Their Light

Chapter 20

Peter

I followed her up the stairs, my heart pounding. Why did she choose me? Maybe she finally realized how worthless I was and was going to tell me to leave. I wouldn't blame her.

I was worthless, useless.

Suddenly, she stopped at the top of the stairs and turned around to glare at me. "You better stop that right now, Peter."

Her glare was fierce, and I remembered she could feel what I felt. I was probably just making her feel worse. She was already suffering because of the attack, and I was just adding to it.

Stupid.

I couldn't help but mess up. It was the only thing I was good at.

She huffed and grabbed my hand, surprising me. Dragging me to her room, she pulled me inside and shut the door. She sat down on the edge of her bed, motioning for me to join her. Hesitantly, I sat a good distance from her, feeling very unsure of myself.

"So, what's going on with you?" she asked me. My brow furrowed in confusion.

"What do you mean?" How could she be worried about me right now? I didn't deserve an angel like her. Not in a million years.

She rolled her eyes and muttered something about boys and idiots under her breath.

I was an idiot.

An absolute idiot for even considering that I could actually do this. That I could accept the bond. What a joke.

I couldn't protect her.

"That!" she exclaimed, making me jump. "Right there, stop that."

"Sorry." I hung my head in shame and stared at the floor. I still couldn't get it right. She sighed and moved closer to me. I stiffened.

"Now, I can feel your emotions, so I know that wasn't about me but more about what you're feeling right now," she started. "Why are you being so hard on yourself? Why are you so terrified?"

Her words hit me hard and sunk straight to the core. Why was I so transparent? My head dropped into my hands.

"Now you're starting to worry me, Peter," she told me, her voice getting quieter. "Is it me?"

"No," I stated adamantly. I whipped my head up to look at her in order to convey the honesty of my words. "Never you."

"Then what is it?"

"The world would be better off without you."

"I'm no good."

"What are you doing?" he yelled at me. "Didn't I tell you not to touch anything?! Good for nothing bastard, you ruin everything you touch."

"I always mess things up."

"You a warrior?" he laughed like it was the funniest thing he ever heard. "Who's going to want a scrawny thing like you to protect them? I mean, I guess they might, if they have a death wish."

"I couldn't protect you. I didn't know why I ever thought that I could."

"How did I get cursed with a runt like you? She must have put out for some son of a bitch. There's no way you have my blood in you."

I couldn't stop the word vomit coming out of my mouth. Silence enveloped us for a while after I had finished. His words echoed in my head as I tried to push them back.

This was it.

This was where she would say I was right and show me the door. Tension built within me. But she grasped my hand and all of that tension melted away.

"Those aren't your words," she said knowingly. "I don't know who told you that, but they were obviously jealous and lying. You are one of the best people I've ever met. Now, for the next part, I can honestly say I've never seen you mess anything up. You are a whiz in the kitchen and tending to wounds. You are so smart and kind, and you have protected me just fine since you saved me back at that warehouse."

I scoffed at that last statement. "I'm not a fighter. I can't protect you."

"I'm getting the gist that being a Kustos means a lot more than just physically protecting me. I mean, have you seen some of the guys out there? They have that part handled. I don't think I would still be sane if it wasn't for you. This is a lot to take in and I'm still adjusting, but you have made it so much easier by being your kind, adorable, and understanding self."

Her words began to sink in, and they pushed His away. Something I had begun to think was impossible. I couldn't help but get stuck on one of them in particular, though. She thought I was adorable. My cheeks felt like flames at the thought. She dropped my hand, but I only had a moment to miss the connection when she grasped my face in both hands. She turned my face toward her.

"I definitely would have starved by now, you know?" she stated. My lip twitched, fighting back a smile. "You hear me?"

"But tonight-," I started, but she cut me off.

"What happened tonight no one could have seen coming. Do you think Ryder and Kent are good Kustos?" I nodded automatically. They were the best I'd ever seen.

"What about the others?" Again, I nodded.

"If these good Kustos couldn't do anything to stop what happened, then why on earth are you blaming yourself?" It took a moment, but her words finally got through to me. I still felt guilty, but it had lessened to a manageable amount.

"Now, I know what it feels like to doubt yourself, which is why I know this talk won't be enough to get those awful words out of your head. So whenever you start to go down this road again, just know, that I will be there with sunshine and fucking rainbows, if that's what it takes."

Still grasping my face, she stared at me, waiting for a reply. I sank into her hands. She was so close.

"Okay," I breathed, realizing my mouth was just inches from hers. She glanced down at my lips before her eyes darted back up to mine.

"Okay," she repeated, but she didn't move away.

I didn't move. I was trapped in her gaze. She had all the control. I would be fine no matter what she decided to do. I didn't deserve to hope, but a part of me couldn't help but hope she'd lean forward and press those beautiful lips on mine.

Taking a deep breath, she did just that. She leaned forward and softly, like velvet, her lips pressed against mine. I melted into the kiss. She pulled back quickly, a gorgeous blush spreading across her cheeks. Her hands fell from my face as she stood up. She sent me a small smile before heading toward the bathroom. Pausing at the doorway, she turned to look at me.

"I will be getting the name of whoever put those words in your head." With that she disappeared into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.

I flopped back on her bed, resting my arm across my forehead. My other hand came up and touched my mouth lightly. It felt like a dream. I had an urge to pinch myself to make sure it was all real. Even with everything that had happened and everything we were going to have to do, I couldn't help but smile.

She thought I was adorable.

She kissed me.

My mind whirled, but I had never felt happier in my entire life. 

***I'm back!! Sorry for the long wait. I hope you guys like the new update, but as always, please let me know what you think! Happy Reading!!