Page 87 of Gift from the Tree

“It’s the only way to keep everyone safe. I’ve always been responsible for them, and now you. It’s just the way it has to be.” He moves off me just as quickly as he pounced. That’s not a complete answer, I can tell, but it’s a start, and it gives me a better picture of him.

He takes it upon himself to take care of everyone out of fear. He fears something happening to the people he loves, his brothers. If he can control as much as possible, block himself out from everyone, no one will worry about him, and he can solely focus on them. That fear has become his whole personality.

“They’d be here for you, no matter what. You know that, right? I would too if you needed me too,” I tell him truthfully.

Despite his dickish attitude, he’s given me a home, food, clothes, protection, now a magical education. I owe him quite a bit, so if he needs me, I’ll choke down my sass and be there.

We sit in silence for a long time, neither of us saying a word, until I finally cave and pull my journal out. He waits until my attention is finally off him to answer.

“Silver. My favorite color is silver.”

“Well, it looks like your concussion healed up perfectly. No dizziness, fainting, or throwing up?” Dr. Evie asks as she pulls her hand back from the back of my head.

“Nope, I feel completely fine.” Lie, but not about the concussion. It’s these raging fucking hormones.

“Well, then you’re all cleared to return to your training and classes. I can let Headmaster Vito know. You shouldn’t need any more care instructions, but it won’t hurt anything for you to drink a healing tonic for the next couple days as you get back into your routine.”

“I mean, you could do me a solid and tell him I can’t return to training, combat, or E.F. class for you know, forever,” I joke, but not really. Observing Tillman’s E.F. class yesterday answered my question. He’s just as much of a hard-ass in our morning training as he is in his class. Ry’s just as hard on the combat class, although he told me he’d take special care of me, which earned him a punch in the arm from Tillman and a growl from Draken.

“I’m sure he wouldn’t believe me if I told him that.” Dr. Evie laughs, not agreeing with my solid. “How’s everything else going?”

Blowing out a breath, I shake my head. “Honestly, my hormones are everywhere. One minute I’m crying, the next laughing. I feel needy, pushy, and horny as shit. I don’t understand what’s going on.”

“Well, there are multiple reasons for that. From what Master Cato explained to me, your element was bound, and you were raised in the nonmagical realm your whole life, and he explained to you the detoxing process your body’s going through. That can come in many forms, hormonal being a big one. Not to mention, you’re living with four incredibly powerful males,” she explains.

“What does living with four powerful males have to do with it?” I’m going to keep it to myself that they tend to make it better or worse.

“Powerful females are always drawn to powerful males. It’s the way our bodies were designed. We need males who can match our level of magic.” Dr. Evie shoots me a knowing smirk, quieting the denial I’m about to spew. I am drawn to the four of them, even the biggest asshole of the bunch, despite my mental objections.

“This is only going to last a week, right?” I ask.

“Hopefully. Your body may take more time to adjust with everything that’s been going on, but going forward, yes, this spike in emotions will last a week max.”

Huffing an irritated breath, I hop off the table, giving Dr. Evie my thanks as she walks me to the door. She did nothing wrong, just gave me the facts that I’m going to have to deal with these crazy-ass mood swings for a little while longer. I just don’t like that answer.

Surprisingly, when we open the door, it’s Tillman there waiting for me. My eyes travel the massive terrain of his body, the way he stands, casually leaning against the wall, exuding a quiet confidence that draws me in. When my eyes travel back north, a shade of mesmerizing green locks onto mine, and a subtle smile plays on his lips.

“What are you doing here?” The tone of my voice is far huskier than I meant for it to be, but luckily, he doesn’t call me out or really react to it at all.

“If you’re cleared, we’re going to get some drills in,” he informs me, handing me a bag with a change of clothes and shoes.

“Oh no, I wasn’t cleared for another week or so. I’m still healing up.” I give him my best innocent look. His face contorts into concern as he swings his gaze to Dr. Evie, who’s still standing behind me. “I’m kidding. I’m perfectly fine.” I pout.

Laughing at my attempt to get out of working out, Dr. Evie gives Tillman instructions before going back into her office. “If she shows any signs of fatigue, dizziness, disoriented vision, then stop the training and give her a healing vial or tonic. Let me know if any of you need anything.”

“Trying to get out of training already,” Tillman comments as I come out of the bathroom changed into the beautiful plum, two-piece workout set, with matching shoes.

“I’m just whining. I feel like a crazy person right now with these hormones, and Dr. Evie said it could take a week or so for everything to calm down.” I sigh loudly.

He doesn’t answer me, and I can feel my face heating with anger and embarrassment. He’s made it a habit to ignore me when I admit personal things to him. I’m getting ready to mouth off when he finally speaks.

“We can just go for a run and then call it a day. Get back to normal training in the morning.”

His gentle tone wraps around me like a hug, and when I look at him, his face looks stricken with guilt for a moment, then he schools his features. There’s no reason for him to feel guilty over my out of control, moody-ass hormones, but if it’s going to get me out of training this afternoon, I’m not going to object.

I sit my bag on the ground as soon as we transport to the back of the mansion and start my stretching. “Are we running the normal route?”

“No. Follow me.”

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