Chapter Eighteen

She reluctantly pulled away from him, but still sat in his lap. She was attracted too him yes, but he's also not human. He was asking her a pretty big question. Though she did wonder how he knew to do that, if he's never been this close with a female that is. She looked out the collapsed door into the night. She could just see where the trees met the sky in the distance. His hand grabbed hers, and he pulled it to his mouth. Just holding it there waiting for her answer. She couldn't give him an answer just yet. She was still so unsure, and had so many questions. A part of her still wanted to go home too.

"I'm not asking if you want to be my mate." He said it against her hand, his breath hot against her skin. "Just a simply yes, or no, will do."

She had to admit that took off a lot of pressure from her. Slowly she nodded her head yes. In turn he grinned and pulled her back against him. She ran her hand slowly across his jaw. The scales smooth and warm from the heat the fire next to them. She'll never get over being able to trace each scale with her fingers. Her fingers glided up to his horns again. They were smooth to the touch, different kind of smooth than the scales. The tips of them were razor sharp. She accidentally pricked her finger drawing blood.

"Ahhh," She gasped.

He quickly grabbed her finger, the look of panick on his face. Still holding on to her, he searched her bag. Cursing when he couldn't find what he was looking for. He got up and grabbed a branch from the fire. She quickly followed him as he went outside, pulling her top back up. She watched him frantically search the ground. The sound of the howling screeches sounding around them. They both froze and looking into the night. The fire he had quickly went out, and she felt him pull her down to the ground. She laid there on her stomach, feeling his weight on top of her. He was hiding her. She couldn't see at well in the dark It took time for her eyes to adjust. She could feel his hot breath against her face.

"Move slowly with me back inside." He was whispering so low she barely heard him. "They can smell your scent."

She did as told and slowly crawled backwards, trying to stay as close to the ground as possible. Why could everything smell her? It was probably the most embarrassing thing she's ever experienced. She kept looking about her trying to make sure they didn't spring at her suddenly. In that moment she wished she had good vision in the dark. As soon as her feet hit the hard surface of the building, she immediately bolted in. Them following and chasing them like this was her fault. Because of her stupid scent. She grabbed the last bota bag and immediately started trying to wash off. She didn't want the stupid scent anymore. It had caused to many problems already. She scrubbed so hard that her skin was flush red and hurt. The fear had been easy to control until now, as tears ran down her face again. She was always crying, why was she always crying. Cyro grabbed her hand and gently pulled the wet cloth from her. She hated people to see her like this. She had managed to never cry in front of anyone. Now she had cried twice in front of him. What a mess he must think her to be. His warmth was welcoming as he embraced her. This may end up being quiet the normal thing for them. She could help but laugh at how funny it must look to see a big lizard rocking someone as small as her.

"What's so funny?" He didn't look at her, nor did he move.

"Nothing, oh nothing." She wiggled and arm free to wipe her face. "I'm just a mess."

"No," his voice grew very serious now. "If anything your brave because you don't hide. Not even your emotions."

She wanted to tell him the true. Show him how wrong he was. She held so much in all the time, constantly on guard. If she were to allow all her emotions take over she would be completely useless. Here she would most likely be dead. Her emotions caused her physical pain, why on earth would she just release them to reek havoc. She was a coward who fought to keep control. Feared loosing it, fear the darkness that would follow if she did. She always seemed calm and collected, but that's because she learned to act from her mother. The one who cause the chaos in her was the same one who taught her how to hide. She curled up and he tighted his hold. She hate hugs if she was honest. Didn't feel comfortable with them. His, however, felt like an outside barrier holding her together when she failed to do so. That night her dreams were filled with monsters and screams. Not monsters like those that were hunting them. No hunting her.

She woke up that morning and pushed everything out of her mind as they began their jog. They had a big stretch of land to pass through before dark. The faster they got there the better. After what felt like hours of them jogging they finally stopped for some water. She look out into the distance and was amazed by what she saw. In the Valley just below the was a large wooden wall. Behind it in the distance was a mountain. They village looked to be huge. Excitement filled her at the thought of resting in a nice warm bed. The scene it's self was marvelous. Ruins were all around the village. Smart to make the village in the middle of the ruins. They quickly started moving again. Cyro began moving a bit faster the closer they got. Her chest began to seriously hurt, and her sides. She didn't know how much more she could take. She was at her wits end when they reach the ruins. 'Just a few more miles', she told herself. 'Just a few more miles'. The wall was bigger than she could have ever imagined. Trees stacked on trees as high as a mansion. She fell to the ground, her heart siezed in pain. She could hear Cyro banging on the wall and shouting for them to open it. The colors of the sunset fading from her vision.

"We... we made... it." She choked out as she tried to breath.

"Not you too." His voice seemed to get quieter and quieter with every word. "Mira! Damn it!"

She really was looking forward to seeing the tangerine tribe. Perhaps a good rest was best for now. She felt furry hands grab her and lift her, the sounds of voices all around her. She tried to see and stay awake, but one final stab of pain pulled her into the darkness. The last thing she saw in her vision was bright orange and red.