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Exclusive Care Pt. 2
How I managed to leave the manor without alerting Sylus is still a mystery to me. It’s not like him to be so unaware of his surroundings. It leaves me to doubt whether I got out without him noticing or if he let me leave. Either way, I am avoiding the N109 Zone like the plague. I’m immersing myself in my work but conveniently not taking missions that would take me anywhere near the N109 Zone. Every time my phone rings, the thought that it might be Sylus or the twins scares me enough that I’ve let the majority of the calls go to voicemail. It wasn’t until Zayne caught me after work one night looking upset and worried.
“Ah. So you are alive,” he said “I was beginning to think that you had left this world without at least saying goodbye. That’s not very nice, Miss Hunter.” He was leaning against the passenger door of his car.
“I’m sorry Zayne. I’ve just had a lot on my mind and haven’t been able to process everything.” I say trying to explain that it wasn’t just him I was avoiding. I had been so careful all week. I had managed to avoid everyone when heading home. Seems like my luck has finally run out.
“Sounds to me like you need a distraction from life. Why don’t we grab some dinner and chat. Let me be a sounding board and better friend,” he says. He’s always been so busy at the hospital that a social life was never on his radar until I stumbled back into his life. Our friendship has been the only thing that has been keeping him afloat in the crazy world.
“Better make that two friends to be a sounding board Pips!” I hear from behind me. I turn around to see Caleb standing not too far away. Turning back around to see Zayne with that little smirk on his face telling me that yes, this was planned and he was hoping to blindside me with the other best friend.
“Caleb! What are you doing here? What about the Fleet?” I scolded him. As Colonel in the Farspace Fleet, he doesn’t get a lot of time off and even though I had been shutting out the world for the last week, I hadn’t heard from him in the last month.
“Zayne was able to get a hold of me due to his connections in Skyhaven.” he looks over my shoulder to Zayne. “You know I would drop everything if you just asked Pips. I’m hurt that our best friend had to tell me,” he placed his hand over his heart like he was hurt. Caleb always had a flair for the dramatic.
He closed the distance and enveloped me in a bear hug. Being surrounded by the warmth of one of my best friends, I can feel the weight of my actions. He releases me from the hug and we both walk over to Zayne’s car to get dinner. I know that as soon as we’re sitting down in whatever restaurant Zayne chose, that I’m going to face the unholy inquisition known as my best friends.
True to form, as soon as the waiter had taken our orders, they both looked at each other and then at me. I knew I couldn’t run away any more. My best friends had me in the proverbial corner. It was either talk, or this would be the most silent dinner ever. I expected Zayne to start since he has been in the closest proximity to me but Caleb jumped in with the first question.
“Alright Pips, out with it. Why did Zayne have to tell me that he hadn’t talked to you in over 2 weeks?”
I hung my head in shame. “I’m sorry. It’s just, ever since I came back from the N109 Zone, everything has just been moving non-stop. I feel like I can’t breathe right. After that, it was discovering that you were alive. Then there was all of the messy business in Skyhaven.” Caleb at least had the decency to look contrite with the fact that he had been hiding the fact that he was alive for six months.
“I am sorry that I couldn’t tell you that I was alive. I had hard enough time getting the green light to tell Zayne. But they knew that having a medical professional that could freely come to Skyhaven in my back pocket was a good idea.”
“By the time I returned to Linkon, I knew there was a reason you couldn’t tell me. It doesn’t matter anymore so don’t worry too much about it. After Skyhaven, it’s just been mission after mission and then patrol after patrol.” I took a deep breath and then continued to the part I knew might make them worry about me the most.
“During my first visit to the N109 Zone, I got caught up with Onychinus,” I paused to look at their faces, and I knew when they finally figured out what might be the cause of my problems.
“Did he hurt you?” Caleb said in that tone of voice which told me he was on the edge on losing his control.
“No! Not once in my entire time with Sylus did he ever hurt me. In fact, he has done nothing but keep me alive. I think if anything, I’m the one who should be yelled at. I shot him point blank in the chest and he’s still alive. His evol is something else!” I looked at them trying to reassure them.
“Ok, so he didn’t hurt you. That doesn’t explain why you’ve been essentially MIA when it comes to contacting everyone.” Zayne said.
“I know.” I sighed. “The thing is that Sylus has been asking for my help with Wanderers in the N109 Zone lately. One of the times he had asked for my help, Jenna had sent me to the outskirts. You know how sometimes I get really bad cramps during my period?” I asked. They both nodded their heads, knowing how hard my periods could be some months. By then our food came and we all started eating.
“Well, this last period happened to be one of those really bad periods. I had just finished my mission and was heading home when the cramps hit and I almost passed out. If it hadn’t been for Sylus looking for me, I could have gotten seriously injured.” I explained meekly, pushing my food around my plate while taking small bites. He probably had Mephisto following me that day. It’s the only way that he could have found me so fast.
“Well, I’m glad Sylus was there, but you need to be careful of Onychinus,” Caleb warned. “If his evol is as incredible as you say, he’s very dangerous.” I looked over at Zayne and he was nodding along with what Caleb said.
“I know all too well the danger that comes with associating with a man like Sylus but I know I can trust him to a certain degree.” I explain. “If he wanted to he could have let me die on my first visit to the N109 Zone or any subsequent visit but he hasn’t. I think he cares about me in some way and I think I might too.” I say looking back down at my almost empty plate. My feelings for Sylus are the reason that I’ve been running scared and if anyone can help me sort through them, it would be the two men sitting with me.
“Running away from your feelings, that’s what you’ve been doing this last week,” Zayne confirmed. I just nodded my head in shame.
“The Fleet’s reports from the area have seen a decrease in the more questionable activities as of late. I can only guess that must be from your influence, Pipsqueak. But what makes you think that he has genuine feelings for you?” Caleb asked, seeming uncertain.
“It’s all of the little things he’s done for me and the conversations…” I get cut off mid sentence from my phone ringing. I jump as I feel the vibrations in my pocket and the look from both Caleb and Zayne tells me that I can’t ignore my phone any more even though I really want to.
“Check who is calling you, Pips.”
“I can’t. If…if it’s him and I answer, I don’t even know what I would say. I’ve been trying so hard to let this go. I…I don’t know what I’ll do if this is all just in my head and he feels nothing for me.” I start feeling the panic rise in my body. I then feel my phone being taken from my hand by Zanye and the panic just intensifies. “What are you doing, Zayne?”
“I’m going to answer. If his feelings are what you hope they are, and you haven’t answered or texted in over a week, he may do something drastic just to get your attention. I’d rather not have an influx of patients because the man wants your attention.”
I snatch the phone back from him. “Sylus may be dramatic but he’s not nearly that bad. I’m not going to answer him tonight but I will send him a text.” By this time, the phone had finished ringing and was going to voicemail. I unlock my phone and just as I feared, I have a missed call from Sylus. I note that I have a bunch of missed calls from the twins, Sylus, Xavier, Rafayel and Zayne. I take a deep breath, trying to settle my nerves and open our text chat.
Me: Sorry Sy. I’ve been so busy with work that I keep missing your calls.
Sylus: Kitten, I know all too well how busy you can be. But why are you hiding from me? Did you really think I wouldn’t figure out that you’re avoiding me?
You’re lucky I didn’t blow something up so you had to come see me. Oh come on, don’t prove Zayne right!
Look to your right, sweetie.
I look up from my phone and glance to where he said. Sure enough, there are those damned red eyes staring back at me. His face giving nothing away at first but then I see him smirk at me.
“Shit!”
“What’s going on, Pips?” caught off guard by my sudden curse.
“He’s here. I was doing so well too.” I groan to them. “I can’t do this. I…I need to be anywhere but here. I’m going to the bathroom.” I get up from my chair and practically sprint to the bathroom. As the door to the bathroom closes behind me, I think to myself that he must have had Mephisto or the twins following me again. That’s the only way he could have found me this quickly.
Entering the bathroom, I quickly use the toilet but take my time to wash my hands. Why did I have to catch feelings for a criminal? There’s no way he has those kinds of feelings for me right? Would he even have time to take me on dates with his busy schedule? I mean our schedules rarely line up as it is. He’s mostly nocturnal. No, it’s better that I just suck it up and keep my feelings unrequited. I don’t get hurt and it won’t have to be awkward when we work together in the N109 Zone.
With my resolve renewed, I wash my hands and turn to leave the bathroom. Hoping Zayne or Caleb are waiting outside to lead me back to the car so we can leave. I just want to avoid Sylus at all costs. Why did he have to show up tonight? Maybe I should sneak out the bathroom window and just text Zayne from his car. No, then Sylus will REALLY know that I’m hiding from him. I’m just going to have to put on my big girl panties, suck it up and walk out of here with my head held high.
Walking out of the bathroom, I find Caleb waiting, leaning against the wall across from the door. The sight of him waiting for me causes my shoulders to relax just slightly. My instincts warn me that I can’t let my guard down just yet considering Sylus may still be in the restaurant. I have been granted a few more moments of safety but it could end at any time.
“Zayne is paying for dinner and going to get his car so we can leave.” Caleb says straightening up from the wall and wrapping an arm around my shoulders. He gently guides me towards the front, purposefully blocking me from view of the restaurant. We walk outside to Zayne just as the valet pulls his car up to the entrance.
“Well, I tried to pay for dinner,” he said as he had heard what Caleb said. The look he gave me told me everything I needed to know. Sylus beat him to the punch. Which is both good and bad. Good because it means he may not be around anymore but bad because it means that he’s not around anymore. He could be anywhere but still have eyes on us.
“Scan the trees, lightposts, or anything that a bird could perch on,” I say in a whisper. Both men look at me like I’m crazy but I know both of them are sharp enough to catch sight of Mephisto if that infernal bird is in the area.
“What are we looking for?” Caleb asked with his head turning away from me to get into the car.
“A pair of red dots or the shape of a crow. It will look real but also look like it’s wearing armor.”
I scan the sky from the passenger seat while Zayne scans from the driver’s seat and Caleb from the back of the car. By the time we pull up to my apartment complex, I notice that Sylus’ motorcycle is not present but I see the car that belongs to the twins. Seeing it, I let out a dejected sigh that catches Zayne’s attention.
“I didn’t see a crow following us but your sigh tells me that someone connected to him is here,” he gives my arm a friendly squeeze as I nod at him and subtly point out the twin’s car.
“There is a way we could find out his feelings for you, Pipsqueak.” Caleb says. I know where he’s going with this and while I want to know, I don’t know if I want to put either of them in danger for it.
“I know you both can handle yourselves when it comes to self defense but I don’t want to put you guys in danger. The best way to know what his feelings towards me are is to just ask him directly. But that would mean…”
“Actually talking to him. Which you are actively avoiding at the moment,” Zayne finishes for me. I just nod my head and let it hang so I’m staring at the floor of the car. I’ve been running from these feelings for longer than a week. If I’m honest with myself, I’ve been running since I first met Sylus.
“I think it’s time to stop running and confront it head on like the badass I know you can be,” Caleb says quietly. Zayne nods his head in agreement in his own quiet way.
“If you want,” Zayne starts. “One or both of us can be nearby while you talk to him. If that car belongs to who you think he does then they know how to get him here to talk.”
I can’t just hide forever. Time to put those big girl panties on and get the answers I’m looking for. It’s time to stop running and face this like the “badass I know you can be”.
I grab my phone and it opens to the text thread with Sylus. I see that he has sent me a message since I saw him at the restaurant.
Sylus: I hope you enjoyed dinner kitten. My treat to you and your friends. Whenever you’re ready to talk, you know the signal to Mephisto or the twins.
I look at both men in the car with me, and take a deep breath. I have to know how he feels, if I don’t I’ll never be able to relax again. I let out that breath and reach for the door handle but I’m stopped by Zayne. He gives me that look that says, yes we may be friends but I want to open the door for you. I give him a nod and wait for him to come around and open the door for me. Caleb gets out of the car as well and they both stand leaning against the car. Being surrounded by my best friends while I learn the most important information of my life is what gives me the strength to look at the twin’s car and give the crossed two finger salute. Luke or Kieran flash the headlights twice in response.
“Ok, he’s on his way. In a manner of minutes, I’ll either be the happiest woman on this planet or a woman scorned,” I tell them. I let out the biggest deep breath I physically can.
“We’ll be nearby but we won’t get in the way.” Zayne tells me while patting my shoulder. “We’ll stay here by the car and you can talk by the door up to your place.”
I nod at his suggestion and start to make my way over to the door to my building. Just as I reach the door, I hear the crackle and hum of energy that comes with Sylus’ evol.
“You gave the signal.”
“I did.” turning to face him. “As one of my best friends would say, it’s time to stop running and face this head on like the badass he knows I can be.” I say quietly.
I hear him chuckle softly, walking out of the shadows, and almost timidly, grab my hand and bring it up to his mouth. Giving my knuckles the briefest kiss that sets my nerves on fire.
“Alright, alright. I gave the signal for a reason you fiend,” I say trying to take my hand back. Sylus just tightens his grip on my hand but lowers it to settle between us. He has that look that says he knows what I might ask but wants to hear me say the words.
“Then say whatever is on your mind sweetie. I’m all ears, and you know if you want a straight answer, all you have to do is ask a straight question.” he retorts.
I take another deep breath. “Never once did I think that you wouldn’t figure out that I was running from whatever this is between us.” It looks like he’s about to interrupt me but I quickly continue. “Let me finish please.” He gives a nod of understanding. “ I don’t want to lose our friendship, or my friendship with the twins just because you might not return the fairly obvious feeling that I have for you. So this is me asking directly if there is even the slightest chance in hell that you feel anything for me.” I spew out my thoughts and then stare at the ground. I see his other hand slowly raise and tilt my face up to look him directly in his ruby eyes.
“You should know very well that I adore you. There is no love purer than mine.” His fingers that cradled my chin to force eye contact slowly move to cradle the back of my head. “Sincere feelings are hard to forget. Even harder to change. Is that direct enough for you?”
I grab the wrist that is connected to the hand on the back of my head and give it a squeeze. I let out the biggest breath of the night. It’s only after Sylus lifts his other hand to my cheek that I notice that my hands are shaking almost out of my control. He notices my shaking hands but leans forward and kisses my forehead. The affection shown by him must have given some kind of signal to Caleb and Zayne because they start walking over to us.
“You are absolutely out of my league Sylus.” I scoff. “I am so plain Jane it’s not funny. There’s no way I could fit into your life.” All of my insecurities just blurt themselves right out of my mouth. A man as good looking as Sylus needs a partner who compliments him. There’s no way that could be me.
“Well, that’s the dumbest sentence to ever come out of your mouth, Kitten.” he says with a chuckle. He presses another kiss but this time to my cheek. I can feel my face start to heat.
“I happen to agree with him, Pipsqueak. Regardless of who he is, no man is worthy enough for you.” Caleb interjects. I smile at my best friends as they finally approach.
“Ok, ok we can worry about my insecurities later. Why don’t we head up to my place, the four of us, so we don’t get cited for loitering?” I say as I start herding them through the front lobby door. Sylus lets the other two go first and grabs a hold of my hand for the entire trip up to my apartment and through my front door. I can feel Zayne’s gaze but when I look at him, all I can see is the playful mirth in his eyes. He’s up to something and that should scare me. Zayne only has that look in his eyes when he plans shenanigans.
Caleb and Zayne have pretty much made themselves at home. Caleb, getting all of the lights and sitting in the living room while Zayne busies himself in my kitchen. Getting dessert and tea out from the sounds that come from there. Trust that man to find sweets that everyone might like.
“So….these are my best friends.” I point to Caleb first. “Caleb and I were practically raised together.”
“Nice to meet you, Sylus was it?” he says with a wave from the chair by the window. Sylus just gives a half-hearted wave back. I turn to Zayne as he starts bringing over the assortment of desserts and tea. He places the spread on the coffee table in such a way that you can reach them from any seat in my living room.
“The fiend with the sweets and tea is Zayne. I’ve never known a healthcare professional to be as fond of sweets as this guy.” I say with a chuckle. “Sir, when did you have time to find all of these?”
“Never underestimate a man with a sweet tooth, Miss Hunter” he replies. He sets down the food and offers his hand to Sylus. After letting go, Zayne starts preparing his cup of tea. “I’m her primary care physician as well as one of her best friends. So, I have extensive knowledge of all of her injuries. You’ve got your hands full with this one,” he says with a light-hearted chuckle. Caleb joins in with his own laughter and just nods his head in agreement. I give them both the middle finger, which causes them to laugh even more.
Sylus and I have made our way to the sofa, sitting next to each other, going back to holding hands. I can feel how the tension in Sylus’ arm relaxes as we all settle into our seats. Good. He’s comfortable enough with them to relax a little. He needs it.
“She is quite the handful but nothing I can’t handle,” he laughs. “She does give my employees a run for their money.”
“I’m right here guys. No need to talk about me like I’m not in the room,” I grumble.
Caleb and Zayne just laugh while Sylus leans over and places a kiss on my temple. It’s only then that I notice Zayne plopping an ice cube into his tea and Caleb piloting a paper airplane around the room. I clock the subtle displays of their evols to show Sylus that he’s not to underestimate them. Not one to be easily intimidated, Sylus joins their fun by grabbing a sweet for both of us. None of them ever caused a break in the conversation. They talk like they’ve known each other for centuries instead of having just met. Caleb and Zayne share stories of childhood mishaps and embarrassment while Sylus regales them of auctions and fighting Wanderers. An hour goes by and I just smile because I’m so pleased that the three most important men in my life are getting along.
“Alright, as fun as this has been, I need to fly back to Skyhaven tonight. The Fleet never sleeps. Pips, you know how to get a hold of me. Sylus, it was nice to meet you. Take extremely great care of our girl.” he says, standing from his seat and offering Sylus his hand. Sylus stands and shakes his hand firmly while I stand to walk him to the door.
“I should go as well. Being on-call is never fun. I’ll likely be called into surgery before the sun comes up. I’m honestly surprised nothing has come up already,” Zayne says as he finishes his tea and checking his phone for missed calls or messages. After placing the mug down on the coffee table, he extends his hand to Sylus once again. I walk them to the door and I give them both a hug.
“Thank you for not giving him too much shit. I hope that even with just this you can see how much people don’t know about him,” I say.
“We can tell that he will make you happy and that’s all we’ll ever want for you,” Caleb replies. “But we’ll be keeping an eye out all the same. What good is having best friends if they aren’t around to be a pain in the ass?”
“Says the man who is gone for months at a time,” I tease.
“All the same, we’re only a call or text away if you need us. We can always make time for you,” Zayne says. They both lean over and kiss the top of my head and walk out the door. As it closes, I let out a sigh of relief and walk back to the living room where Sylus is holding the paper plane Caleb was flying around. I then hear a tap on the balcony door. Without even looking, Sylus opens the door with his evol and in flies Mephisto.
“They really care about you sweetie. I don’t see relationships that feel that close very often. My world doesn’t usually allow for friendships like that,” he says while stroking Mephisto, who had landed on his shoulder. I know that Luke and Kieran are more than just his employees. They are as close to being his best friends as his world will allow.
“I know Sylus,” I reply as I sit back down on the sofa patting the space next to me. “They may tease and give me shit but I know they have my back at every turn. They are the strongest men in my life and they protect me without asking. They are the brothers I never knew I wanted or needed and I love them as such,” I tell him.
“It’s good that you have strong protectors like them. They can be around when I can’t. I would, however, like to see their evols in action. They didn’t have a problem showing off that they had them but I need to know what they’re capable of,” he said with that sly smirk on his face.
I laugh because I know Caleb would be more than happy to show him just what he can do. “ I’m sure that can be arranged. Caleb for one tends to be quite the showoff. Zayne is more analytical, reserved and less flashy.” I take the chance to pull Sylus back down onto the sofa and cuddle closer to him.
As he settles back into the seat, he wraps his arm around me so my head rests on his shoulder. We both let out a deep breath which causes me to giggle. I can feel him rest his cheek on the top of my head and smile at the thought of having this moment to relax. Mephisto makes his perch on the back of the chair Caleb just vacated.
“I wish this moment could last forever. I wish I didn’t have to go to work tomorrow.”
“I know Sweetie. But who would protect the great city of Linkon if you just skipped work?”
“Will you stay? Even if it’s just until I fall asleep?” I ask shyly. I fiddle with the hem of his sweater trying not to look too desperate but wanting him to stay all the same.
“Of course Kitten. Are you sure you want to give me access to that amount of territory though?” he teased. “Do you really trust me within your sanctuary?”
“ I trust you with my life, Sylus. I wouldn’t go back and forth if I truly thought you meant to harm me. Believe it or not, I do have some semblance of survival instincts.” I retort, looking up at him. It feels so natural to be with him like this.
“If you keep this up, you can forget about getting any sleep. I may just have to take you on that joyride,” he says.
“What was it you said the other day? Oh yes, I remember now. Any suggestions I don’t consider are filed under never heard of it.” I snark at him with mischief in my smile.
“Don’t even think about it, Kitten. You’re supposed to be preparing to save the great city of Linkon in the morning.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about Sylus.” I say acting innocent. “I thought you would take me to bed and help me fall asleep.”
He just smirks at me and it’s only then that I notice where his hands ended up. He squeezes my waist and moves before I have a chance to react. Before I can make another sound, Sylus has me straddling his thighs and pulls me in for a kiss.
“Ah, so you want to play a game. I feel like we’ve been in this situation before, Sweetie.”
“ I’ve certainly dreamed of this situation,” I say softly. I secretly hope that I said it quietly enough in this moment that he didn’t hear. However, luck is still not on my side today.
“Oh? More dreams to share with me, Kitten?”
“Yeah not happening in this lifetime buster. I’ll take that dream to the grave.” I haven’t told that dream to anyone right? Shit, I probably told Tara. She’d cave in a heartbeat if it meant pushing “Skye” and me together.
“Don’t worry your pretty little head Kitten.” he says with a small chuckle. “I’m not going to interrogate anyone you might have told that dream to.” I glare at him for reading me so easily. “Try glaring a little harder next time if you don’t want me to read you so easily.” He kisses me again. The weight of the day seeps into my body and I just sag against him. My nose ends up buried in his neck and I give it a small kiss.
“ I think it’s well past my bedtime. Take me to bed?”
“Of course. I’ll stay until you fall asleep. The twins texted me a while ago and I need to take care of some business.”
I just nod my head and guide him to my bedroom. He puts me down and steps back out of the room, closing the door allowing me to change my clothes. After changing into my sleep clothes and doing the rest of my nighttime routine, I crawl under my blankets as Sylus returns to bring me a water bottle. I take it from him and put it on my nightstand with a smile. He grabs the little stool from my vanity, sits down next to my bed and takes my hand. Just having him with me allows me to fall asleep quickly. If I hadn’t fallen into my subconscious so fast I would have heard him say one last promise.
“ I will keep you bound to me for all of eternity. Our connection transcends this place and this world.” Sylus whispered into my hair. He gives me a kiss and walks out the door like a phantom in the night.