Page 123 of Heart of the High King
Chapter 47
When Aleksander first heard the screaming, he thought it was part of his dream, but the terrified sound brought him to full consciousness. Springing into action, he lifted his lashes to find Rafe thrashing next to him as he shrieked. In pure panic, Aleksander yelled his name as Rafe suddenly sat straight up in their bed with his eyes open. His mate jolted forward farther, as if he were trying to crawl away, and Aleksander tried to grab him and wake him simultaneously. They fought for several minutes; then Rafe slumped against him, his breath coming in pants. Aleksander’s heart was pounding in his chest, and he pulled a nearly limp Rafe into his arms.
Keeping hold of Rafe, Aleksander snapped on the light. Peering into the pale face of his mate, he saw Rafe’s pupils were dilated, and there were beads of sweat on his forehead. Their gazes locked, and Aleksander broke a little inside at the fear emanating from Rafe.
“I’m so sorry,” Aleksander whispered. His lips caressed Rafe’s clammy forehead as the door to their bedroom whipped open.
“You guys okay?” Brogan demanded. Mortis raced in and woofed at Rafe.
“We’re okay,” Aleksander responded quietly.
The dragon charged into the room, apparently unconvinced, and he frowned fiercely when the Grand Warlock appeared.
“The Cwylld stones, baby,” Brogan complained.
“Yeah, like I care,” Dra’Kaedan retorted, shutting them inside the room and giving his attention to Aleksander, who was still cradling Rafe. His mate had latched on to his T-shirt with his fists and was slowly catching his breath. “Can I do anything to help?”
“Rafe, you need anything?” Aleksander asked him softly.
“Mortis, I’m trying to relax. I didn’t mean to wake anyone up,” Rafe murmured. “Was I screaming?”
“Yeah, did you have a nightmare?”
“Nothing I can ever remember when I wake up,” Rafe explained into Aleksander’s shirt. “They started in the hospital.”
“They?”
“They’re called night terrors. I’m sorry.”
“No apologies. What do you need, babe?”
Rafe pulled away and faced the two men in their room watching them curiously from the bench at the end of their bed. “I didn’t mean to wake you guys up.”
The pair exchanged glances, and Brogan shrugged while Dra’Kaedan’s expression turned wicked. “We weren’t sleeping, so no worries.”
“Please don’t share any details,” Aleksander pleaded, rubbing Rafe’s back in an attempt to soothe him.
“The good news is that we’d just finished,” Brogan supplied.
“You want a snack or something, Rafe? Cake always makes me feel better,” Dra’Kaedan said.
“Except you ate it all,” Brogan pointed out.
Dra’Kaedan frowned. “Good point. What about a beer?”
“I could use one,” Rafe answered, leaning his head against Aleksander’s chest.
“We’ll go grab a six-pack. The extras can go in your fridge in the living area. You want chips or something?” Brogan asked. Getting to his feet, he took Dra’Kaedan’s hand and they headed for the door, with Mortis on their heels.
“That’d be great. Thanks, guys,” Aleksander responded. Once the two men and the wolf were gone, his full attention went to the man in his arms. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I just feel like an idiot for waking everyone up,” Rafe muttered, straightening enough that their eyes met. “I guess they fixed the scars on the outside, but I still have the ones on the inside.”
Aleksander cupped his cheek and gently laid a kiss on the corner of his mouth. “I’m proud of those scars. I am in such awe of you. I can’t know what it’s like inside your head. I didn’t go through the horrors that you survived, but I’m always going to be here for you when you need to let some of that shit out. I don’t care if it’s two in the morning or the middle of the fucking day. I’m your mate and, from the moment I met you, I knew my true purpose in this life was to be your partner and best friend. I told you before, Rafe—you’re my hero, and my heart beats for you.”
“I love you too,” Rafe said. Tilting his head up allowed their lips to meet. When Rafe swept his tongue inside, Aleksander took full advantage and leisurely enjoyed the unique taste of his other half. The door burst open, and Aleksander winked after ending their caress as the Grand Duke and Grand Warlock handed them beers and a giant bowl of chips. Brogan disappeared into the next room with more snacks, which he put away, then returned.
“We’re out. Have fun. That kiss was sexy but I gotta tell you, it’s still kind of weird to see Aleksander kissing a man,” Dra’Kaedan observed.
