In Her Eyes

25

**Stefan's POV**

"So you know that I don't feel comfortable with the fact that you'll have to protect me while you're at war?" I began as we sat on the couch at my house.

"I know," she sighed, "but it's my duty to protect you as my mate."

"As your boyfriend, I want to do whatever I can to protect you as well baby." I kissed her cheek and pulled her closer to me.

 "Well we shouldn't have to worry about it for awhile, I don't see them attacking Saxon's group anytime soon," she sighed and looked at me.

"But when it happens... I have to stay at the estate or at my house," I mumbled quietly.

Ashley touched my cheek, "Stefan I'll let you know what the plan is when it happens. Just focus on this," she kissed me gently as I smiled against her lips.

"You're a very good distraction," I teased and kissed her again as I pulled her into my lap.

 "I try," she murmured and pulled at my shirt impatiently.

"Whoa there," I winked and took it off before she ripped my favorite shirt. "Someone is anxious it seems."

Her cheeks turned a cherry red, she was so adorable like that. "I can't help it," her violet eyes flickered over mine.

"I'm not complaining sweetheart," I kissed her again and edged her shirt up slowly.

We laid there on my bed, basking in the afterglow as she rested on my chest. Never in my life had I felt so content before. Who knew sex was so... therapeutic?

Stroking her hair gently to not wake her, I just continued to watch her back rise and fall as she breathed. If I could, I would just wish for her to stay here with me where she was safe...

But are you really safe with me? My mind threatened to tug up the past once more as the car crash hit me hard. My breathing quickened and I felt her stir slightly as her eyes found mine.

"Stefan what's wrong?" She leaned up towards me and pressed her forehead against mine.

"Nothing," I stammered.

"Tell me," she pressed gently and stroked my cheek.

"I just wonder if you're really safe with me," I spoke too softly though I knew she heard me.

She inhaled sharply and grabbed my chin to direct my gaze on hers, "don't even think for a second that that accident was your fault."

"Ash,"

"No Stefan. It wasn't. I hate seeing you tear yourself up about that or any of this. You can't control what happens to people, but you can control you." She grabbed me tighter and pressed her face into my chest, "I just want to see you happy."

"I am happy with you," I whispered.

"I know," she had a melancholy smile, "but deep down I can still sense your agony. You're not truly happy baby, and I want you to be. Even," she sighed and closed her eyes for a brief moment, "even if it's not with me."

Whoa... this had escalated way too quickly for my liking. I didn't know where exactly I had given her the impression that I didn't want her around!

"Ashley Thrasher," I kissed her nose gently, "you are the best thing that has happened to me in years. If you leave, I don't know what will happen to me... I may as well be dead."

Her eyes widened in surprise, "don't say that."

"I'll stop when you're convinced that I won't leave you to be "happier" so to speak."

"Okay," she nodded and kissed me hard.

I kissed back just as hard and felt her relief and love sweep through me. Must be that whole mate thing, but it didn't bother me. For once in a long time I was loved regardless of my flaws or past. And it was with a woman who understood that in her own ways.

**I have about... 3 chapters I think for this story? Not quite sure, but I hope to finish this book before September starts if I can! So be ready for it to be ending soon. Hope you've enjoyed it! As always, comments are appreciated**