Super short but the next chapter will be better.
The only thing keeping me from skinning JC alive was the fact that my little Claire Bear was shaking in my arms. I was rocking her gently back and forth, rubbing her back softly with my large hand. Carlisle came in after the guys dragged JC away and checked up on Claire, making sure she wasn't injured from all the tubes that had been ripped from her skin. He hooked her back up, and gave me a soft wash cloth that was wet with warm water.
He kissed Claire on the forehead, and gave me a sad look and a pat on the back. "Call me if you two need anything."
I held up the wash cloth feeling a little bit awkward. I know he didn't think anything of giving me the task to wash her skin off, but after everything that's happened to her recently, I didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable. "Do you want me to..? Or would you rather..?"
"Do you mind?" She asked her lip still quivering.
"Of course not," I smiled at her sadly.
I started by gently cleaning her face. Wiping the tears away, and then kissing her on both cheeks. I then moved down to her arms, trailing down the now clean skin with kisses.
After she was all cleaned up, I gave her the food I had gone out to get her. That girl could eat like nobody's business and it made me love her even more. "Quil?" I heard her soft voice float through the quiet.
"Yes, my love?"
"Will you please come stay with me for a few weeks? I mean, you don't have to. I'm just not comfortable staying on my own. I mean, I can go stay at Aunt Emily's or I can stay on your couch or I'm sure Leah will let me crash at her house for a little while."
"I would actually feel much better if I could stay with you for a little while." I cleared my throat. "I want to be able to protect you, and keep you safe. We don't know what he's going to do."
She smiled at me softly and grabbed my hand out of my lap. She started humming. "I don't want to ever feel like that again, Quil." I looked at her questioningly. "I've never stuck around for some guy that makes me feel like shit. You're not about to be the exception to that, okay?"
I cleared my throat, "I never meant to hurt you. I swear to god, Claire. I would never ever betray your trust like that. I don't want anyone else."
She shook her head, "I believe you. I'm just telling you in advance." A sad twinkled sparked in her eyes. "I've never had anyone to look out for me. I mean, sure, I have my friends, but for the most part I always took care of myself. I've never stood for a guy treating me any less than I deserve to be treated. It's not about to start now. Got it?"
"Yes, ma'am," I stood giving her an army salute.
