Chapter 42: Company

I showered and brushed my hair out so that it fell down my back. I grabbed a cami and some shorts from a dresser and put them on quickly. Tight... the shirt was too tight. I threw it on the floor. I rummaged through the dresser looking for a looser shirt but came up with nothing. I couldn't sleep like this. I should have just stayed alone... I ran back in the bathroom and brushed my teeth hurriedly. I would just get ready and then get under the covers. Michael didn't seem bothered by my nudity like some of the others had, maybe he wouldn't even notice.

I could hear his light foot steps in the hall. I raced to the bed jumped onto it and pulled the covers over myself. Too restricted... I can't do it. There was a slight knock on the door before Michael entered. My heart was beating so fast. I didn't want to give him the wrong impression but the covers. It's like I could feel the shackles... the guard laughing. I ripped the covers off my body and stood. I stared at the purple blanket like a snake about to jump out and bite me. Michael walked slowly over and the feeling of calm started to wash away the stench of fear.

Deep breath... in and out... in and out... I repeated mentally. Michael was now standing beside the bed but keeping his distance. His voice brought me back completely, "You're okay. I will not let anything hurt you". His alpha bond solidified his words and I knew I was safe. He would protect me.

I looked over to him. He was wearing a white v-neck shirt that hugged his muscles chest and grey night pants that hung low on his hips. His sandy drown hair was wet and a five o'clock shadow was already showing on his face. I looked at his eyes, one milky blue and the other that piercing green. One day I would ask him how he had been scarred but I figure on that day he would ask questions too and I wasn't prepared to answer.

Michael gave me a smile and said, "If you keep starring at me like that. I might get the wrong idea". I knew he was joking and just trying to lighten the mood, but he was so very hansom. He could never understand how much I appreciated him not asking about why I had a death stare on the seemingly innocent purple covers. He was very good at keeping my mind away from the bad and staying in the present.

Michael was now taking in my appearance the way I had been with his body just seconds ago though. I crossed my arms over my chest becoming more aware of the fact I was nude from the waist up. He watched as I covered myself and his smile fell away. "You don't have to hide yourself from me unless you want too. Do you want my shirt?", he asked. Without hesitation I pleaded, "Yes". He pulled the shirt over his head in one swift motion and held it out for me to take. The shirt was warm and smelled like him as I pulled it over my head. The material was loose and felt nice against my bare skin. I could do this. It will all be fine. I can be normal.

Michael just looked at me with hooded eyes before clearing his throat and saying, "I'm going to turn off the lights. Why don't you go ahead and get in bed?". "Okay", I said as I went to get up into the bed. I laid down on top of the soft covers.

The bed beside me dipped and Michael was laying across from me now. I could feel the warmth from his skin. In the darkness he held his arms open in an inviting manner. I came in close, resting my head on his left arm and draping my arm over his waist. His right hand rubbed up and down my arm slowly and seductively. He was creating a burn inside of me with his hot touch. He took in a deep breath and I swear I heard the faintest growl escape his throat. Michael could smell his effect on me. I clamped my legs together tightly. I already messed up things with James and I didn't want to make the same mistakes with Michael.

Michael's voice was low and husky as he grounded out between clamped teeth, "Go to sleep now Little Wolf. It's been a very long day". I could see the faintest hint of fang in the moonlight as he spoke. I wanted to keep feeling his soft touch on my body, but there was no stopping my mind from turning off. Michael sent waves of serenity and peace to my mind and I was fast asleep in seconds.