~ToveI gasp, stumbling back.“Dax...What are you doing here?"“I’m glad to have bumped into you, Tove.” He smiles down at me, triumphant. My stomach turns, because this is no accident, and there is only one reason why he has appeared in front of me.I draw in a breath, glancing at Mary. She doesn't look scared, although I get the sense that she would rather return home than be back in that manor with the Noble's.“I’m sorry, I need to get into my apartment," I mutter, shouldering past him.He grabs my arm, stopping me short. He doesn't care that we are in the middle of the street, that people pass us by. He's a Noble, he can get away with whatever he wants...No one is going to save me.“I’m afraid I’m going to need you to come with me," he murmurs lowly, tilting his head down so he is speaking right into my ear.“Why?”He frowns. “You know why.”“Keo will not be a threat to me any longer. He has promised to leave me alone," I insist.I've only had freedom for a few weeks. I thought D
~ToveMy feet touch the ground, my eyes blinking open.I expected the Territory Two manor, but I quickly realise Keo has taken me elsewhere. We are in some kind of large cabin that looks like it has just been built recently.The scent of treated wood fills my nose as I turn in circles. "We are somewhere new.""Correct."I should have known. Keo moves around often, and we were overdue for a change.Approaching the window, I note that we are on the edge of a forest. The leaves are all shades of brown and gold, many seated in piles on the forest floor. Toward the front of the house, there is a small stream nearly overgrown with long, thick grass."I'm assuming Territory Eight?" From what I know, it's perpetual autumn here."It will work for now," Keo muses, staring out at what the moonlight illuminates. There is something seated deep in his eyes - maybe a memory from long ago that occurred here."Thank you...for coming to get me," I murmur softly.He casts his gaze over to me, my heart f
~ToveI sit on the steps of the porch, looking between the thick boughs of the sprawling trees.It's nice here. Peaceful.Keo affirmed that there is no one for quite a distance in either direction. Only a couple weeks ago that notion would have terrified me, but now that I know I'm his mate, and he won't kill me, I like it.I hear Keo's footsteps before I hear his voice."This is where things start getting interesting," he exclaims from behind me, the recently built porch creaking under his weight.I look back over my shoulder. "Interesting? What does that mean?""I have something that should enhance your power," he tells me, reaching his hand into his pocket.Scrambling up to my feet, curious about what this could be. I always figured I was meant to find my magic myself, so knowing I may have additional help is quite exciting."Really?"He pulls a necklace from his pocket. It had a gold chain connecting to a simple setting for a beautiful emerald."Woah, it's beautiful," I breathe in
~ToveA loud bang jerks me awake.Sitting up, I blink my eyes open, trying to recall what has happened.I'm laying on a couch, an old, threadbare blanket laid over me. Around me, is a small living space packed full of unfamilar belongings that are shoved into boxes. Most tumble out messily, like this place has just been moved into.Rubbing my temples, I flick the blanket off me, noting a man lying sprawled out on the couch opposite to this one. He's fast asleep, mouth wide open as he snores softly.He's the man who was polishing his shoes when I fell unconcious. He must have taken me back to his home.I shiver. The window is blown open, which must have been what woke me.I could wake him and thank him for taking me off the street, but at the same time, part of me knows I need to get back out to look for a way to get back to Keo as soon as possible.Giving him one last look, I clamber out the window and to the street outside, gently closing it behind me.I have no idea how I'm going to
~ToveI like this new place.Instead of taking me back to Territory Eight, Keo decided we should move on to Territory Three.Closing my eyes, I smile softly at the feeling of the icy cold air touching my cheeks. Keo didn't share my positivity upon touching down here, claiming he hates the snow and mountains.We have been here for a week and so far I love it. Although I suppose I'm experiencing the place from the balcony, considering Keo hasn't allowed me to leave the chalet.He claims I need to recover from using that much magic. I feel fine, but he isn't convinced.He's worried about me...I may be the only person he's ever felt that for.“I need to warn you about something.”I turn, seeing him leaning against the doorframe of my room. Ever since it was revealed we are mates, he has been wary about stepping into where I sleep, as if it's too intimate to risk.“What is it?” I ask, stepping off the balcony, closing the glass doors behind me.“Wren will be visiting today, with two Demon’
~ToveOnce Keo is done with the Demon's, him and Wren disappear for two days.I know he's busy, and that he has many priorities, but being left alone in a big sprawling chalet gets lonely very quickly.Even if my usual company is Keo...He returns right before I could muster up enough courage to go out into a snow. The chalet is set up against a mountain, and although I've never feared the snow, I do fear toppling down the rocks to my death."Are you ready for a big challenge today?" Keo questions, strolling into the dining room.I look up at him, a bite of sandwich in my mouth.His sudden appearances don't frighten me anymore, even if there was no warning of him showing up today.Swallowing my bite of food, I pick up my glass. "I suppose. What is it?""You're going to transport me again." he pulls out a chair right next to me, sliding into it.His fresh scent washes over me, like pine, snow and cloves. I shudder, thinking about how much I missed that, along with his presence in gener
~ToveMary sure cross-legged on the bed in front of me while I lay sprawled out, staring at the roof."So, what's been going on?" She asks, looking around the room I’ve been enjoying for the past week.I think she is a little stunned by how lavish it is. Since being around Keo, I’ve never stayed in a place that isn’t impressive in some way. I suppose if I were as powerful as Keo, I wouldn’t settle anywhere average either."I've been working on my magic with Keo. I'm getting better and better,” I tell her brightly.She doesn’t share my optimism, shifting uncomfortably."He's not using you, is he?"I shake my head, resting my hands on my stomach. "No, I agreed to do this. I think I'm doing the right thing."There are a lot of lives that are potentially riding on my success with my powers. Even if most Angel-bloods would rather see them die, I don’t share that opinion."Which is?""Would you be mad if I said I couldn't tell you?" It's not that I don't want to, it's just I can't guarantee
~ToveThis is probably a big mistake.Raising my fist, I knock quickly on the door before I can decide against it. My courage is waning, even if I am excited to see my mate tonight.He answers after at least a minute, rubbing a hand down his face tiredly until he see’s it’s me standing at his doorway."Is everything okay?" He asks, looking over me and past me, as if harm may have suddenly befallen me.It is the middle of the night. Mary and I go carried away talking, and now, I’m standing at Keo’s door at a time that can hardly be excused as innocent. "Yes...everything is fine,” I force out uncomfortably. The reality of my decision has settled on my shoulders.Keo relaxes, leaning against the doorframe."Oh. Good."He looks beyond tired. His dark hair is all mussed, messily draped down over his forehead and ears. His eyes are shadowed by a lack of sleep, and considering all the stress he’s under, I’m not surprised."I wanted to talk to you,” I tell him softly, as someone may overhear