Chapter 38
Amaris and Anna finished their cocoa and decided to go check on Gran. They went back to the tunnel entrance and found the room that she was resting in. Gran was unconscious and had not yet come to." Amaris gently brushed her hair back from Gran's face and put her hand on her forehead. Amaris did not feel a fever. She next reached down to Gran's wrist and checked her pulse. It felt steady and it comforted Amaris. She stared down at gran and Anna put and arm around her and gave a squeeze. They stood like that for a few minutes. They could hear voices out in the hall. Anna lifted her head off of Amaris' shoulder. "We need to get her looked at. She should be awake by now." Amaris said. She looked at Anna, worry was written all over her face. The girls decidied to see what they were going to do about getting some medical help for Gran, Walking back to the door the door way, the girls saw Lyle along with Anna’s parents talking animatedly out in the hallway. Amaris and Anna came out of Gran’s room. Lyle and Anna's parents stopped talking. All three looked at the two girls. It was an awkward moment.
Amaris decided to break the long silence first. “How long do you think she will be out?” Amaris asked. Anna’s mom looked at her with concern in her eyes and said “We are not sure. Without access to medical facilities we are not sure what the extent of the damage is. Until we can safely get her out of here and get her the medical help that she needs I am really not sure.” Anna’s mom came and gave Amaris a sideways hug and a kiss on the top of her head. “We will do everything that we can for her here.”
Amaris looked over at Lyle who was looking at the floor. What Anna had said came back to her. “You basically just rejected him without saying the words.” Amaris felt guilty for making him feel that way, and wanted to make him understand that, to her, this is all new and she is still learning. It is not a way of life that she grew up with. Gran had hidden all this from her, though clearly Gran knew all about it. Amaris walked toward Lyle and gently touched her fingers to his arm. “Could we talk in private?” Lyle looked up at her finally. Every ounce of pain that he was feeling over her perceived rejection shown in his eyes, but there was also a small flicker of hope there. He did not speak but nodded his head once and turned and walked down the hallway back toward his room.
Once inside Lyle closed the door behind them and motioned for Amaris to take a seat in the chairs at the table. Lyle remained standing rubbing the hair at the back of his head with one hand and looking down as he seemed to be looking for words. Amaris was about to speak when Lyle abruptly started talking fast. “Look Amaris, I know the last few days have not only been a lot to take in but a lot to believe. Things that you thought were just legends are true and not only are they true but you are an integral part of them. Your life has been turned completely upside down and I understand that. Now, on top of it all, some guy who you thought was just your science teacher tells you that your are now destined to spend the rest of your life with him and that you have to make that decision right this minute. I think I would be reeling too. I would also probably think he is crazy. You must understand, I did grow up in this life. Finding your true mate is the most incredible thing that can happen to a wolf and when I found you I wanted to shout it to the hills, but at that time you did not even know you were a wolf. You were just a girl. I have stood by and kept watch over you and watched you grow into the incredible woman that sits before me. I have also had 4 years for my love for you to grow. I have never been able to hold you or kiss you or even hold your hand. I had to pretend that I had no feelings at all so you would stay safe. Gran, Grover, and my brother Adam were the only people that ever knew that you were my mate. I hope you understand why I am so ready for us to be together. I have literally been waiting for years for you to be ready. If I have to wait a little longer I will do that too, but please don’t tell me No. Not before you have given me a chance to show you my love.”
Amaris was moved. She could feel his sincerity in his words. His love was evident in every syllable. She knew that she had feelings for him too, but had not really been able to sort everything in her head. It was her head and not her heart that was unsure, and the reason that she was fighting the enormous pull to be with him. Amaris stood up and walked to Lyle. She stood in front of him face to face. Reaching her hand up she gently stroked his cheek. “Why don’t you start by calling me Mari.” She smiled at him taking in every inch of the relieved smile that had spread across his face. She could not help her self and she leaned up on her tip toes and she kissed him. Lyle did not move a muscle at first, and then slowly raised his hands to wrap his arms around her as the passion in the, what was at first a gentle kiss, became a fire.