

“I think that you need your rest. You’ve had a lot to deal with, and it's not surprising that it's upsetting you.” Alexion said comforting her.

“Maybe your right. Things might look better in the morning.”

“Thats my girl.” Alexion said stunning her, she’d never been called anyone’s girl before, and the feeling was nice. She belonged somewhere, to someone. Wow, this was her dad......

“So where is that man of yours? I thought for sure he’d be with you. He even threatened me, did you know that? He’s a good man Rowan, I couldn’t be happier for you.”

Rowan started crying again. Oh for god’s sake pull yourself together she told herself. She sniffed and wiped her face on the robe. Pushing all that pain away from her.  She was a princess, she better start acting like one, and just as soon as she found out how to do that, she would.

*

Xavier took Storm to his parents place. He didn’t want to be anywhere near Rowan right now. He wasn’t sure he could control himself around her. In fact he knew he couldn’t, but what he would do was another matter. He had already manhandled her and was feeling incredibly guilty about that, but that was just the iceberg of his feelings towards her.

He spent the next several days looking after Storm and attending her. His parents had wanted him to give her over to the medicians but he refused. He wanted to take care of her himself, he owed Rogue that much at least. He had given up his life to save Rowan and look where it had gotten them.

He wished not for the first time that he hadn’t sent someone back in time to help him save Rowan. They had messed up the time lines and Rogue had paid with his life.

She still had yet to regain consciousness but she was looking better. He made sure she was drinking enough water. It took hours every day to get the water down her , but he had nothing but time on his hands, He did everything to keep from thinking about Rowan, but would find her popping up at stupid times.

His dreams where the worst, so he had started sleeping less, and as a result, he’d day dream. She really was ingrained in him. He could feel her calling to him, needing him, but she wasn’t in danger, so he resisted the urge in him to go to her.

Storm grew stronger everyday, she would soon be awake and when she did, he would ask her to go back in time. She would want to save her brother.

 *

“The masked ball is today. Are we going?” Storm asked him for the umpteenth time.

After she had woken up it had become clear that, although she had the body of an adult, she had the mind of a child. She bounced rather than walked and got distracted easily. Right now she had taken a drink and held it in her mouth, waiting for Him to answer her. Her tea escaping her mouth threw the piercings in her lip. He resisted the urge to wipe her chin, it really was like looking after a toddler.

“I’ve already told you, NO.” Xavier sighed. He couldn’t go. He wouldn’t be able to resist her, he was hungry and it wasn’t for blood, it was for her. If he broke down now and went to her, the last week of going through withdrawals, would have been torture for nothing.

“But I’ve never been to a ball. I want to go. Please.please please.” Storm said bouncing around him.

“What about your brother? I thought you were going to go back tonight? It's the full moon tonight.” Xavier told her.

“But I want to go to the ball.” She pouted. “Ok, I have an Idea...... we go to the ball and then I will time shift, or I wont do it.” She stomped and crossed her arms over her chest.

“You are infuriating, has anyone ever told you that?”

“Yeah. Rogue says it all the time.” She said sticking her tongue out at him, before the sadness in her eyes took over and she remembered that he wasn’t around anymore. This happened a lot with her, she would forget Rogue was dead and then remember. He had tried to get out of her how the Shifters aged but she just shrugged and told him that she was 16. More like 3 if you asked him. It was so confusing, looking at her you would think she was around 20 to 22 but talking to her soon cleared that up.

“Ok we can go to the ball, but only if you behave and we leave before midnight.”

“Really! You mean it?” she squealed. “Oh I have to find something to wear!” and she ran off, no doubt to find his mother, who had taken to Storm like she was her long lost daughter.

Xavier sighed and rubbed his face. He was so darn tired. If it wasnt keeping Storm under control it was keeping Rowan out of his head. He hadn’t had a moments rest.

Chapter 23

“Let. Her. Go.” Xavier said from behind Rogue. He had never moved so fast in his life before.

He’d known the minute Rowan had entered the room, his blood heated with her proximity, but he didn’t turn around. He just couldn’t cope with her right now. Plus, he was in bed with Storm, how would that look? With every step that brought her closer, his body heated. His erection hardened to the point, he could hang weights off it, or use it as a hammer.

His hand gripped the one Rogue had on her robe, and yanked it from her.

“Hey Poppins, you have a woman. You can't have them all you know.” Rogue said letting go of her.

Rowan stepped back and fell over the stool. Xavier caught her before she hit the ground. “You ok babe?” He asked setting her on her feet.

“Hey I'm talking to you Poppins.”

“This is my girl you fucking idiot.”

“WHAT!, Oh fuck. Shit. Shit. Shit.” Rogue said backing away from Xavier, hands in the air. “I can't read her though. Not even a little. It's not really my fault mate, she didn’t say she was with you.”

“You didn’t give me the opportunity.” Rowans voice came, quiet and low.

“You should have tried harder.” Rogue spat at her. “I would never have touched you if i’d known.”

“Oh yeah, like the slap was nothing... you like it rough, remember that? I didnt want it at all, never mind any rougher than you had planned.” She spat back.

“Oh, huh, well. In my defence, I am drunk. Please forgive me my lady.” Rogue said.

Xavier stood there amused by the argument they were both having. God she was beautiful when angry. And she was making Rogue cower in his dress. Why couldn’t he just not care about her. Everything in him claimed her as his, everything but his heart.

“Oi, Poppins, I heard that, and it’s your dress anyway.” Rogue said. Before laughing out loud and pulling Rowan to him.

Xavier growled and stepped closer to them. Rogue kissed her cheek.

“Just checking.” Rogue said before letting her go.

Xavier grabbed hold of her and growled and hissed at Rogue.

“Next time you kiss her, you lose something.” Xavier said.

Rowan snuggled up against him and her scent wrapped it's self around him, binding him to her and igniting his desire to make love to her. Right now and in front of Rogue, he wanted to strip the flimsy robe from her and drive himself into her. God he was so fucked up.

“I missed you Xavier.” She said kissing his neck.

Yeah, he just bet she did, more like she needed another fix. He groaned out loud. He needed a fix of her in the most impossible way. Needed her wrapped around his body as he lost himself even more to her.

Rogue laughed, the look on his face was one of amusement.

“Get out of my head you freak.” Xavier spat at him. He didn’t need Rogue adding fuel to this fire.

“You’re right. I am so glad it's your head and not mine. You really should talk to someone about your split personality Xavier.” Rogue laughed, doubled over with hysterics and Xavier stood there holding Rowan, wanting her and hating her all at the same time.

“it's late Rowan, go back to bed.” Xavier, finally managed to tell her.

“Come with me.”

“NO.”

“Why not?”

“I can't leave this drunken arse to look after Storm, thats why not.”

“Who?”

Xavier watched as Rowan looked at the bed, Storm in all her naked glory stretched out and looking stunning, and then at him. Her gaze travelled down his body. She wouldn’t miss the tenting of his trousers, and the lack of his shirt. Her eyes swam with unshed tears and she swallowed hard before meeting his eyes.

“You were in bed with her, weren’t you?” She asked her voice shaky and quiet.

“Yes. I was looking after her.” He said not knowing if he should tell her the truth or let her think what she was thinking.

“I’ll just bet you were.” She said, covering her face with her hands “I thought you loved me.”

“Ditto.”

“What does that mean?”

“You know exactly what it means. I'm not the one who f....”

Rogue let out blood curdling scream. Xavier turned from Rowan to see what was wrong. His gut tight and heart racing, it could only be Storm, nothing else would cause Rogue that much pain. What he saw, turned his stomach.

Rogue was on the floor and his hand was missing. Xavier raced to his side.

“What’s going on Rogue. Rogue look at me, tell me what’s happening.” Xavier was on his knees pulling Rogue to him. As Rogue’s other hand disappeared.

“Fucking hell Rogue, what’s happening to you?” Xavier grabbed his friend and held him while he screamed.

“Xavier, what’s happening?” Rowan asked.

“Just get out Rowan; you don't need to see this.”

“I'm not leaving you.” Rowan said kneeling beside him.

“That’s rich.”

“Xavier.” Rogue tensed in his arms, as his arm disappeared. “It's Darkess. He’s sending you a message. He must know I'm here, it's the only reason he’s cutting me up bit by bit.”

“What?”

“It doesn’t hurt.”

“Then why were you screaming?”

“Wouldn’t you, if bits of you started going fucking missing?”

“Good point. So I will go and get you from him.”

“No. I can't live like this, can you imagine a tiger without paws.”

“You’ll adapt.”

“No I wont. And besides it's a trap. Why else would he do it this way? This is what Storm must have been trying to tell us.” Rogue said

“I'm not letting you die.” Xavier shouted.

“You have to, I can't live like this. But you can send Storm back, and tell her to make her message a little more clear next time.” Rogue laughed. “Something like, get Rogue out, would do the job.”

Xavier nodded and held Rogue while he disappeared bit by bit. He still had a sense of humour, even though he was dying. He couldn’t imagine how you could be so light hearted, when your death was imminent. Rogue finally disappeared completely leaving Xavier sitting on the floor holding onto thin air.

“What are you going to do Xavier?” Rowan asked.

“Look after Storm. Make sure she gets everything she needs to get better. Then send her back in time to warn us.”

“I will help you then.”

“NO. I don't need your help Rowan. The only friend I’ve ever had just got wiped off the face the earth, and If I hadn’t been so wrapped up in you, and your betrayal. He wouldn’t have been here if it weren’t for you. I wouldn’t have missed this coming. I should have been paying more attention. This is all your fault. Get out.”

“What betrayal?”

“Get the fuck out. I'm done with you.” Xavier said getting up and pulling her by the arm to the door. He threw her out and slammed the door.

He would make sure Storm got better. what ever it took, he would make her whole again and get Rogue back. He would not let Rowan near her, everything that girl touched ended up being destroyed.

Chapter 22

Rogue carried Storm to one of the rooms and laid her on a bed. She hadn’t regained consciousness and Xavier hadn’t expected her too, as he watched the most spectacular bruises form all over her body. Darkess must have beaten her to within an inch of her life and then left her to die. Rogue had told him that they could only heal in their natural form, and theirs was that of the human shape.

He had also disclosed, that Darkess had these collars on all Shifters and that’s how he controlled them, but he’d never seen Darkess do this to any of them. Until now. He wasn’t sure if she would pull through this, her injuries were extensive and she had possible internal bleeding.

“SO what do you think she was trying to tell us?” Xavier asked once they had her tucked up and cosy.

“I have no fucking clue, your guess is as good as mine.” Rogue said.

“Can't you read her mind?”

“I could if she were thinking something, but right now she isn’t, so NO,” He said burying his head in his hands. “If she dies then so do my nephews. I can't go back to that Xav, I just can't.”

“What can we do to help her?” Xavier asked.

“All we can do is keep her hydrated, and hope she is strong enough to heal.”

“There must be something else we can do, come on Rogue, think.” Xavier said shaking him.

“Don't you think I would be doing something if there was anything I could do. She’s my sister Xav, she means everything to me.”

“Sorry mate, I just feel so helpless.”

Xavier couldn’t believe the bond he had formed with Rogue, in such a short time. He felt like Rogue was a brother, a brother he never had.

“I'm sorry I doubted you Rogue, you have proven to be a great friend indeed.” Xavier said touching Rogues shoulder.

“I need a drink. A strong one. Do you think you could rustle up some scotch or something?” Rogue asked.

“Wait here I’ll see what I can find.” Xavier said leaving. He needed to get drunk too; it might help him forget about Rowan. Numb the pain and stop his body from wanting to go to her. He couldn’t stop thinking about her, as much as he wanted to, she was always there, lurking in the back of his mind, trying to draw him to her. Well he might be her blood back but he wouldn’t be anything else.

“Will this do?” He said producing a bottle of whisky, “I couldn’t find any Scotch.”

“As long as it gets me shit face, I don't care what you call it.” Rogue said, kicking out a chair for Xavier to sit on.

They sat opposite each other. Drinking and just shooting the breeze, neither of them wanting to have any sort of meaningful conversation.  The whisky wasn’t doing a damn thing to him. He was still as sober as when he’d first started drinking, while Rogue was slowly starting to slur his words. His body still ached to be with Rowan. Ached so much, even his teeth hurt now, from grinding them against the pain of not being with her, no doubt. 

*

Rowan lay there for hours just staring at the ceiling, silent tears soaking into her pillow at the ache she felt from his coldness. He hadn’t come back to her as she had hoped, and her stubborn streak wouldn’t let her seek him out.

 If he came to her, she would at least know there was something to fight for.

As it was she was in a strange bed, in a strange world, and she felt alone.

Why had he come into her life? She had been perfectly happy until he’d shown up and turned everything upside down.

There was nothing for her to stay here for, nothing keeping her here other than the fact she had no idea how to leave. But once she figured that out she was leaving. She would pick up Josephine and leave. And go someplace no one would be able to find them.

Dear God, Josephine was still with Darkess! Her mind screamed, her heart clenched and her panic rose. She couldn’t lose Josey too. But she couldn’t get to her without asking for help, and the only person she knew here was Xavier.

Her parents were here somewhere here, but they had yet to come to her. What was that about? If it had been her child, she would have been in there like a shot. Nothing would have kept her from her baby. They obviously hadn’t missed her or didn’t want her, either way she didn’t know them, so it was no skin off her nose.

She got up and dressed in the robe that had been left for her. The thing was practically see through. This place certainly had a funny way of dressing, she’d been better concealed when she was working for Christ sake. This left very little to the imagination, but it was this or nothing and it at least gave off the appearance of having something on.

She closed her eyes and sensed for Xavier. She didn’t know why she did it, but it worked, she knew exactly where he was.

*

Xavier sat, slouched back in his chair and kicked his feet up on the table. Rogue had passed out, and he didn’t have anything to do now. He didn’t want to be alone, but he couldn’t go to Rowan.

He was so tired, he could sleep for a week.

Picking up the water bottle, Rogue had been using earlier he went to Storm,  held her head up and dripped the water into her mouth. He stayed with her until the bottle was empty, then laid her head back down before Pulling the covers back to checking her over. He was astonished at how quickly her bruises were fading and how beautiful she was. She really was perfection, if only he didn’t belong to Rowan, his body didn’t even react to Storms beauty.

Arggg, he groaned, he was doomed to a life without love.

He climbed in beside Storm, and laid one hand on her chest, if she stopped breathing, it would wake him. Still wearing his clothes, well the bottoms anyway, Rogue still had the top, he pulled the covers over him and looked at Rogue. What a pair they made, Rogue was a character and a half and a real friend, he’d never had one of those before, and he was enjoying the banter they had.

He would have to find them both some real clothes tomorrow. He couldn’t let Rogue walk around in what looked like a dress without the bottoms. He smiled, and wished he had a camera, Rogue was currently slouched over the table, one hand holding his balls the other under his head.

 He checked on Storm, she was sleeping soundly. Wow they really could heal quickly.

He stayed on his side of the bed not wanting to hurt Storm and closed his eyes and let the darkness take him.

*

Rowan made her way through the corridors, to where she knew Xavier was. The place was huge and quite unfriendly. Stone walls, stone floors, stone everything. She missed carpets, her feet were freezing.

Loud Snoring was coming from behind the door she was standing at. She smiled, Xavier, sounded like a jet engine ready for take off. How could he make that kind of noise. Was this why he hadn’t stayed with her? If it was she didn’t care, if she could have his body next to hers she would buy ear plugs. She smiled and felt her heart take flight, he was so sweet. Today had been tough on both of them and me must have wanted her to get some sleep.

Pushing open the door, she tiptoed inside and closed the door softly behind her. She didn’t want to wake him with a start, she wanted to wake him with a kiss. Creeping across the room, she noticed the noise wasn’t coming from the bed dominating the space, it was coming from the table. Walking over to it, she tripped over a stool, banging her shin. Ahhh that hurt. Hoping up and down trying not to make a noise, she heard a groan, and turned to the bed.

She saw Xaviers back, he was sleeping on his side, but she would know him anywhere, even his back was beautiful and strong.

A hand on her shoulder stopped her form moving.

“hmm, did Xavier send you?” the voice asked, she could feel him sniffing her. What a strange thing to say.

“Excuse me.” She said spinning to face the voice. “Who are you?”

“Rogue, and you are sexy piece of ass.” He said, with a lop sided grin, while he scanned her from head to foot. Her faced flushed, she was totally on show for him. Looking at Xavier’s back, had her nipples hard and her core throbbing just thinking about him.

 “I'm, here for...”

Rogue leaned in and kissed her. Rowan stepped back and slapped him across his face.

“Like it rough do you sexy? You smell ready for me.” He said, grabbing her hand and yanking her hard against his chest. His nose pressed against her neck, he growled in her ear, “I need a good fuck”

Rowan was stunned into silence, to shocked to move. She put her hands to his chest and pushed as hard as she could, but didn’t get anywhere. Her teeth came down and she threw her head back.

Rogue Spun her around and clamped his hand over her mouth.

“It’s not nice to bite folk who don't want to share with you, sexy. I like it rough, but I'm not a fang banger.” He growled into her ear, while he pulled up her robe.

“You will enjoy this sexy, have you ever had a tiger before?”

Rowan shook her head, she couldn’t breathe, his hand was clamped so tightly over her nose and mouth. Her body was still in shock, she needed to do something but what.

Her eyes locked onto Xavier’s blue ones.