Page 74 of Avelina

“Aaron, Ward’s, um . . . spirit is injured. I needed to heal him.”

“In our bed? I know exactly how it feels to be healed, and I know exactly why he lifted his hips up just now. How could you do this? This is too far. How could he possibly be injured enough for you to make this kind of contact with him in our bed?”

The way he said our bed instead of my bed said everything. I had not taken this seriously enough. Aaron considered it to be a sacred space, just for us, and I had laid his competition right down in the center of it. The volume of his voice grew with each word he uttered, and his face took on a deep shade of scarlet.

I stood, inching toward him slowly as if I avoided spooking a frightened cat. “I’m sorry, Aaron. You’re right. The bed thing was a terrible idea. Ward tried to tell me, but I wouldn’t listen. I’m so sorry. But this is not what you think.”

“I want him out,” Aaron said. Ward sat up at the side of the bed. He moved as slowly and silently as possible, like he believed Aaron might attack him. I was beginning to think he might be right.

“Fine, I’ll send him downstairs.”

“No, Lee. I want him out of this house. I don’t want him here anymore.”

I sucked in a breath. I had badly misjudged the situation. I knew Aaron would be angry about what we were doing, but I had not understood how much.

“Aaron, please listen.” I was close to him now, almost touching him. “I need to be able to heal people,” I said as quietly as possible. “I’ll probably heal a lot of people in the near future. I’m sorry about the bed thing, but there’s nothing inappropriate going on here. I swear.” I took his hand, connecting. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

I was trying to warn him. I hadn’t finished healing Ward, and I wasn’t convinced I had actually given him any of my Protection reservoir. Now that I understood the depth of his pain, I couldn’t leave him alone. There was no way in hell I would let Ward be banished because of my stupidity and then not go after him.

“I’m sure. The sooner the better,” he said.

I just stared at him, shaking my head. I didn’t know what else to say. I wasn’t going to argue. “Fine,” I said, clenching my jaw. I let go of his hand. “I’ll get my pack,” I said.

“I don’t need your pack,” Ward said. “I’ll go now. It’s okay.”

“It’s not for you,” I said. I turned away from Aaron and walked over to the corner of the room where I kept my things. “I’ll meet you downstairs, Ward. Don’t leave without me because I’ll have to follow you, and I’d rather not walk alone.” I pulled the pack out and shoved things in.

“Lee,” Aaron said. “That’s not what I meant.”

I didn’t answer. I was sick and tired of his temper and jealousy and wanted to be done with it.

Rain tapped on the oculus, and I looked up to see that it was still dark outside. It wouldn’t be right to take the oil lamp, but I still had my flashlight and had recently charged my watch. I found the watch and tried to put it on, but my hands shook, and I dropped it. I picked it up again and stuffed it in the pocket of my pants, then continued packing, stuffing in the survival and first aid kits.

It should be light soon, I thought. I’ve hiked in the rain before. My feet will be wet, but my coat is waterproof, and my pack has a rain cover. I’ll be fine.

“Lee, please. Calm down,” Aaron said.

I snorted derisively but still didn’t respond. This was my fault. I’d led Ward astray, and now I had to face the consequences. Ward fled the awkward scene, and I watched him go, but before he descended the ladder, he stopped, his eyes on his feet.

My throat burned and tears blurred my vision as I tore Jorin’s tunic off over my head, completely heedless of the fact that I wasn’t wearing a bra.

“Lee, what are you doing?” Aaron asked, sounding shocked. He looked over at Ward, who still stood there. He shifted his body to block Ward’s view of me. I rolled my eyes.

“He’s seen it a thousand times, Aaron,” I said.

“And I’m gay,” Ward said quietly.

I stopped in my tracks. Did he just say what I think he said? Something was different about Ward, but I couldn’t put my finger on why at first. Then, he lifted his left hand to his face and I saw it.

“Ward,” I said reverently, “your face is healed.”

“So are my eyes,” he whispered.

I waited for Aaron’s reaction, but his attention was on Ward, who still stood, peering down the ladder into the closet. Finally, Ward raised his chin and looked Aaron in the eye.

“I have no romantic interest in Lina or any other woman, Aaron,” Ward said. “I’m gay, but I’m still leaving. Lina, you stay. Thanks for trying to protect me. You’ve been an amazing friend. Far better than I deserve. It’s time I returned the favor.”

“No,” I declared stubbornly. “I’m coming with you.” There was no fragging way I would stay here while my friend went out into the cold rain alone. Ward descended the ladder without answering, and Aaron stared after him. I couldn’t see Aaron’s face and I didn’t want to. “Don’t leave without me!” I yelled.

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