Page 91 of Tainted Gifts
"They were all to scared to make any decisions right now. They can't kill us because they would be crossing a line with Araya. They most likely won't let us keep our rank though. I'm fine with that."
She throws her arms around Rex, and he scoops her up, pulling her to him. I pull away then, suddenly a little saddened for Jase.
"You won't be commander after all you've done for the United simply because of your blood?"
He shrugs, not seeming too affected by it. His dark hair is still dampened by the shower, and it glistens as he strides away, pulling me behind him.
"I don't have to hide who I am anymore. I can live with not being the commander. I hate feeling like I failed Hale."
"I don't like this. They could put someone in office that could lose this war," Rex interjects, seriousness lacing his tone. "If the Unaligned win, we'll all wish we weren't hybrids. Mom is strong, but she can't fend off an army. She'll sure as hell try."
"No hybrid from the United will stand by idly and become slaves," Melania grumbles. "I don't want to talk about this tonight. The committee hasn't even decided yet."
Rex tugs at her as he comes to kiss the top of my head, his hybrid heat making me wince. He frowns as he feels my forehead.
"That did a number on you, didn't it?"
"Adrenaline doesn't play well with my heat, but I'll be fine now," I murmur while nestling into Jase's chest.
His deliciously cool breath chills my pain, pushing it out of my mind and making me smile. Melania starts pulling my brother out of the room, offering me some alone time with Jase for the first time since we left the compound.
"What really happens if you're not commander?" I ask as soon as the soundproof door clicks shut.
His lips tighten as he sits down on the bed. His clothes are still a mess even though he's clean. He tosses them to the floor, stripping down to his boxers, almost making me lose my train of thought.
"I don't know," he murmurs, ignoring my scandalous mind's momentary detour. "I'd like to think they'd choose someone who would be as dedicated and protective as your father. I'm worried they'll choose General Mullins though, and he'll run the United into the ground. He looks really good on paper, but he's a terrible shot-caller. I would have demoted him, but it was shortly after demoting Hedin that I found out Mullins was so terrible. I didn't want to step on too many toes so soon, but I planned on demoting him next month after Hedin's dismissal had some time to breathe.
"For the record, Hedin was never my pet. I only kept him because of his numerous years served. He too looked good on paper. I didn't even question his abilities until I met you. General Mullins is a full blood, but he's old school. He's not far from thinking like the tyrant running the Unaligned, and I'm worried he might strike a treaty that would make promises we - all hybrids - wouldn't want to keep."
Fucking perfect.
"Then we have to find a way to keep you commander. Besides, I kind of like knowing I'm fucking the boss," I joke, trying to keep the conversation light.
He laughs, a short reprieve from his obvious turmoil. He's really worried about this.
"Indeed. It won't be long until you're back in my bed for reasons other than just sleeping," he seduces, though I can tell it's just his way of trying not to reveal how truly taxing this all really is.
"Aria," he sighs out. "Don't worry about this. This is my problem."
My eyes stare devotedly into his mismatched beauties, and I almost waver on the bed. He actually he has to catch e before I topple over the side. He smirks, and his pale blues come out to mask his true beauty.
"Your problems are my problems," I shakily release, still trying to catch my bearings. "I love you."
His smile comes out genuinely this time just before his lips find mine. His hands tangle in my hair as he starts sliding me back on the bed, his lips greedily taking mine as he steals my breath.
"I love you," he murmurs against my lips, pulling me so close to his body that I can feel his heart beating against my chest.
His powerful, teasing breath trails down my neck when he moves to be there, and I gasp for a breath. He falls between my legs, and my skirt rises when I spread them wider to bring him closer. He suddenly starts groaning in frustration as he stops the teasing hell.
"Less than twenty-four more hours," I mumble, feeling tormented now.
He chuckles lightly before kissing my nose and dropping to his side, tucking me against his chest as he kisses my forehead.
"Seventeen hours and thirty-four more minutes to be exact," he adds, making me giggle like a fool.
"That's very precise of you. I take it you really are looking forward to having me in your bed for more than sleep."
He smiles salaciously, giving me a delightful chill. "Just because I was distracted doesn't mean I didn't thoroughly mean what I said."
