9

Emily woke up to the sound of a man and woman arguing. She attempted to open her eyes, but it felt like her eyelids were being held down by bricks. Her head felt like elephants had trampled on it. Her stomach was still queasy and in knots. 

“I am tired of the bullshit, Nikki,” Kian growled in a tone that would make Satan shake. 

“Kian, calm down,” Nikki whispered. “We don’t need her waking up and hearing all of this. Mind you.”

“She shouldn’t be like this, to begin with,” he snapped back. Nikki huffed. 

“Mr. Nordin, you need to calm down before I calm you down,” Nikki warned.

“Try it,” Kian challenged. 

What the hell is going on? Emily thought to herself as she tried to pull herself out of the darkness. 

“Mr. Nordin,” Nikki said calmly, “we shouldn’t be fighting now. We need to worry about Miss Freeman.” Emily heard Kian sigh and then she felt someone sit next to her. They took her hand. She recognized the hand immediately. It was Kian’s hand. He was stroking the top of her hand with his thumb.

“I don’t want her to die,” Kian whispered. His voice was shaky and filled with sadness. 

“I know, Kian. She won’t. She’s strong. She’ll pull through this. Trust me.” Kian snorted. Emily could picture Kian’s eyes rolling with a frown on his face. 

“Trust? Isn’t something easily given away, Nikki. You of all people should know that.” 

“We don’t need to discuss that man,” Nikki groaned. 

“Where the hell is Malakai, anyway?” Who the hell is Malakai and why should he be here? What the hell is going on? Emily was a cross between confused, angry, and sad. Each emotion coming in and out like the ocean’s waves. 

“We shall not mention his name. He is simply the mayor.” Emily took note that Malakai, the mayor, was apparently a sore spot for Nikki. Emily tucked that information away in her arsenal. She had a feeling it would be of use later on down the road. 

“Regardless, that’s what happens when you trust the wrong person.” Kian continued stroking the top of Emily’s hand. 

“You don’t trust me, Mr. Nordin?” Nikki seemed shocked. 

“No,” Kian said without missing a beat. Nikki gasped.

“Kian! What have I ever done to make you not trust me?” 

“This,” Kian snapped. His hand left Emily’s. Emily assumed he was gesturing at something. “You did this, Nikki!”

“Are we back at this again?” She huffed.

“I hope not because you both talk too much,” Emily groaned with her eyes still shut. Kian and Nikki both gasped. Emily heard heels approaching her. 

“Oh, sugar! You had us so worried,” Nikki gushed.

“Emily. Sweetheart,” Kian sighed with relief. He took both of Emily’s hands and held them against his warm cheek. “You had me so scared, sweetheart.” 

Slowly, Emily opened her eyes. It was quite the feat with her eyelids still feeling like they were being held down with boulders. Her eyes filled with a bright light. She quickly closed her eyes and groaned. Then she opened her eyes again, this time she forced her eyes to push through the pain of the light. Her head was pounding from the light but Emily wanted to get a look at her surroundings. Kian was sitting next to her. Her hands still against his cheek. He looked like he hadn’t slept in days. His eyes were bloodshot, face covered in stubble from not shaving and his hair was sticking up in places. However, Emily still found him sexy.

She continued scanning around the room. It was Kian’s apartment, and she was lying on his couch. Emily continued looking around. Her gaze fell upon Nikki, who was dressed for a Sunday church sermon in Mayberry. Nikki was smiling from ear to ear. Emily wasn’t sure why the lady had to be so damn cheerful all the time.

“You gave us quite the fright, chickadee,” Nikki said pursing her lips out and pressing a hand against her own chest. Emily wished her eyes didn’t hurt so much. She desperately wanted to roll them at Nikki and her theatrical performance. 

“Sweetheart, do you want water?” Kian asked grabbing Emily’s attention. She looked at him and he gave her a forced smile. He looked worried.

“Yes, please.” 

“Okay. We will get you some,” he whispered to Emily. Then he turned and glared at Nikki. She frowned at him then disappeared into the kitchen.

“How are you feeling, sweetheart?”

“Like I went a few rounds with Mike Tyson,” Emily groaned. Kian looked confused by Emily’s reference. “Mike Tyson. The boxer.”

“Oh,” he replied. “The boxer.” 

“Here, sugar,” Nikki called out as her and her clicking heels made their way over to the couch with a glass of water. Kian came around to Emily’s head and helped her sit up. Every inch of Emily’s body ached. She whimpered against Kian’s chest. 

“I know, sweetheart,” Kian said softly and grabbed the glass of water from Nikki. He sat Emily up more. “Here. Drink some.” 

The room was beginning to spin and the queasy feeling was tenfold. Emily closed her eyes to steady herself. It didn’t help. Now she felt like she was spinning instead of the room. She felt like she was going to be sick.  

“Chickadee, are you all right,” Nikki questioned in a motherly tone. 

“I’m. Going. To. Be. Sick,” Emily breathed. 

“Bring me a waste can,” Kian spat at Nikki. 

“No,” Emily managed to say. She was not one to let others see her throw up. It was bad enough she had to see it. Having others see it was downright embarrassing to her. 

“Sweetheart, it’s okay if you need to throw up. It’s natural,” Kian assured her. 

“Sugar, he’s right. We understand,” Nikki agreed. 

Emily sobbed from the spinning, the queasiness, and the pain. Kian held her closer and kissed the top of her head. 

“It’s okay, sweetheart. I’m here,” Kian whispered against her head. “I’m here.” 

His words didn’t help control Emily’s physical and mental state. His sweet words made her cry more. She knew deep down Kian cared about her. She knew he wouldn’t leave her side and would take care of her until she recovered. 

“Sugar, it’s okay. Kian and I are here,” Nikki whispered. Kian rubbed Emily’s back, while Emily bawled her eyes out. No matter how hard she tried to stop crying, the tears continued to flow. Everything had become overwhelming when she arrived in Camden. Nothing made sense. Her immediate feelings towards Kian. Her desire to leave Camden, but stay because of Kian. The weird things she had seen like Gabby, who looked like a leprechaun and the woman who looked like a pixie. Emily couldn’t place the woman’s name. She just remembered she looked like a pixie. And the werewolf. She could never get the image out of her mind. Not as long as she lived. 

With everything that had happened in Camden, she now found herself lying on Kian’s couch, banged up from a car crash trying to leave Camden. She didn’t know if it was fate keeping her there or just her bad luck continuing. Her and Selma just wanted to go to the book signing. That was all. 

“Where’s Selma,” Emily sobbed. 

“She’s with Cas. He’s taking care of her,” Kian replied.

“Is she okay?” Emily couldn’t help but worry about the other author who had come to Emily’s rescue when Bitching Betty called it quits.

“She’s fine. She was a little banged up, but she’s up and moving now,” Nikki replied before Kian could. Kian stiffened at Nikki’s words. 

“Are you lying?” Emily sobbed hysterically. Kian kissed the top of her head.

“Shh. It’s okay, sweetheart. Selma is fine. I promise,” Kian whispered into her ear. 

“Sugar, we wouldn’t lie about something like that,” Nikki said reaching for one of Emily’s hands. That earned her a low growl from Kian. Nikki rolled her eyes. “You really are a pain in my side, Mr. Nordin.”

“Likewise.” 

“Well, I will leave you two be. I know where I’m not welcome.” She glared at Kian.

Emily was still sobbing but took in the hostility between Kian and Nikki. There was a lot of tension there. However, neither one of them spoke about why they disliked one another. 

Nikki reached in her black leather purse and retrieved a smile vial. The liquid inside it was purple with specks of gold. Or specks that appeared to be gold. The liquid shimmered in the light coming through the window creeping Emily out. Once again, her body was telling her to get the hell out of Dodge. Better known as Camden, Michigan. 

“Nadia is the town’s herbalist. She made this,” Nikki waved the vial back and forth. “This elixir will have you back in tip-top shape in no time.” 

“No thanks,” Emily replied hoarsely making Nikki frown. 

The last thing Emily wanted to do was drink some mystery elixir concocted by one of the crazy townspeople. She had a feeling it was more than what Nikki was telling her. Tip-top shape most likely meant memory erased or dead. Emily preferred neither of the two.

“Emily. Sweetheart,” Kian sighed. “We want you healthy.” 

“I’ll be fine in a few days.” 

“A few days,” Nikki shrieked and shook her head in disappointment. “Chickadee, that will not do. You are a guest in our town. The owner of the dog that caused the accident is taking full responsibility for the vehicle’s repairs and you and Miss Alvar’s medical bills.” 

“Dog,” Emily stated with a huff and a roll of her eyes. The gesture with her eyes caused her a lot of pain but it was worth it because Nikki looked like she had seen a ghost. 

“Was it something else? They told me it was a large dog,” Nikki stated handing the vial to Kian.

“I guess dogs can be the size of a grizzly with human shaped limbs.Yep. Sounds like a dog to me,” Emily smirked. Nikki and Kian both sighed. 

“Mr. Nordin, please, keep a close eye on Miss Freeman. I think she may have hit her head harder than we thought,” Nikki mumbled. “See to it she takes Nadia’s herbal remedy. She clearly needs it more than we thought.”

“I don’t know why you people think Selma and I are stupid. Neither one of us would ever take a mystery elixir just because you said so,” Emily growled.

“Easy, sweetheart. Don’t want you straining your body,” Kian whispered. His voice was soothing to Emily but not enough to keep her from being pissed off.

“Miss Alvar has already taken Nadia’s herbal remedy,” Nikki informed Emily.

“What,” Emily shrieked and sat up quickly. It seemed like every muscle in her body tore, the room spun again, and she felt queasy. 

“Sweetheart,” Kian panicked. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” 

“Your body isn’t doing well. You really should take Nadia’s remedy,” Kian hesitantly said. 

“Get away from me,” Emily growled.

“Sweetheart,” he pleaded.

“Sweetheart my ass. Get up and away from me!” With a heavy sigh, Kian did as she asked. Emily was now glaring at both him and Nikki. “What did you do to Selma?”

“Sweetheart, we didn’t do anything to her. She is at Cas’ place resting.”

“I want to see her. Now!” Emily demanded

“As soon as you are feeling better, I will take you to her. I promise.” 

“She won’t feel any better if she doesn’t take some sort of remedy,” Nikki butted in. “Navi went through all of this trouble to take care of you and you are refusing to take it and get better, sugar.” Nikki placed a hand on her hip.

“One of you take it first then,” Emily said sweetly. Nikki and Kian’s eyes widened. They glanced at one another briefly. 

“Sugar, why would we take the remedy that Nadia made you?” Kian nodded his head in agreement with Nikki. 

“We need you better, sweetheart. We aren’t hurt or sick.” Nikki was now nodding in agreement with Kian.

They both looked terrified to Emily. Whatever was in the elixir they only wanted her to have it. She hoped they were lying about Selma taking the same elixir. Emily’s mind went frantic with thoughts of what could have happened to Selma. Every thought was of Selma hurt or worst. 

“I’m going to be sick,” Emily declared standing up. A sharp pain shot up both of her legs and her legs gave way. She never hit the floor though. It was like time froze momentarily. Then it unfroze and Kian was holding her in his arms. 

“Sweetheart, you’re going to give me a heart attack,” Kian breathed then lifted her off the ground and cradled her in his arms. “Just take the remedy so I can have peace of mind knowing you will be okay, sweetheart. Please?” He was pleading with sincerity in his voice. He looked sad, worried, and exhausted. 

“When’s the last time you slept,” Emily asked staring at his color drained face.

“It’s been a while,” he admitted. “I can’t sleep until I know you are going to be okay, sweetheart.” 

Kian’s words hit Emily in the heart. She leaned her forehead against his chest to hide her huge smile that his words had caused. Her head was killing her, but her heart filled with joy surpassed the feeling of pain. That’s who Kian was. He was the man that made Emily forget all of her worries. He made her feel like she was special. Like she was the only woman in the world. 

“This is wonderful news. I am so glad you are awake so Mr. Nordin can set his mind at rest,” Nikki said pleasantly. Emily heard the click of Nikki’s heels approaching her and Kian. Emily lifted her head to find Nikki staring at her and Kian with a huge smile on her face.

“What,” Emily asked attempting to frown. 

“I am just so happy, sugar. It never lies.” Nikki tapped a finger on her bracelet, threw the couple a wink, and then made her way to the front door. 

“What never lies,” Emily asked trying to look around Kian’s arm. She saw Nikki open the front door.

“I will leave you two be. Give me a ring if you need anything,” Nikki called out sweetly as she walked out and closed the door behind her.

“What the hell was that about?” Emily asked looking up at Kian. 

“Sweetheart,” Kian pulled her closer into his body. “I’ve been so worried.” 

“I’m fine. Really.” If fine meant feeling like someone had run her over by hundreds of semi-trucks, then yes, she was fine. However, the smell of him swarmed her and intoxicated her. Her body responded with her back arching. Ignoring all other pain, Emily reached up to Kian’s neck and nipped it.

“Sweetheart,” Kian said with a ragged breath. “You don’t need to change the subject. You can be honest with me about how you’re feeling. Nikki’s not around to bug you.” 

With the elixir still in his hand, he carried Emily down the hallway to the bedroom. The sight of the bed made her remember the night before. It was as though someone had unleashed a wild beast from its cage that wanted to play. 

“Kian,” she moaned and Kian shook his head.

Disappointment fell over her by his denial. Her sudden craving to have him inside her had extinguished the pain from the accident. Her mind was running wild with images of him and his thick cock. His teeth grazing against her neck as he rammed in and out of her as it had happened the night before. Her nails clawing at his back making him moan and take her deeper. Her pussy gripping his hard cock as their bodies slammed against each other in rhythm.

His denying her of his body made Emily livid. She didn’t understand it, but she wanted him and she wanted him now. There would be no denying her!

Emily leaned her head against Kian’s chest and squeezed her legs together. Her body quaked when her thighs touched and her panties rubbed against her clit. She placed her hand between her legs and opened them slightly.

“Emily,” he groaned looking down at her with color shifting eyes.

“Kian, ease my pain,” she whispered kissing his neck. 

“I wish, sweetheart. But right now your health is more important.” 

“Don’t you want me?” She asked vixen-like. 

“Sweetheart, you’re playing with fire.”

“Maybe I like it hot,” she replied nipping his neck. 

“Fuck! You're sexy. Take the elixir,” Kian groaned huskily. “Please? Take it now.”

Emily’s body took control. She knew there would be no stopping it until she had her fill of Kian. She gripped a handful of his hair and pulled him towards her. She kissed him as though there was no tomorrow. When he began to kiss her back, she pulled away and bit his neck. 

“Emily,” he begged. “Please? Take the remedy. Take it now,” he growled. 

“Lay me on the bed so I can take my medicine and then your cock,” she whispered in his ear. Kian’s head fell back and he moaned loudly. Emily licked from the bottom of his ear and down along his jawline then back up. He shuddered as her tongue glided down his skin. 

“Are we going to stand here all day?” She asked. 

“No, ma’am,” he moaned then carried her over to the bed and handed her the vial. Emily looked up at him with luring eyes as she unscrewed the top. She held the vial up to her lips but put it down. 

“Did you lock the front door?” She looked around him and down the hallway. “I don’t want anyone interrupting us.”

“It’s okay. No one will...” 

“Gabby won’t? Or perhaps you like an audience,” she smirked. 

“No one can see your beautiful naked body. You're mine,” he snarled in the door's direction then looked at her.

“Then you better hurry up and go lock the door so you can take what’s yours.”  His eyes closed. Emily could hear him trying to steady his breathing. Slowly his eyes opened again. His eyes were now a dark blue. His eyes shifting colors happened so much she was done thinking she was crazy. It was what it was. She didn’t care his eye color as long as he fucked her. 

“You’re mine as soon as I get back and that,” he pointed at the vial, “is all gone.” She gave him a sultry grin and nodded. He smirked then took off down the hallway. 

“So, this is some kind of magic elixir,” Emily stated holding the vial out in front of her. She frowned at the thought of the different possibilities of what the elixir was really for. “I have my own elixir.” 

She heard the sound of the front door locking. Quickly she dumped out the vial behind the bed and held the bottle up to her lips when he walked back into the bedroom. He smiled wickedly. She lowered the bottle and grimaced. 

“What’s in this,” she asked pretending to look over the remaining contents at the bottom of the bottle.

“Not important, sweetheart, as long as it makes you feel better.” He slipped his shirt over his head revealing his chiseled body. Then slipped out of his pants revealing his rock-hard cock. This is much better than a damn magical potion.