Page 125 of Ares' Shield
The only thing left are two golden horns. I cough away the dust and ash, waving a hand in front of my face.
“What the fuck, Beth,” Jayden snarls as he reaches me, pulling my hand away from my stomach that’s slashed open so wide I’m surprised it’s not spilling more than just blood.
“Oh gods. I’m going to throw up,” I hiss as dizziness at the sight of all the blood grips me and I fall back into Jayden’s chest.
“Shhh, you’re going to be okay.” He presses a kiss to my forehead. “Adrian, we need healing here.”
Black spots blur my vision and I slump into Jayden. Adrian doesn’t make it to me before I pass out.
24
Avoice booms, making me wince. “I knew this was a bad idea.”
I blink my eyes open to find Randall standing over us with his arms crossed over his chest. Jayden moves, blocking me from the shifter’s view.
“She’s been healed. We all survived andshegot rid of your problem.” Jayden takes another step toward him.
“Jayden, it’s okay,” I croak.
Jayden spins to me, his eyes wide, and he drops to his knees in front of me, cupping my cheeks. “You’re awake.”
“Yeah.” I move and wince as my stomach twinges with pain. “Fucking bull horns.”
“Gods, you scared the hell out of me.” Jayden pulls me close and wraps his arms around me, squeezing me to him.
His body is shaking but he refuses to let me go. Is that from fear? Was he really that scared?
“Jayden, I’m okay, just a little sore.” I pat his back.
“There was so much blood,” he mumbles into my hair.
Raven drops to a crouch next to us. “Sorry, B, but we need to go.”
“Yeah, we need to meet Artemis in Denver,” I agree and move to stand.
Before I can get to my feet, Jayden scoops me up into his arms. I love having his strong arms around me, but I can’t let these shifters see me as weak.
“Jayden, I’m okay. Let me walk.” I scan the shifters and glance back at Jayden with a frown.
“Okay, sorry.” He sets me on my feet gingerly and I wince.
Fuck, that hurts.
“Stubborn,” Raven whispers to me.
“Nope, show no weakness,” I mumble back with a glare.
“Fine.”
Adrian walks up behind me and sets a hand on my shoulder. His hand glows green and healing magic pulses inside me. I sigh as the last twinges of pain in my gut vanish and I grin at Adrian.
“You’re getting better at that. Thank you.” I nod.
“No worries. You’re gonna share your snacks with me, right? I’m starving after that much healing.”
“Yeah.” I laugh as we pick our way between fallen trees, skirting around the flames still licking the ground.
The SUV is parked untouched exactly where we left it and a sigh of relief tumbles from my lips. At least one thing went according to plan.
