Page 50 of Protected By Artemis

Her grip tightened on him. “You were hurt badly,” she choked. “It was awful…”

A pit formed in his stomach. “Was anyone…did anyone…”

“No, you saved them,” she whispered. “You saved them all, and y-you a-almost d-died.”

Relief washed over him, but still, he could sense her distress. “Shh…sweetheart.” He turned toward her, wrapping his arms around her, and tucking her face into his neck. “It’s alright. I’m here. I’m all healed.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?” she sniffed.

“I’m fine.” In fact, he’d never felt better, like he’d had the best sleep in his life. “The healing coma must have worked.”

“Yeah, but I healed you too.”

He stiffened. “You what?”

“I healed you. With my powers.”

“You didn’t have to.”

“I know.” She lifted her head, a shy smile on her face. “I wanted to. Your injuries were so severe. Xavier said if you had gone through the healing coma by yourself, you would have been in pain for a long time. You’ve only been asleep for one night.”

“One night?” Cade had never been in a healing coma before, but he’d heard stories. Though the body shut itself down during the process, some say they could still feel their injuries healing in real time—bones breaking back into place, skin re-knitting itself, organs regrowing, wounds sealing shut. It was apparently very painful and, in extreme cases, caused psychological damage. Like a never-ending nightmare.

“Thank you.” He kissed the top of her head. “And—ugh.”

“What’s wrong?” Concern marred her face. “Are you still hurt? Sick?”

“I just…need to use the bathroom.” And urgently too. “I’ll be right back.”

He gave her another quick kiss and then scrambled to the bathroom. He did his business, but then the overpowering smell of blood and soot and ash made him gag.

I can’t believe she slept next to me even while I smelled like this.Probably singed all her nose hairs off.

Stepping into the shower, he turned the tap to full blast, letting the hot water blast at him as he soaped up. Still, he shivered as he thought of what could have happened. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and he had somehow survived.

The chill turned into a blistering anger. They had once again been targeted by an unknown enemy, and while they might be close to getting some answers, they were still sitting ducks until they found out who was trying to harm them.

“I heard the shower running. Are you having some fun without me?”

Shutting off the water, he stepped out of the shower, his breath catching in his throat. She was already fully naked, her long blonde curls flowing down past her shoulders, her splendid body on full display for his eyes.

“Well?”

“I wasn’t having fun without you. Just wanted to clean up. I stunk to high heaven.” He reached for her, cupping her soft cheek in his hands. She was real, not just a dream. Her very presence grounded him, in a good way, reminding him that he was still alive.

Leaning into his palm, she nuzzled at him. “I thought I lost you,” she said, her voice barely a whisper.

“No way.” She stepped into his arms as he pulled her close. “It’ll take more than a fire to get rid of me.” Her scent filledhis nostrils, seeping deep into him. She had saved him, and for once, it felt good to be taken care of, rather than having to be the strong one for everyone else. “Thank you for healing me.”

“Of course.” Blue eyes shone with tears as she lifted her head. “I would do anything for you.”

A twinge plucked at his chest at her emotion-filled declaration. Unable to speak, he brought his head down to seal her mouth with a hard kiss. She let out a muffled whimper and opened up to him, their tongues clashing in a fiery dance.

“I need you,” he groaned against her mouth as his hand hooked under her knee to bring her closer to him so she could feel his erection. It felt like a lifetime since he’d been inside her. “Please…”

“Yes.” Wrapping her arms around his neck, she hauled herself up, and he caught her, spinning her around to plant her on the sink. Spreading her legs, he pointed the tip of his cock at her entrance and plunged in.

She cried out as she clasped around him, the sensation of her wet, tight pussy nearly making him come right then and there. Biting his lip, he stroked his cock frantically into her, fucking her until her body shook with pleasure.

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