The Puppet Assassin [TTR sequel]

The Puppet Assassin - Ch 33 [suddenly...?]

I swallowed past the lump in my throat and shifted my head so that it rested against his side. “I dreamt that I had to hurt you.”

“Well, you nearly quite literally did,” he said drily. “You suddenly grabbed me and woke me up before pulling us both off the bed. I had to pin you down and slap you awake.”

I flinched and rubbed my sore cheek. Larkin took my hand away and replaced it with his lips. “It was just a nightmare.”

I knew he was trying to be reassuring but I couldn’t stop trembling. “I’m glad you were here,” I said softly. I really was. Just to feel his warmth, his beating heart, reminded me that it really was just a dream.

“You’re gonna get used to it.”

I looked up at him but he was staring at the ceiling. I was glad for that too. I must’ve been beet red. Larkin was one of the few things in my life that I truly treasured. I wrapped an arm around him over his stomach and snuggled against him. As long as he was around, I knew I could get over whatever was thrown at me.

…As long as I didn’t kill him in my sleep.

** **

“Larkin sure is taking his time,” Garth grumbled, checking his watch before refolding his arms.

Connor gave a huffy sigh. “That kid takes his time with everything…” He paused and glanced over at me. “Almost everything,” he corrected.

I kept a straight face and hoped that Luke didn’t notice his glance or his timely pause.

Larkin had gone out early this morning, just before Luke had arrived, to get breakfast upon his father’s, and Garth’s, request. He’d been out for an hour and a half. Despite their impatience and half-hearted anger, I saw worry on all of their faces.

Me? I felt like I was about to throw up with nerves. Just as I realised I needed him, he was going to disappear? What if he’d been attacked by the man that wanted me?

The silence in the room was interrupted by the sound of a wire vibrating. Luke pulled his out of his pocket and linked it up, walking from the room. He’d already answered two calls in his time here, busy with the upcoming dinner and the arrangements of the visiting clan leaders.

“I might as well head over to Luke’s house and get breakfast there since my son is taking a while,” Connor said sternly. “The meetings start in an hour and if I don’t get food in me, I won’t be able to stay awake at all.” He kept a frown on his face but his eyes darted towards Garth and a silent message passed between them. I knew what it was without having to ask. He was asking Garth to let him know as soon as Lark got back. I twisted my hands together and hiccupped.

“Are you okay, lass?” Connor asked, bending down so our eyes were level.

I looked into his eyes, familiar eyes, and for some reason felt like crying. I nodded and looked away quickly. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him open his mouth to say something more and then reconsider, his lips pursing.

He straightened back up and Luke came bursting back into the room. “Connor, come with me, right now. Garth, keep her here.”

Luke looked at me with eyes full of emotion, blazing gold, and then he swivelled around and ran out, Connor on his heels.

I glanced at Garth, who looked at me calmly, obviously used to taking Luke’s orders without question.

“Garth,” I began.

“No,” he said swiftly before I could speak any more.

“But-”

“No.”