Bell almost felt as if he was panting now, he was working so hard. “Alek, please.” His throat felt too raw and tender to make a sound. Finally, Alek turned towards him, gasped and sprinted to the bed, knocking over a lamp on the end table in his haste. Bell sighed and closed his eyes as he was hefted into a long, warm embrace.
“Bell, baby,” Alek spoke his words between placing soft kisses all over his face. “I’m so glad you’re awake. I was so scared.” Alek clutched him with a grip that told Bell just how terrified his beloved had been. “I’ve never been so afraid in my life.”
Alek leaned back, and Bell reopened his eyes. Alek gave him the most gorgeous smile he’d ever seen. It was one that screamed relief. Bell wanted to apologize so much, but each time he opened his mouth it felt as if he was going to breathe fire.
“Farica!” Alek shouted.
Alek’s sister charged through the door like a ram, frantically searching for her brother. “Alek?”
“Water, please. Can you get me some water?” Alek asked, drawing Farica’s attention to Bell’s face.
“Oh my gosh.” She clasped her hands in front of her chest, smiling with her brother Mac, who’d ran in behind her.
“He’s awake. Yes!”
Alek nodded.
“I’ll get the water.” Mac hurried away.
Farica shook her head in disbelief. “That is one strong mate you have, brother. A true immortal.”
Alek kept his face buried in Bell’s neck, whispering all the things he desperately needed to hear. “You are strong. I don’t know anyone that could’ve recovered from those injuries. But, you fought, hard.”
And I lost. And because of my pride, many of my guards lost their lives. I should’ve listened to you.
“I don’t know what you’re thinking right now,” Alek said, watching Bell’s eyes. Possibly seeing the enormous amount of guilt and disappointment in them. “But, I’m telling you it’s gonna be all right. We’re gonna get that bastard for this. Wrath already killed off most of his rebellion.”
Mac returned with a glass of cool water, and a few unopened plastic bottles in his other hand. “Here you go.” Mac glanced at Bell. “Welcome back.”
Bell didn’t respond but he hoped his eyes did. He was struggling with moving his limbs, wanting to hold Alek in return. Damnit, he hated this invalid state.
“Give us a minute, you two,” Alek asked.
Alek waited until his siblings were gone before he attempted to help Bell.
He was so glad he didn’t display just how weak Bell was by having to hold his cup of water and assist him in drinking it. He couldn’t even satisfy his basic needs—like feeding, drinking, bathing. He reeked of blood, sweat, gore, and death. It was a smell that would need to be scoured from his tender flesh. How in the hell was he going to accomplish that when he couldn’t even lift his own arm?
“One thing at a time.” Alek eased his hand behind Bell’s neck and propped his head up so he could take a few sips.
The water must’ve been straight from the waterfall, because it was the most refreshing H2O he’d ever consumed. He couldn’t swallow as fast as he wanted, but damn, it cooled his blazing throat.
“First, you can feed again. I can feel my blood pumping. Then we’ll go down to the stream and clean off. Farica said there’s no hot water inside the cottage and the water from the river is freezing. But, I have an idea of how to make it warm.”
Bell exhaled. He liked the sexy way Alek said that—exuding confidence. Very different from the Alek he’d run away from… Bell frowned. How long had it been?
Once Bell had finished quenching his thirst, Alek climbed back into bed beside him, naked as the day he was born, his blood pumping hard enough for him to hear. Bell felt his body react, his skin heating and his gums tingling to drop his fangs.
“Mmmm,” Alek moaned, causing Bell’s eyelids to fall heavy. The big alpha just felt so comforting and sure of himself. Telling Bell just how things were going to go down. Bell didn’t feel less than. He felt cherished. “You are much warmer than before. Go ahead and try to feed, Bell. So you can keep getting stronger.”
Alek maneuvered Bell until he was on his side. He draped his big leg over his, ensuring they were connected from head to toe. Which was more than fine with him. He felt Alek’s soft cock pressed against his hip, felt the dense hair that covered his fit body. When his lips were pressed snug to Alek’s throat, he closed his eyes and inhaled his woodsy scent for a moment, letting it ease the turmoil of his remorseful mind. Bell oh-so-slowly worked his jaw open enough to let his fangs descend. It took time and effort. After ninety-nine years, Bell had grown comfortable with his special abilities, had forgotten how amazing they were, and had taken them for granted. Now, he appreciated the little things. Like being able to feed one’s self.