Apprehended Ch 28

Apprehended: Twenty-Eight

I awoke to Ethan yawning beside me, cracking his powerful jaw as he stretched. He ran a hand over his face, scratching at his thicker beard. I was still in between the realm of sleep and consciousness, making no move to get off the comfortable bed.

He got up and headed into the bathroom to brush his teeth and shower. I drifted, semi-aware that he was moving around the room and getting dressed when he finally climbed on top of the mattress to press kisses along my face and neck.

"Good morning, my petal," he cooed in a deep voice.

I smiled and wrapped my arms around his neck, feeling a pull in my shoulders. "Hey you. Last night was pretty wild. How are you feeling?"

"Better, actually." He winked. "All that love making made me hungry. I'm heading into the kitchens to pester Garrett for breakfast demands. What do you want, cherie?"

I frowned. "Ugh. I'm not hungry."

He gave me a look. "You have to eat, Annie. It's been over eight hours since your last meal."

I played absently with his wet, thick hair. He smelled like heaven. "You fed me half the refrigerator yesterday, Ethan. I'm not a bison like you."

He laughed lowly. "Back to bison, are we?"

"Yes."

He pressed a chaste kiss to my lips and patted my outer thigh. "Don't divert. I want you fed. All of you. What are you craving?"

I groaned. "Ethannnnnnnnnnnn..."

He wasn't having it. "Food, Annie. Now."

I sighed. "Alright fine." I took a moment to consider, though nothing I thought of seemed appealing. I settled on, "cheesecake."

He cocked a brow. "I'm sorry-what? Cheesecake?"

I nodded fiercely. "Oh yes. Please."

He smiled, his fangs making an appearance. "Cheesecake it is." He kissed me again and got up. "Rest until I come back."

I turned to resettle on the bed, snuggling under the blankets. I drifted off to sleep again, experiencing a common dream of falling from a towering height, only to plunge back down to the earth and wake up in a jolt.

"You okay?"

Ethan came back into the room carrying a tray of food. I glanced at the clock, realizing that quite some time had passed since he left.

All of that love making rendered me excessively tired.

I sat up and ran a hand through my disheveled bed-head. "Yeah. Just a bad dream." He placed the tray beside me and took a seat. "Ethan," I said, looking at the food. "That's not just cheesecake...that's the entire kitchen."

He chuckled and served me, piling my plate with pancakes, bacon, eggs, cheesecake and bread with butter.

"You need to eat," he said, handing over a fork. "You and the young need your strength." He went for his own plate, filling it just as much.

Then we ate.

I looked him over. He wasn't wearing a shirt and his skin had already gained that beautiful golden glow once again. No bite marks remained.

"You okay?"

It seemed that was the question of the day, wasn't it? "Yeah. Just making sure you're alright." I lightly brushed a few fingers across his heavily muscled back. "You healed fast."

He shrugged; as if the entire ordeal hadn't been life-threatening. "Perk of being a shifter." He grabbed my hand and kissed the tips of my fingers. "I'm perfectly fine, sweet female." It was his turn to observe me. "Are you?"

I cleared my throat. "Yeah." The truth was, I was happy to have Ethan back, but the thought of him on that gurney-so close to death's doorstep and so vulnerable-left me shaken.

Of course, Ethan knew that something was on my mind. "You want to talk about it?"

I shook my head. "Not really. Maybe later." I didn't want a rehash over the traumatic events of last night. It was enough to imprint on my memories for life. It was too raw to fathom. Too painful to delve into and dissect.

Losing Ethan-even in the hypothetical- was a nightmare I wanted no part of.

"Tonight," he said, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear. "We'll talk tonight."

I accepted that. I was in no shape to discuss what happened. At least, not right now.

Ethan seemed to gauge that we needed a subject change and I was grateful for the distraction, no matter how mundane. He turned on the television and settled on a random channel. I picked a little at my food and Ethan urged me to finish, but it was too much.

Eventually, he said, "I was thinking...maybe we can do something in the mansion tonight."

I peeled my eyes away from the screen. "What?"

He chewed thoughtfully. "Like a get together or something."

My brows went up. "You mean a party?"

"Yeah."

I swallowed the last of my cheesecake. "Ummm...what for? What are we celebrating?"

His big shoulders bunched in yet another shrug. "Nothing. I just want something normal for you. I also want you to be around people."

I laughed. "The mansion is full of clan members. Privacy is pretty hard to come by. I'm always surrounded by people."

"I know that. I mean, in a social, relaxed setting. No talk of hunts or attacks. No talk of covens or nearby clans."

There was a beat of silence. "I guess. I mean, I have no problem talking to you."

He shoved more food into his mouth and chewed. "I want you to socialize, my Luna. You need the normalcy."

I gently placed my fork on my plate and put it to the side to look at him. "Ethan, you don't need to do something like that. I'm fine."

"Are you?" he asked, softly.

"Of course, I am. I have to be." So much for

not

talking about it. We still ended up knee-deep in a thicket of dense recollections.

He polished off the rest of his breakfast and placed both plates on the tray. "You think I didn't see the worry on your face when I woke up after the attack?"

I had no answer for that. In fact, I still stood by my original statement for redirection. I had no inclination to continue this conversation.

"You think I couldn't smell your tears? Your anguish?"

I shook my head. "That's unavoidable. Now, can we please not talk about this?"

"I can't not discuss it because I don't want that and that alone to be your life, Annie. Not with me. The very last thing I ever want is for you to suffer, no matter the form. I don't want your life to be surrounded by injuries, worry, pain and fear. I want normal things for you. I want you to have as much comfortability as possible."

I understood that. I truly did. "This is the life of a wolf, is it not?"

He hesitated, unwilling to admit that it was indeed the life of a wolf.

I reached out to grab his hand and give it a light squeeze. "I love you, Ethan. And I'm more that capable of dealing with such a life. You must have faith in me to process in my own way and in my own time. No matter how much normalcy you think I need exposure to, I'm always going to worry. Every time that you leave, I'm always going to pray that you come back to me safely. It's simply unavoidable."

What bothered me was something much worse, in fact. But I didn't want to talk about that.

He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed my knuckles. "You're with young. I can't have that be your main source of exposure. I won't allow it. So we're going to do this. No matter what."

It wasn't going to heal where my head was. In fact-like the television running as background noise-it would only serve as a distraction. A mere shift of priorities to be placed on a backburner. But the problems would always remain. Ethan's life would always be filled with danger, the possibility of injury or death. And the one lingering moment than burned into my mind like a raging fire. One I didn't wish to dwell on, but still wanted to discuss later.

Much later.

It was also frightening as hell.

However, the only thing I could do was simply deal with it momentarily. Because it was either accepting the life of a wolf or living without Ethan. Which was

not

an option. Though-to be completely honest-there were plenty things we still needed to go over...

"Your celestial looks worried," he murmured, interrupting my thoughts. He lightly tapped the ball and it shuddered, turning a bright shade of gold.

I glanced at it floating above my shoulder and didn't comment further on the subject. "Do you think Lily and I should decorate?"

He shook his head and finished the food on his plate. "Garrett will take care of it. We have an entire staff at our disposal." He pointed to my food. "Eat."

I made a face. "I'm not hungry. I already ate the cheesecake."

"You can't survive the rest of the pregnancy solely on baked goods. You need other nutrients. Now finish the rest."

I honestly had no appetite for the array on the plate, but I knew Ethan wouldn't budge on this. He was stubborn and took my health very seriously. Arguing was futile. So I indulged him and ate what I could. When I was beyond satiated, I pushed the plate away and moved to rest against the headboard.

"I think I'm going to be sick," I grumbled, putting a hand on my stomach.

Ethan made a move to get up. "Shit. You need a garbage can?"

I grabbed his bicep to stop him. "No. I don't think I'm going to puke. I'm just really stuffed."

He stilled and smiled a little. "I like you satisfied."

I stared. "Oh yeah?"

He chuckled and leaned in for a soft kiss before gathering the plates and setting them on the tray. He got up and went to the door to place the dirty dishes on the floor outside the room. No doubt Garrett would come in a few to retrieve it. He then moved back into the room and grabbed a white tee shirt, pulling it over his head quickly.

"Hey," I said, sitting up a little. "Can I borrow one of your shirts?"

He smiled again. "Of course, sweetheart. You know I love you in my clothes." He shuffled through the drawers and grabbed a tee, handing it to me and watching as I slipped it over my head.

It smelled like him.

He grumbled his approval, his chest puffing out in pride; as if he were delighted to have me using his apparel and providing for me.

Which was a major turn-on. "Are you going somewhere now?"

"Yeah. I have to call a clan meeting. Then I have to talk to Garrett concerning preparations for tonight."

I couldn't help but grow a little excited. Social gatherings were great in their own right. Using it as a distraction to stray from turmoil was even better. "Do you need help with anything?"

He approached and tucked hair behind my ear softly before kissing my forehead a few times. "No, my petal. I want you to rest. I'm going to be awhile."

"I'm not really that tired anymore. I think I'm just going to grab Lily so we can wander."

He kissed my lips and pulled away to head back towards the door. "Whatever you want. I only have three rules. One: you don't leave the property unattended. Either one of you. Two: if you feel ill in any way, you call me immediately. And three: I don't want you in or around the pool without me present."

I frowned. "What-why?"

"You can't swim," he said. "And Lily isn't capable of it either. Don't get any bright ideas."

I scoffed. "Come on, Ethan. Do you think I'm that stupid?"

"Stupid? Never. Curious? Absolutely. It's your trademark."

"Oh come on," I complained, feeling offended. "I'm not a child to be chided. Curiosity has never been my go-to attribute."

He gave me a look, placing his hands on his hips. "The berries, Annie. The. Berries."

I swallowed loudly.

Touché.

I sagged. "Alright, fine. Good point, but I have no inclination to swim. I'm scared to enter the water without you."

He looked me over, gauging if I was telling the truth or lying before nodding tightly. "Good. Keep it that way." He ran his fingers through his hair and grabbed a rubber band to pick it up, knotting it on his head in a bun. "I'll be in my office if you need me."

"You'll be busy," I pointed out.

"Never busy enough when it concerns you. For whatever reason, if you want or need me, you come get me. Are we clear?"

Ugh.

Sometimes, it was annoying to deal with an overly-dominant, protective Alpha. "Crystal," I answered.

"Good," he repeated, approaching once more to plant another kiss on my mouth. "So glad we're on the same page."

I couldn't help but laugh as I wrapped my arms around his neck to bring him closer. God, he smelled amazing. I glanced at the bathroom and reluctantly pulled away from his kisses. "Can I ask you for a favor before you go? It'll be fast, I promise."

His eyes grew hooded and he focused intently on my lips. "I'll be more than happy to give you another orgasm before I leave." He kissed me once...twice...three times. "Or five," he added on a deep growl.

My face flushed and I barked out a laugh before lightly pushing at his wide shoulders. "I was actually going to ask you if you could carry me to the bathroom. I need a shower."

He blinked rapidly, no doubt re-assessing his sexual thoughts to that of a more mundane act. Then he grinned. "I would carry you anywhere, sweet female." He lowered his body even further and slipped a strong arm underneath my legs, placing the other at my back. "Wrap your arms around my neck, my Luna."

I hugged him close, burying my face in his neck as he scooped me into his arms and lifted me effortlessly from the mattress. His skin smelled of soap and masculine spices. I kissed him and let him carry me away...

If only the trip were longer.

***

"Boooooooooo!" spat Lily, tossing a handful of buttered popcorn at the screen.

I laughed and took a sip of my large soda, placing it in the cupholder beside me on the very comfortable lounge chairs of the mansion's movie theater. The place was decked out like the real thing. All black leather, sleek, with surround sound and a screen that would put IMAX to shame.

Near the front of the theater, there were rows of candy, a soda machine and a popcorn machine. All stocked with goodies per our request once Garrett knew we were movie buffs. Ahead, the extra-wide HD screen blared to life with one of the goodies: Back to the Future 2. Biff was on screen, running his mouth to Marty like the tyrant that he was.

"I'm telling you," said Lily, stuffing her face with M&M's, "time works flawlessly in this shit."

I laughed again and took another sip of soda. "It totally does. I love that Marty plays his sister too."

"Omg, yesssss! We also can't forget the Doc."

We went on and on, giggling and shouting at certain scenes. We had already watched BTF 1. We were working our way through the trilogy, making it a point to finish until we debated what to do after.

Once the movies were over, I got up and stretched, eyeing the theater's bathroom that was just outside the double doors to our left that read EXIT in bright red lighting.

"Again?" Lily, asked, grabbing her empties to toss them. "You've been peeing since we got here."

"I drank a lot of soda," I said, playfully pushing her shoulder.

She snorted with laughter. "If Ethan knew how much soda and candy you've crammed, he'd be livid."

"Ha, ha," I said, sarcastically. "And if Gavin knew the things you said about Michael J. Fox, he'd be livid," I countered.

She lost her smile immediately. "That is sooooo not funny."

It was my turn to laugh as I headed to the bathroom yet again. We went our separate ways. Lily went towards the back of the theater for another movie and snacks while I quickly peed and washed my hands, noting the black and white tile of the bathroom, the black towels and oval mirrors with beautifully crafted sinks.

I dried my hands and stared at my reflection. I leaned over one of the many sinks and examined my eyes. It still felt weird to have Ethan's eyes staring back at me. They felt foreign and out of place. Everything else was the same. My skin was a little flushed and my hair was longer, but other than the obvious signs of pregnancy and the eyes, I hadn't changed.

Yet I felt like a new person. Someone different than the female I had been so many months ago. My eyes certainly embodied that. They sparkled dreamily like Ethan's, throwing off an ethereal glow from the overhead sconces.

I looked to the left of my reflection, noticing a closed, narrow door just outside the bathroom. I headed out and stopped before it, looking for any signs that it was merely a janitorial closet filled with Garrett's cleaning supplies. The male did love to clean, after all.

Only, there were no signs. Nothing to indicate what was behind it. I placed my hand on the metal knob and froze, glancing down the empty hall to make sure I was alone.

I guess Ethan had been correct. Curiosity truly was my trademark.

I brushed away the thought and turned the knob, expecting it to be locked.

It wasn't.

Musty, warm air filtered out, brushing against my skin and making the hair on my nape prickle. Light from the hall spilled inside, igniting the same tiled floor that ran throughout the theater, as well as trunks and trunks of stuff. They were piled into a corner directly beside cleaning supplies and I laughed a little. Garrett did have some stuff in here.

I reached out to run a hand over the wall, looking for a light switch. I fumbled a bit before igniting the small space. It was filled with mops, buckets, toilet paper, and other bathroom supplies. However, the trunks were very out of place. I shuffled towards them, stopping to run a hand over the gold inlets, clasps and leather.

I stood on my tiptoes to grab and pull at the topmost trunk, grunting from the effort. It was quite heavy. Thankfully, I was able to set it on the floor and I fell to my knees, hoping that it didn't require some sort of key to open it.

I was in luck.

I popped the clasp and it opened with a groan. It smelled of old books and newspapers. Yet inside, there were no yellowed, decaying papers.

There were gowns.

Glorious, sparkling gowns that caught the light, shining like diamonds on bodices and corsets, shimmering laces and flowing tulle. Some were vivid blood red. Others were the palest of blues.

I took out each one, admiring them as they spilled onto the tiled floor like liquid. When I got to the bottom, I gasped.

There was a wedding gown-at least it appeared to be. One so beautiful, it didn't seem real.

I held it with trembling fingers, wondering where it came from, who wore it and what time period was it made. They were clearly not of the era. If I had to estimate, I'd gauge that they were hand stitched in the 1920's. Some were frilled with sequence. Others were long and cinched at the waist with long, flowing sleeves.

But the wedding gown was by far the most magnificent gown I have ever seen. The entire surface area of the fabric glimmered in a glorious satin. The bodice was inlaid with jewels and pearls, tied at the waist with a diamond encrusted belt and satin ribbon. The bottom flowed like a soft river, pooling along the lip of the large trunk like a waterfall.

I rubbed the material in my fingers, marveling at the preservation and quality when a deep male voice pierced through the silence and my amazement.

"What are you doing in here, Annie?"

I yelped in fright, turning to see Ethan resting casually against the door jamb. I released the gown from my fingers, feeling like a child who got caught with their hands in a forbidden candy jar. "Ummm, nothing." I rushed to stuff the clothes back into the trunk but it was difficult. The gowns were previously folded. Whereas I was simply jamming them into a heaping pile of mixed fabrics.

"Doesn't look like nothing to me," said Ethan. He entered the small space, dwarfing the little room with his large body and powerful presence. "In fact, it looks a lot like that curiosity we spoke of earlier."

He had a point. It seemed I was a natural-born meddler. Another lovely attribute to add to my list of newfound traits obtained after my abusive relationship.

Now there was a mouthful.

"You shouldn't be in here," he said, lowering himself to the floor. "And you shouldn't be touching my mother's things."

That gave me pause.