53. Malix

I couldn't sleep at all. The feel of her skin the taste of her it kept me up. She was exhausted physically and mentally sound asleep in moments. When I'd touched her tasted her, I knew she was in pain yet I kept going. What was I thinking? When I felt her tense I just know the pain had gotten worse. She was so good at hiding it i almost believed we really could go through with it. I'm such an idiot.

Never again, no matter how much I wanted her I refuse to put her through that pain. Not until we found a way to get Rix out of her head. I understand why she didn't want Raine to be with me, her mate bond with Vericus was obviously rejecting Raines mate bond with me but why cause her pain? Was it a side effect of being trapped by Driak or was it something else? Whatever it was there was no way I could keep putting Raine through that pain. I would be no better then Driak if I tried.

By the time morning came I hadn't had much sleep but I didn't mind just knowing Raine had probably had the deepest sleep she'd had in a long time was enough. Looking down on her, blond hair still tied back into a braid as it trailed down her back. The feel of her in my arms felt so right I never wanted to let her go. This side of her face unscarred the skin soft and smooth I just couldn't help myself from reaching out to caress the delicate skin. Her eyes snapped open knife at my throat in seconds. I chuckled at her wide eyes.

"Easy tiger."

Quickly she pulled the knife away avoiding my eyes her cheeks going red embarrassed.

"Sorry...habit."

Lifting her chin I kissed her lips then the scars on her left cheek and eye.

"It's fine don't worry."

Turning over her eyes went to my bear chest. The bandage covering my wound was already healing. Her eyes were sad as she touched my chest.

"I'm sorry Malix I...."

I shook my head grabbing her hand I pressed my lips to her fingers.

"It wasn't your fault Raine. You have no reason to feel guilty about it. It's not the first time I've been injured and probably won't be the last."

Shadows darkened her eyes and I knew she was thinking about the night we had fought all those years ago.

"Don't Raine, back then was my fault I should have believed in you, in us."

She didn't say anything the shadows still in her eyes. So I decided to change the subject.

"So what brought you inside the house I figured you'd never sleep here?"

That seemed to do it her eyes returned to normal her usual calculating face on.

"Well let's just say there's something I have to investigate and the best way to do that is inside the house. Even though the very thought it makes me want to throw something."

"Intriguing do you need help?"

She frowned contemplating her eyes glancing again at my bandages.

"Not now but if I do you'll be the first I ask."

She wouldn't say it but I knew she was trying to keep me out of it to protect me. I wanted to tell her it wasn't necessary but I knew it wouldn't make a difference. While she might be closer to trusting me evidence in her coming her to sleep next to me she still didn't trust herself. I know she feared hurting me again and it would take time for her to get over it.

"Ok I'll be waiting if you do."

She smiled then touched her lips to mine. Turning she slid off the bed and started putting her weapons back on and her mask.

"I spoke the Ver last night-"

At Vers name a low growl escaped my lips making her pause her eyes glancing at me.

"Malix I know your upset with him about yesterday but it's not his fault. Whatever Driak did to me it makes his bond with Rix ten times stronger."

"I know it's not his fault Raine but that doesn't make it right. What if he'd forced you?"

She shrugged my words not even effecting her.

"I would've kicked his arse before that happened."

I watched her finish strapping her throwing knives then she took her shirt off to put her bra back on. My eyes instantly went to her perfect breast. Before I knew it I was before her my arms wrapped around her half naked body.

"If that were true then why did you have to call me for help?"

She remained silent her silver eyes trying to hide what I already knew. Whatever Driak had did effected her just as much as it did Vericus. My eyes glowed at the thought of her with him. Whether she could control it or not I hated that there was something between them that couldn't stop their attraction for each other.

"I see it in your eyes if I hadn't stepped in when I did you would have given into him."

She reached up and pulled my head down til our lips touched. Her tongue reached out for mine deepening the kiss. My hands caressed the bare skin of her back pressing her closer to me. My cock getting hard again making me moan for her. Before I could loose myself I pulled back to lean my forehead against hers. Her hand settled against my chest.

"I'm sorry Malix the last thing I want to do is be with Vericus. Your my mate the only one I want is you. I want you to be my first not him, but I won't ever lie to you. Whatever Driak has done to me it has made Rixs bond to him strong enough that I feel it too. I dont Want it too and I hate that it does but I can't seem to stop it either. Please believe me when I say I love you and only want you. It's only because Rix is inside me that I feel anything towards Vericus. I would never betray you like that willingly."

I reached to tuck a stray hair behind her ear my hand lingering on her cheek.

"I know you wouldn't Raine and I know you can't control it. Just like I couldn't control how angry I felt when I saw him on top of you. I don't blame you for what's happening I blame Driak and I will do everything I can to help fix this so that it's just us."

Raine parted her lips about to answer when the door opened. I quickly shielded her while she finished getting dressed. Owen looking our way froze then quickly turned around.

"Sorry I should've knocked."

Finished dressing Raine kissed my cheek winking with a chuckle.

"It's fine I was just leaving anyway."

Owen turned back around as Raine passed him. Before Raine walked through the door she paused looking back at Owen.

"Where's Vericus?"

I hid my involuntary growled by faking a cough which of course didn't fool Raine or Owen but both ignored it.

"He's in the dinning room with the rest of the pack."

Her face took on a thoughtful look.

"And the whole pack will be there?"

Owen narrowed his eyes at her seeming to read her mind.

"Yes the pack eats together for breakfast and dinner."

A calculating smile spread her lips.

"Interesting. Thanks Owen take care of him for me."

Owen inclined his head watching her leave as he finished putting on his gloves. There was clearly something going on and Owen seemed to be in on it. Maybe it had something to do with what Raine was talking about earlier.

Turning his attention back to me Owen pointed to the bed.

"I need to check your wound."

Laying back down Owen pulled a stool up to the bed and began peeling off my bandages.

"What are you two scheming?"

Owen paused for a second confirming my suspicions.

"She's looking into something for me."

I scowled at him. I know he's her uncle but I also knew her history of being used. Call me overprotective but I didn't want to see that happen to her again. He was a very perceptive male and sensed my thoughts. Pulling his hands back he sighed his blue eyes meeting mine.

"You don't have to look so worried. I'm nothing like Driak I would never use her like he did. If anything I'd prefer she didn't have to be involved in any of this but with her skills she's the only one who can do this."

He sounded sincere but I had known some very good liars in my time. Uncle or not she was the one responsible for killing his entire pack.

"I can tell your still have your doubts, but I can assure you I would never wish any harm to come to her. I don't blame her for any of the horrible things Driak has made her do. If anything I regret that I couldn't save her from that fate and I'm grateful that she has you to help protect her."

He returned to checking my wounds while I let his words sink in. After a few minutes he replaced the bandages.

"Everything seems good. Your healing nicely and should be able to get those stitches out tomorrow so long as you don't tear them out again."

He stood about to turn around when he stopped. Turning back his face took on a stern fatherly look.

"There is one thing I'd like to say though since her fathers no longer here to say it. It's cliche I know but know this if you break her heart and I will kill you."

His eyes glowed showing just how serious he was. That reaction alone told me he was sincere about caring for her. But that didn't change that he was not the only one.

"I could say the same about you."

My words made him laugh as he relaxed.

"As long as we understand each other. If you'll excuse me sounds like I'm needed downstairs."

As if on cue the sound of something breaking traveled up the stairs. I couldn't help but smile knowing who was the cause of the commotion. I watched Owen leave the room. the noises got louder when he opened the door. I caught him roll his eyes mumbling.

"There's no doubt she's silver moon wolf."

The comment caught me off guard. He really did seem to care about her and except her as his family. Despite what she'd done he didn't hold it against her and seemed to genuinely want to protect her. I didn't know much about the silver moon pack. We Lycans prided ourselves on our knowledge but they kept their secrets very close and since they had been wiped out leaving only Raine who knew nothing and Owen who as far as I knew never speak about his birth pack.

It made me want to know more if not for my sake but for Raines sake. Even though she had never spoken about her birth pack the memory of her part in their annihilation probably the reason why I was sure deep down she wanted to know more. Maybe it wasn't my place to ask.

I shifted to a more comfortable position as the noise from the dinning room died down. Owen must have diffused the situation. I guess I'd just have to let her be the one to ask him. She was opening up more and more lately I'm sure it would only be a matter of time before she felt comfortable enough around him to find out for herself.

My sleepless night began to naw at me as my eyes started to close. Before long I was fast asleep dreaming of the day this whole thing would be over and I could be with my mate who I loved with all of my heart.