He closed his eyes again and some of the feelings gradually mellowed. The love didn’t. That emanated with an intensity that made it hard to breathe.
I eased out of his arms, slightly overwhelmed by the new experience. He let me go and sat up, watching as I grabbed my plate. I began to eat the cold eggs while I considered what I was feeling from Carlos. I was used to sorting through a whirlwind of emotions, but this was different. The emotions were strong but not in a way that brought me to my knees. Instead, they wrapped around me like a warm blanket on a cold day.
His love was the easiest to feel and know. Then awe and pride. Because of me. Because I’d found him worthy enough to Claim him. He humbled me with those emotions. But behind them hid a layer of anger and pain so thick that it took me by surprise. Was he feeling that way because I’d messed up the bite? How was I supposed to know I had to bite that hard? I ate another mouthful of eggs as I blushed, thinking of all the unnecessary nipping I’d done. A slow heat crept up my neck.
“Why are you worrying?” Carlos said once again looking at me.
“Why are you mad?”
The anger melted away, but the pain remained.
“The bite didn’t hurt, right?”
“The bite was perfect.” He leaned toward me and kissed my forehead. “Do you need more ice? Biting didn’t hurt your cheek further, did it?”
I shook my head, still trying to puzzle out the anger and pain.
“We need to meet up with the others,” he said. “It’s almost time.”
I nodded and watched as he stood and walked out the door. He was more complex now that I could feel his emotions, not less. If I hadn’t screwed up the bite, then why was he in pain? What had hurt him that much?
Forking the last bite of eggs into my mouth, I stood and made my way to the kitchen. Carlos was by the dryer, taking out our clean clothes. I’d forgotten about them.
I left my plate on the kitchen counter and went to the bathroom. Only my hairbrush and toothbrush waited by the sink. He’d already packed up his things. We were obviously not staying longer.
Brushing my teeth hurt. A few of my molars protested, and I eased up on the scrubbing. When I spit, there was pink in the foam, and I got angry all over again at the man who’d hit me. Blake had so much to pay for. I wished I could be a fly on the wall when the crap-storm we were about to create hit home for him.
After running the brush through my hair, I packed up my things and opened the door. Carlos was waiting with my jacket, shoes, and our bags.
“Everyone is waiting for us by the cars.”
“We’re not staying?”
“We’re packed just in case. We don’t know if Charlene’s contact will be able to get us on the air or not. If she doesn’t, we’ll need to wait until she can. If she does, it would be better to leave the city.”
“More long car rides...sounds fun.”
A wave of love washed over me.
“Was that a mental hug?”
“Something like that.”
My insides warmed, and I tried to send what he made me feel back to him.
“All right, big guy, let’s roll. If we’re lucky, I’ll get to hit someone today.”
“This time, Charlene will get us in,” Grey said as we stood outside the news building.
I nodded, more than willing to let someone else take the lead.
People moved around us, keeping up with their everyday chaotic rush. Since leaving the apartment, I’d maintained my balance of near emptiness by siphoning and draining. In those brief moments when I inhaled the emotions of those around me, I got a read on our group. Anticipation was heavy, but trepidation was a close second.
Carlos stood behind me, his hands wrapped around my arms. I wasn’t sure if it was a loving embrace or restraints. Either way, his touch helped calm some of the storm as did the gentle surges of love I felt from him.
Charlene and Thomas started out, followed closely by Winifred. The rest of us fell in loosely behind them. As a group, we entered the building and made for the elevators where we split into two groups.
“We’ll meet on the twelfth floor,” Winifred said.
Bethi, Luke, Gabby, Clay, and Grey stepped into the elevator with Carlos and me.
“Congratulations,” Clay said quietly, looking at Carlos.
Behind me, I felt Carlos nod.
I was puzzled for a moment until Carlos gave me another one of those mental hugs.
Bethi’s eyes went wide as she stared at me.
“Shut up...”
I gave her a crooked grin.
“Bet you didn’t get a hand shoved in your face,” she said.
“Will you ever let me forget that?” Luke asked.
“Nope.”
Gabby glanced at me.
“It’s strange at first, but you’ll get used to him being in your head.”
Hearing her say that relieved me. It was weird having Carlos in there. Not really in a bad way, just...weird.
“I hope so,” I said.
“We’re standing right here,” Luke said.
Gabby grinned at him and leaned back against Clay.