SWNOVELS Chapter 128
MAEVE POV
"Mmm..." I winced, pressing my fingers into my slightly throbbing temples with some pressure.
About an hour had passed since we returned home from the lunar banquet. Everything was fine and we were preparing ourselves for bed, until I felt the sudden onslaught of a small headache beginning to pinch at my head. But, more than that... I felt these small prickles of unease that I just couldn't shake, like intrusive thoughts gnawing at the back of my mind.
I'd had no reason to feel like that, especially now that I was home, so... why was I-? "What's wrong?"
Glancing up, I caught sight of Xaden gazing worriedly as he left the bathroom to approach me. His damp, dark hair fell into his face in messy waves. Droplets of water clung to his steaming body, freshly showered after tonight's banquet, and covered only by a pair of black, cotton pants.
Goddess, how was it possible for him to always look so good?
"It's nothing..." I answered, blushing as he knelt before me. "Just a small headache."
For a moment, he did nothing but study me. That lovely shade of forest green I couldn't get enough of, illuminated faintly by the dim lamplight of our bedroom, scanned every inch of my face that he could, bathing me in the most protective warmth. There were times when I couldn't help but shy away from his penetrating eyes... hell, I still wasn't completely used to it. But right now, I wanted nothing more than to be surrounded by his worldly green.
His fingers brushed over the curve of my eyebrow and along my temple, careful, tender, and so unlike the touch of a wolf who'd claimed the largest kill of the banquet mere hours ago. No heat or l**t burned from his fingertips. It was as innocent as a touch could be. Still, he felt like magic against my skin. And perhaps he was, as I felt my throbbing pain begin to ebb away.
And my body started to sink into his touch in utter, breathless relief.
"It was an eventful night," he then said, beginning to pull away, and the absence of his skin from mine made my breath catch. "You should stay hydrated. Let me fetch you a glass of water-"
"Not yet," I pleaded, clasping my hands over his, leaning into his touch. The abrupt gesture caught him by surprise. "Please, stay."
To my relief, he made no moves to protest and, instead, settled on the edge of the bed beside me. Slowly, I felt his thumbs brush over my temples, warm and coarse and everything I could ever want from his tender touch. hummed, melting further into his hand.
"Maeve... as much as I want to help you, I don't possess any magical healing properties," he murmured with light amusement, but not once did he attempt to pull away a second time.
Out of habit, I tried to shake my head, but quickly regretted the action once I felt the pounding pain intensify ever so slightly. And at the same time, just feeling him... smelling him... knowing he was right here soothed me in its own way. "You feel wonderful," I whispered. "I don't need anything but you right now."
"In that case... how else can I help you?"
I swallowed, suddenly feeling shy. "You can... talk to me." I was secretly very relieved that my face was partially concealed by his hands. "I like hearing your voice."
The movement of his thumbs against my temples slowed for what must've been a fraction of a second. "Well, how can I say no to such a request?" he murmured, and, right then, my heart began to flutter.
Okay, time to calm down. He's just being super considerate and sweet.
"I loved watching you tonight," he said softly, switching his focus between my eyes and his fingers on my temples. "You seemed different, somehow... more confident and outspoken, even with another alpha there."
I blushed, keeping quiet. So, he noticed, too.
"Perhaps you don't believe me quite yet," he continued, "but I see the change in you. Slowly, but surely, and I know when you're ready to blossom, you're going to blow everyone away."