Chapter Fifteen

                                    

                                          
The blade was the only thing she could see. Almost in slow motion bearing down on her but no less terrifying. Her fear reflected in his gaze and he relished it. Frantically, she clawed at his hand. The red slashes did not earn Danika her freedom. 
                          
"No, please," she begged, her voice barely a whisper. 
                          
Her plea going unheard. 
                          
Beneath the swarming desperation of her situation, something else pushed its way up. An overwhelming need not just to save her own life from peril but also the possible life of her child. Her hand was still on his when she felt her fingers grow cold. The scent of lavender growing stronger. The slashes darkened to grey. He felt something pinching his skin together. A sudden heaviness that nearly made him lose his grip on her. 
                          
Danika's eyes went wide and she realised a spilt second before he did what it was, stone. 
His grip loosened and she slumped against the wall. He was a statue before he had the chance to flee.  
                          
"DANIKA!" 
                          
Alexander raced towards her, his face paling.  He pulled her away and into his arms. One hand cradling her head as he angled his body in front, shielding her. He looked at the statue who mere moments ago had been human  then to his shaking mate who buried her face against his chest. That was all it took. Anger boiled his blood and he kicked out. His foot connected with the statue. Hard. It toppled. Hitting the ground with such force, the stone shattered. 
                          
His expression thunderous but his touch was tender as he placed a hand under her chin, tilting her head up. "Are you hurt?" 
                          
No coppery scent clung to her nor did he see any wounds but the need to heard it from her own lips possessed him. 
                          
"N-no," she replied, her voice trembling. 
                          
Alexander cupped her face in his hands, stroking her cheeks. Her shaking hands reaching up to grasp his arms. 
                          
"It was William." Alexander froze. "H-he sent someone to kill me. I-I don't understand. He left me!" Her voice rising with a mixture of confusion and horror. 
                          
"He was insulting your honour so I taught him a lesson only it seems he failed to listen." The beginnings of a growl vibrated low in Alexander's throat. "I'll kill him!" 
                          
All Danika could do was stare then her grip on his arms tightened. 
                          
"No,"'she said, putting force into her voice. "I thank you for defending my honour by breaking his face, hands or whatever but this ends here. If not for my sake than for yours. I will not have the Lucien Order get involved. I will not...I cannot lose you, Alexander before I have to let you go." She knew of his fate from her mother.
                          
No bullet or spear could pierce his scaly hide not for a lack of enemies trying. Including the Lucien Order who once thought they would succeed where others failed. He made them sorely regret that. The deep forests of Muriel unable to conceal their bloodcurdling screams beneath the leafy canopy. Crimson mixing with water droplets on leaves. The hunters' miserable lives extinguished with a single vermillion breath. 
                          
He thought himself invincible. The ultimate predator, top of the food chain. He was proven wrong the night of the ball and again today. The one who could both hurt and soothe him, he was holding in his arms. Danika. Her tears a strike to his heart. Alexander wanted vengeance but he needed her more. 
Alexander leaned his forehead against hers. "For you," he said softly. "I will abide by your request."
                          
His lips moved down, passed her lips to rest on the soft curve of her jaw. His fingers moving in gentle strokes on her neck. Danika turned her head, exposing the arch of her neck to his mouth, recognising his need to wipe away his lingering fear. Alexander pressed light almost feather-like kisses to the reddening skin. 
                          
"I am taking you home," he said, lifting his head from her neck. Danika agreed, her earlier adrenaline giving way to fatigue. Spotting the bouquet he dropped in haste, she went and retrieved them. The petals were a little crumpled but they were no less beautiful. Clutching them to her breast, she hurried back to Alexander's outstretched hand.