I wake up in a panic. I didn't have a nightmare, where is this feeling coming from? My heart is beating fast and I feel like I can't breathe. But for some reason, this doesn't feel like my own emotion. Cameron?
I look over at my sleeping mate. His face is contorted and he's covered in sweat. He must be having a nightmare. I turn over to face him and put my arm around him carefully, so as not to upset him further. Kissing his cheek, I gently stroke up and down his chest. He slowly begins to calm down, his features relaxing. I feel the panic in my chest subside.
I didn't realize how strong this bond thing was going to be. Does Cam feel my emotions like that too? Cam shifts in the bed and opens his eyes. He looks over at me. He must see the worry etched on my face, because he looks apologetic.
"Are you okay," I ask. With the fear I felt, it must have been pretty bad.
"I'm okay, I promise. I'm sorry I woke you my love."
"Don't be" I say. " You can't help your dreams. Besides, I'd rather you be okay and lose a few hours of sleep than have you face your nightmares on your own."
His eyes get moist, but the tears don't spill. Wrapping his arms around me tightly, he buries his head in my neck. We lay like that until the sun comes up. By then, he's calmed down enough to be himself.
I look at him. I can tell he's still shaken. "How about I make breakfast this morning? You can relax."
He looks at me, unsure. "Are you sure? I don't mind."
"of course, hun. I used to cook breakfast all the time. All I ask is that you come keep me company."
Smiling, Cam sits up. "That's more than fine. But you should drink first"
After I had my fill, we got dressed and headed to the kitchen. While Cam sat down, I checked the fridge to see what I could cook. Deciding on a classic, I grab the ingredients I need and pull a pan out of the cabinet.
As I cook, Cam does something on his phone while talking to me.
"What would you like to do today, hun?" I ask.
"Hmm..." Cam takes a minute to think. "Lawrence will be coming over today, so we can relax until then, and then after he leaves, would you like to go for another walk?"
At first I'm irritated by the fact that the ass is coming over, but he is Cam's best friend so I really can't be mad. I am excited about the thought of getting out again though. "A walk sounds great. But why is Lawrence coming?"
After a pause, Cam answers. "It's time for you to have a check up. I would also like to talk to him about a few things."
"Why do I need a check up? I feel fine."
"Well, my love, it's important to get you checked up every once in a while to see how your progress is coming. Hopefully you're developing. You should actually be experiencing some abilities soon, if you're far enough along." He stands and comes up behind me. Wrapping his arms around my waist, he says. " That smells delicious. What are you cooking?"
I smile, glad he's impressed. " Eggs, veggie bacon, and toast. Simple but filling. I know it's not as fancy as what you make though."
Cam nuzzles my neck, nipping playfully. " It's perfect, my love. Just like you"
I blush with embarrassment. " Good sir, there is nothing perfect about me. You must be delusional."
In a serious tone, he says, "Terra, you are perfect in every way. I never wish to hear you say otherwise again, please."
Aww, this sweetheart. How can he do this to me? Hearing him say things like that makes my heart ache. "I'm sorry, hun. I can't promise, but I'll try."
He nods. " Good."
Working my way out of Cam's grip, much to his displeasure, I grab a couple of plates and dole out breakfast. Just as we sit to eat, someone knocks on the door. My stomach sinks in dread. Great, he's here.
"I've got it, darling. You eat." Cam gets up to open the door.
Jeez babe, I would, but I've suddenly lost my appetite. Setting my plate aside, I hear Cam and Lawrence talking. When they enter the room, I'm suddenly overwhelmed with annoyance and anticipation. This time, I can tell that it's not my own. But it feels different. It isn't as gentle as Cam's emotions. His are soft edges and for the most part calming.
This energy is erratic, sharp. This doesn't make sense. I thought I could only feel Cam, since we were bonded. Why am I feeling someone else's? I mean, the only other person here is Lawrence, so it has to be his emotions. It actually makes sense. The way they feel matches his personality. But why? Lawrence and I don't have a connection as far as I'm aware. I'm starting to panic.
"...Terra?"
I snap my head up. I had been spaced out. I see Cam in front of my, concern on his face.
"Terra, are you okay? Do you need blood?"
I shake my head, trying to slow my breathing. " I'm fine, hun. Just a small attack. I'll be okay." At this point, I'm trying to convince myself more than him.
Still worried, Cam looks at Lawrence. With a sigh, Lawrence says, " C'mon, sweetheart, lets go ahead and get you examined and get it over with."
Why does he still call me that? It makes me want to punch him in the face. But for Cam's sake, I stand and follow Lawrence and Cam to the bedroom. They sit me down on the bed and Lawrence goes through the procedure of checking my vitals. Eyes, mouth, heartbeat, breathing.
Satisfied that he's checked everything, he stands. " Have you been experiencing anything unusual lately? Anything at all?"
Should I tell him? What if it's not normal? The look on his face tells me that he'll kill me if I don't tell him what's going on. Rolling my eyes, I give him the honest answer." I've been feeling emotions that aren't my own. At first I thought it was just with Cam, since we're bonded, but when you got here, I felt yours too."
With a nod, he says " Good, thats your first ability then. You can feel the emotions of others. You're finally developing properly. It will still take some time for you to develop all the way, but you can probably go on a mix of Human and Cam's blood now."
Cam let's out a relieved sigh, glad that I'm developing. " That's great news, my friend. Thank you."
" Yup. Let's let her rest, she seems exhausted."
Cam kisses me on the forehead and follows Lawrence out of the room, leaving me with my thoughts.
Abilities, huh? So does that mean I'll be able to feel everything other people feel? That's a scary thought.