Page 108 of Tainted Gifts
"So... do you think the immortal full blood hybrids adopt a span when they find a counter?" I ask, feeling a shiver run down my spine.
Jase sits down, lowering his head to his hands as he reads the heartbreak my mind can't hide from him. It's all I can do not to fall down and burst into tears right now.
"I don't know. I think that's what happened with Melania's blood, but I can't be sure until..."
Her voice trails off, leaving her unspoken sentence slicing through me with its intended message. Until he meets his counter.
"Aria, I'm yours. Regardless of a span, no span, a counter... it doesn't matter. None of it does. I'm yours and only yours."
Tears finally fall free. I just heard that there's a mob of monsters who are desperate to get my blood so they can play mad scientist, but I'm struck with more fear by the revelation that my eternity with the man I love will most likely be taken away.
"Please don't, baby. Let's just... I don't want to think about this. I want to celebrate the fact we're getting married. I want to enjoy the fact my girl and I have a chance to be together despite all the odds. Don't let this ruin us. I love you."
My heart breaks more, but I fight off the monsoon of tears that are begging to drip.
"I love you, and it's not going to ruin us. It's just... you're right. Let's enjoy our moment."
I block him out with all my strength as I let his lips find mine. It really isn't going to ruin us. It's going to ruin me. My span will end when his does. I'm not as strong as my mother. Please let him be able to deny his counter the way I did.
"Come on. Let's go grab some champagne, some food, and some more clothes. We'll be leaving out tomorrow," he murmurs against my lips. "We'll stay on the move."
The buzzing box sounds out loud and annoyingly to announce a guest outside. Does it never end? Maybe it's someone looking for my brother or Melania since this is their room.
Simone opens the door as I wipe my tears away, and Captain Fricks steps in. "Commander Ericson, we need you. There's been a development you're definitely going to want to hear about."
Jase groans inwardly, letting me feel his emotions of agitation before his eyes shift pale blue.
"Very well," he says dryly, pulling me with him. Then he looks over his shoulder to Rex. "Make sure the protection detail for Aria gets instated."
Rex nods, grabbing his phone up as Melania leans into him, seeming a little excited about her life changing news. I wish it was something that excited me. I just feel defeated right now.
"Stop thinking like that. You're my girl. You'll always be mine," Jase murmurs as we walk out.
Captain Fricks keeps a respectable amount of distance between us as he follows, so I'm able to keep my words soft and out of reach.
"I am, and I will be, but that doesn't mean you'll always be mine."
That's right. I'm pathetic and whiny now. I wish Simone had held off on telling us that last part.
"Aria, for as long as I live and breathe, I'll be yours. There's no question in my mind, so don't doubt me. You've felt it. You know how much I love you. Don't ever question that love."
I sigh out, accepting the fact there's no point in worrying about the unknown. I really have to steady my emotions. I'm not in the clear yet, and my savage is foaming at the mouth to escape.
Jase's grip on my hand tightens, letting me know he's not going anywhere, and we head outside to join the very highly ranked officials all waiting for their fearless commander.
I'll wait out here.
"Why?" he asks, stopping short of entering.
I almost laugh. It's as though he's forgotten who I really am. "I'm a tracker... nothing more. This looks very official."
"You're my fiancée, and they know I'll share everything with you anyhow. You know that too. You might as well come in."
"Jase, it's unprofessional, and right now you need to make it clear to them you're not distracted. I'll be fine. Just go on in."
He looks around, not seeming too pleased with my stand. "Not with you being so unguarded."
"Jase, I'm in the middle of the United fleet. There are hundreds of gifted out here. I'll be fine. Not to mention, I happen to be gifted as well. It's a tent, not a soundproof room. You'll hear me if I need you."
