Chapter 6

Claire

We landed in a field just outside the city, my fingers digging into Bennett's arms as I hold on for dear life. His warm chuckle reverberates through my back and I shiver against him. He lifts me and slips me off of Rowan's back. I hit the ground and cry out in pain as my ankles buckle under me and I hit the ground.

"I'm sorry, Claire. I didn't think it was that far." Bennett says apologetically, lifting me off the ground and carrying me. I turn to watch Rowan shift, soon his naked form stands proud and tall. Bennett keeps walking and a certain sense of unease crashes over me, like I don't want to be away from Rowan.

My heart begins to pound in my chest as I watch Rowan get smaller as Bennett walks away from him. I see him putting on his clothes, but he makes no move to follow us. I squirm in Bennett's arms as a feeling of dread takes over me.

"Wait!" I cry, as I push away from Bennett. He eyes me curiously and sets me down on my feet. My ankles are sore, but I limp back to Rowan who has just pulled his shirt over his head.

He sees me and narrows his eyes in confusion at me. I run up to him and throw my arms around his waist, holding on tightly. Being close to him makes my anxiety ebb. I feel my heartrate slow as I breathe in his scent and I relax against him.

"What are you doing, human?" He asks with venom in his tone. That word, human, kicks me out of my daze and I pull away from him quickly. I look up and see his eyes trained on me, fury burning deep in them.

"I don't know." I murmur honestly and look back at Bennett who is eyeing me with amusement.

"She didn't like being away from you, Rowan." He says happily and Rowan grunts before walking away from me. My heart sinks a little at his obvious rejection and Bennett comes to my side, lifting me in his arms again.

"I can walk." I seethe at him, but he just chuckles at my annoyance.

"I know, little one. But I like carrying you. Keeping you close." He says as he leans in to sniff me. I roll my eyes, tired of being his personal candle.

They walk quickly and we make it into the heart of the city. I don't miss the way that every other creature lowers their gaze and avoids Rowan, who walks proudly in front of us. His shoulders straight, standing at his full height. He is incredibly intimidating and I don't know how I would ever adjust to living with such a creature. We make it to my apartment building and they somehow find my unit. I furrow my brows up at Bennett.

"How did you know?" I ask him and he smirks.

"Your scent is all over it." He says. I nod in understanding.

"I don't have my key." I tell him and he nods before looking at Rowan. Rowan grabs the door handle and turns it harshly. I hear a snap and the door creaks open easily. How ironic, I always felt so safe in my apartment, when the reality is any of these beasts could have come for me whenever they wanted.

We walk inside the small living room and Bennett sets me down gently. I look around as if seeing it for the first time, my eyes hungry for the familiar sorroundings. I let my fingers graze across the back of the worn sofa, soft under the pads of my fingertips. I breathe in my favorite air freshener, lavender and vanilla. I walk slowly back to my room and see my unmade bed, the pajamas I threw across it in my haste to get to work that morning. I sigh heavily before my emotions overtake me. I throw myself on my bed and wrap up in my blanket, soaking in the familiarity as I weep for the life I have lost.

"Why are you crying, human?" Rowan asks, but I ignore him. "Human!" He yells at I look at him with red ringed eyes.

"What, dragon?!" I scream at him and his eyes widen in shock before they narrow in annoyance.

"Get your things. I don't want to be here anymore." He says harshly and I scoff.

"Feel free to leave." I snap back and he growls lowly under his breath.

"Why would you want to stay here? This place is nothing compared to our home. The one we so graciously share with you." I scoff at his superiority before burrowing back into my pillows.

"At least here I'm free. No one locks me up, pushes me around, makes me bleed." I murmur and Rowan snarls at that.

"I said get your shit and let's go!" Rowan screams and my heart rate kicks up in fear. I hear Bennett pad down the hallway and stop next to Rowan.

"Why are you yelling at her?" He asks him softly, clearly trying to tame his temper.

"Because she's being insolent and disobedient!" Rowan yells. I cry harder at his harsh tone, covering my head with a blanket like I did as a child.

Unfortunately, it can't keep the monsters away.

I feel the blanket pulled from my body, but I don't open my eyes as tears continue to stain my face.

"Come on, little one. Let's go." Bennett says softly, tucking my hair behind my ear.

"I don't want to go." I whine and Rowan growls again before punching the wall. My eyes open in shock as the room shakes under his punishment, a large hole now dented into the drywall. I gulp and try to quell my tears, afraid the next thing he hits will be me. Bennett looks at me with wide, pleading eyes and I push myself from the bed.

I cross the room to my closet and grab a bag and begin filling it with my clothes. I add my toiletries so I don't have to use their shampoo anymore before grabbing my favorite blanket and a small stuffed bear I had as a child. When I'm done, I walk into the living room silently where they are both waiting.

"Do you have everything?" Bennett asks and I nod. They both stand and exit the apartment. I go to follow, but stop at the door, turning to look at my greatest accomplishment one last time before it's ripped from me.

"Let's go. Now, human." Rowan snaps at me. I look at him, knowing my eyes hold pain and sorrow. He looks almost guilty for a fraction of a second, before he turns from me and descends the stairs. Bennett sighs and grabs my hand. He, as always, is too harsh and squeezes my hand painfully.

"Ah!" I cry, pulling my hand from his hold. "Why do you constantly have to hurt me!? Just stop fucking touching me!" I yell at Bennett. His eyes look sad and guilty, making an unfamiliar pang of hurt go through me.

Why the fuck should I feel bad about making him feel bad?

The guilt is quickly replaced by anger on Bennetts face. His eyes quickly darken and his canines extend.

"You're my mate. I will touch whenever and however the fuck I want." He seethes, panting heavily. I back away from him in fear, but he stalks towards me, clearly enjoying my terror.

"Don't run, little one. I love the chase." He snarls, his hot breath skating across my face and neck making me shiver.

He has me pinned against the wall and his hands snap up, his claws digging into the wall on each side of my head. I let out a frightened squeak and Bennett chuckles, his laugh much lower than usual. I peek my eyes open and see Rowan standing behind him, arms folded over his chest and an amused smirk on his face.

He's obviously not going to help me.

I take a deep breath and put a hand on each side of Bennett's face. His chest rumbles at the contact and I lean forward to press my chest against his. I lean my head up to look into his eyes, still peering down at me curiously

"I'm sorry." I murmur quietly, before leaning up on my tiptoes and kissing the side of his mouth gently. His chest rumbles again and he presses further into me, trapping me between his body and the wall. He cocks his head and catches my lips, kissing me firmly. My body erupts with pleasure, tingles trailing everywhere he touches. He parts my lips with his tongue and delves into my mouth, dominating me in a way that has me craving more. Before I'm ready, he pulls back and looks down at me with a smirk, his eyes back to their normal green. He leans down until his lips are pressed against my ear, still moist from our heated kiss.

"Good girl." He murmurs, his voice vibrating through me making me shiver. He smirks again before turning and walking down the stairs. I follow him and Rowan cocks a brow as I walk passed him.

"Well done, human." He grunts.

I roll my eyes before turning away from him, following Bennett wondering what fresh horrors await me.