Chapter 95 Meeting Bukasvad
Ira's POV
Cath grabs the edge of my shirt and pulls me close. “You did it, bitch.”
I turn my face away, hoping to hide my burning cheeks. But as her smile turns into soft laughter, I just know they can see the blush creeping up my neck.
“The guards talked,” Sia says, her eyes widening humorously. “They said they heard everything last night.”
I open my mouth, but no reasonable statement comes out. “I…uh..no…I…”
“Oh girl, don’t even try to lie.” Cath cuts me off with a finger to my chest. “I know an after-sex glow when I see one.”
“And the limp,” Rita unexpectedly adds as she steps out from her small office at the back of the clinic. Her arms are crossed, but her mouth is curved in a small smile.
The two demons I call friends, look at me with big grins. Heck, I want the floor to open and swallow me right now.
Rita walks over. Thankfully she doesn't tease like the others and instead holds out a small can. “Here, this balm helps with the burn. Rub it on where it hurts most. It'll help your wolf heal you faster.”
I take the jar with shaky fingers. “Thank you,” I mumble, my voice feeble.
Although I know I will not use the balm, I keep it in my pocket. Yes, I like the sting, I like the ache between my legs. Every step I take reminds me how hard Ruel took me.
I'm reminded whenever I sit, how deep he went, how he held me down and made me his. The pain feels good. It feels like proof that we'd done that.
There is something else too… This strange fullness sits in my chest. It is mostly warm. And although my muscles hurt and my body feels tired, inside I feel… stronger. Like a part of me that has been starving for years has finally been fed.
I feel tied to him. Attached like I should glue myself to his side.
All four of us turn to the door when it opens.
My heart stutters when Commander Ruel steps inside first. Six other men follow him, all wearing the dark uniforms of pack guard.
Even with the new faces, I find it impossible to look away from Ruel. Cath nudges my shoulder, a sly chuckle escaping her.
When those grey eyes find me right away, everything inside of me melts.
Ruel watches me in a way that makes the room feel smaller. His gaze moves slowly over my face and then drifts down my body, unhurried.
I shift on my feet when those eyes settle at my hips before boldly sliding lower, to the place where the ache still lingers.
Heat creeps up my neck, my breath getting shallow as the pull between us tightens.
Oh how badly I want to cross the space between us and let his hands do what his eyes already are.
I want his arms around me, his mouth on mine…
I swallow and force myself to stay in the present, my fingers tightening around my sleeve.
It was just sex. But I'm not sure my heart understands that.
Sia, Cath, and Rita bow at the same time.
“Commander,” they greet together. Quickly I join with a bow, lifting my head with them when Ruel nods.
“These are the recruits the alpha king sent today. They will stay until the eastern border is secure.”
Rita steps forward, her eyes warm and welcoming. “We are grateful for extra hands. The base is small, but we work hard as one. Don't feel overwhelmed. You’ll fit right in.”
She smiles at each man, receiving nods from them.
Then Ruel puts a hand on the shoulder of one of them and the man steps forward.
I take a closer look at him.
Raven black hair falls in two long braids down his back. His jaw is so defined, nearly as his slender yet fit body. But his eyes… his eyes catch me off guard.
They are the sharpest blue I've seen on anyone else's eye.
Something inside me twists. A memory I cannot quite grab.
Why do I feel like I know you?
His eyes lock on mine, and for one second I think I see them shine with tears. Like he might cry.
I blink, wondering if I'm only imagining it. I turn my head as a cough breaks through my concentration.
Ruel’s glare causes me to flinch. I glance at Cath and Sia to know if I did anything wrong but apparently they are just as enamoured by the blue-eyed guard as I was.
I can still feel Ruel's scorching stare but my gaze drifts back to the blue-eyed man.
Ruel speaks finally. “This is Bukasvad. He is skilled with healing herbs. He has volunteered to help in the clinic whenever you need him, Rita.”
The older lady nods with a bright smile. “Good. Bukasvad, we sure can use that skill.” She reaches out and shakes his hand. “Welcome, I may have to trouble you more than you think though. I'm already short of hands as it is.”
He shakes her hand politely, “It'll be my pleasure to work with you. I can finally put my skill to use.” His deep soulful voice takes me by surprise.
Why does it feel like when he talks he whispers to my soul? Cath covers her mouth trying to hide her blush.
I guess I'm not the only one who noticed the voice.
Without batting an eye, he turns to those of us standing behind Rita. Sia smiles wide when he shakes her hand. Cath brushes a strand of hair behind her ear, blushing so hard I just know she has an instant crush on him.
Then he steps right in front of me. Bu-kas-vad. His name echoes in my head.
He holds out his hand and for some reason, I hesitate. But without wasting too much time, I give him mine.
His long cold fingers close around my hand with controlled strength.
He does not let go and instead steps closer.
I breathe in, catching a scent, like the first rain on dry earth, like an old forest.
“Ira,” I whisper my name, not sure why his hand is still holding mine.
Bukasvad smiles, revealing his white perfect teeth. I find myself in awe at how the look lights up his whole face.
And then he leans in, his voice dropping so low only I can hear.
“I finally found you.”
My breath stops, my eyes focused on how his blue orbs swirl with white.
I feel Ruel’s stare burning worse into my skin but more than that, I feel Bukasvad.
His hand is still holding mine.
How he doesn't pull away. And for some reason, neither do I. That reason being the fact that I feel a strong sense of familiarity.