With Ryder gone, Jade could now let her guard down and take care of what mattered most. So as soon as he left, she rushed to kneel next to her mate. Tori lay on the ground, breathing quick and painful. She didn't move until Jade reached out to grip her limp hand in her own, stroking the back of it with her thumb. Tori responded weakly.
"Is he gone?" she ground out through tightly clenched teeth. Jade nodded and carefully pushed up Tori's shirt.
"Jesus, you're definitely gonna need stitches," she commented, wincing at the damage. She stripped off her over shirt and pressed it to the four gashes. Tori groaned and held her hands over Jade's.
"Can't I just drink your blood and heal?" she whined. Jade chuckled.
"This isn't True Blood you dork. Sit tight. I'm going to tell Beck to get the first aid kit," Jade replied, concern lining her face. She slipped her hands out from under Tori's and stood.
"W-what? First aid kit? You're going to do it?" the human sputtered.
"Of course. You trust me don't you?" the vampire replied, marching to the door only to pause at the question and look back.
"Yeah," Tori answered without hesitation. Jade smiled softly.
"Then don't worry. Wait here," she said, slipping out the door.
"Pff, yeah. Like I'm going anywhere," Tori muttered. She tried to relax and added pressure to the blood soaked shirt on her stomach. It wasn't long when Jade returned with Beck right behind her.
"Thanks for the sass by the way. Here I am, trying to patch you up after you stupidly get involved in a fight, between vampires none the less, and you're giving me sass," Jade groused good-naturedly, a smirk on her face. Tori harrumphed and looked away pointedly. Jade knelt back down and so did Beck. He set the first aid kit down and then searched through for the necessary supplies and tools. When he found the needle he gave it to Jade who soaked it in some rubbing alcohol and then began attaching the thread. While she did that Beck removed the shirt from Tori and cleaned up some of the blood. Tori made the mistake of looking back at Jade. Her eyes caught sight of the needle and they widened.
"Oh my God, you're really going to do it. C-can you please j-just…lick it or something? That heals, right?" Tori panicked. Jade laid a hand on her shoulder and shook her head.
"No, not deep wounds. It could help the blood thicken and relax you if you want. It'll cause slight numbness and make you feel a little better too," she remarked. Tori nodded vehemently.
"Please," she requested. Jade just smiled and looked to Beck who nodded in return as he removed the bloody shirt and rag he used to clear the excess blood from the skin around the wound. Jade placed a cool hand on Tori's ribs and she cringed.
"Ow," she gasped, squeezing her eyes shut.
"I haven't done anything yet," Jade told her.
"Yeah, but it's going to hurt," Tori replied certainly.
"It won't. I promise," Jade reassured. When Tori seemed a little more relaxed she leaned in to run her tongue along the first cut, her saliva a welcome relief on the wound. As soon as her tongue left Tori's tan skin she began pushing and pulling the needle through her flesh, stitching it closed with swift precision. By the time she reached the end she was tying it off and preparing the needle while her tongue ran along the next. Her movements were efficient and deft. The speed as well as care eased Tori enough that she sometimes felt the tug of skin but there was barely any pain. Jade admired her work and then passed the tools to Beck. He put them away and left the room, leaving Jade with a roll of gauze.
"Sit up for me," she instructed Tori. She helped Tori up, since she was too weak to do it on her own, and then began winding the gauze around her torso. It brought her close to Tori who observed the concentrated expression on Jade's face as she worked. Her sculpted brows were drawn down slightly and her blue-green eyes were determined. She could see her nostrils flaring with each breath and wondered if all the blood bothered her. When Jade was done she held her hands to Tori's body and looked her right in the eyes. Tori only thanked her with a hand cupping her face for a loving kiss.
"I'm sorry I can't help you heal now," she whispered, lips brushing Jade's.
"It's ok. I'll heal eventually. When you feel well enough I'll be taking my fill of you though. Just a fair warning," Jade replied with an impish grin. Tori rolled her eyes but chuckled. Jade scooped her up and carried her to her room. She set Tori in bed, washed off, and then returned to the lounge to help Beck tidy up the room while Tori fell fast asleep. Hours later Jade was mostly healed. She busied herself in the office with the last stack of paperwork assigned to her and then leaned back in the chair, her feet on the desk once more. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back, catching the sound of shuffling steps outside her door.
"You can come in," she projected so that the human on the other side of the closed door could hear. Tori peeked in with a tired smile, walking in a moment later. She held her middle with both arms, like she would fall apart at any minute. Jade got to her feet and met Tori halfway, picking her up and carrying her to the chair where she sat down and held Tori on her lap. She curled up with her head tucked under Jade's chin, resting on her chest. Her hands still held her torso so Jade wrapped an arm around her back for support while the other rubbed soothingly up and down her arm.
"You're pretty good at comforting," Tori remarked quietly. Jade scoffed and buried her nose in Tori's hair, inhaling her scent.
"I'm only good at comforting you," she disagreed.
"That's good enough, isn't it?" Tori questioned.
"Yeah, it is. So why are you out of bed, hm?" Jade replied, changing the subject with a question of her own. Tori sighed and shifted a little.
"I felt lonely and I couldn't sleep. I just wanted to be near you," she answered honestly. Jade had never felt so warm before. Maybe it was because she was a creature that lacked it in the first place, emotionally as well as physically, but she couldn't find it in her to hate it. She actually liked it. Her father could remain unhappy with her decision to choose her servant as a mate all he wanted, but the fact was, she made Jade happy. She was happy, and the feeling was so rare and barely ever felt that she wasn't looking to lose her hold on it anytime soon.
"You need to rest. How about you go back to bed and I'll join you?" Jade suggested.
"Ok," Tori accepted. Jade stood with Tori in her arms and took her back to her room. She set her on the plush mattress and then shimmied out of her jeans, leaving her in her underwear and tank top. She draped the pants on the chair of the small desk and then laid down next to Tori, careful not to jostle her. Tori whined at the lack of contact, making Jade laugh.
"So needy," she commented, scooting closer to stroke Tori's cheek. Tori leaned into the touch and brought a hand up to hold it there.
"You always make me feel like that. I've never really been greedy or selfish before, but with you, I just can't stop," Tori muttered, a hint of guilt in her voice. Jade kissed away her frown and then rested her forehead on Tori's.
"Being selfish once in a while is good for you," she replied. Tori leaned back enough to see Jade better and raised a disbelieving brow.
"It is. It's healthy. Giving all the time without receiving anything in return is plain fucking unfair. In my opinion, if you've done all you can and get shit back then you deserve anything you want, no matter how unbalanced the exchange is. It's what you want," she stated, her tone unyielding and direct. She was passionate about what she said and it made Tori stare at her with a tilt to her head.
"Anything I want?" she repeated. Jade propped herself up on her elbow so that she could gaze down at Tori and held her face in her hands.
"Anything," she confirmed. Tori grinned and reached up to bring Jade in for a heated kiss. It sent a jolt through Jade at the earnest and intimate way Tori's mouth graced hers. Here she thought the wounded human would be too weak to move but she seemed to have energy in reserve. When Tori finally released her she was panting and Jade's mind was in a haze.
"Fuck Tori, what was that?" she asked, eyes on the hooded brown orbs staring unabashedly at her.
"My gratitude, apology, and love," she answered simply. Jade took a moment to think about that before smiling fondly.
"I'll be sure to show you my 'gratitude, apology, and love' when you're all healed," she promised, a hand running up Tori's side before coming back down to rest at her hip. She trembled under Jade's touch and hoped she healed fast. Jade laid back down next to her and tucked them in. She held Tori in a protective yet light manner and helped Tori to sleep with careful passes of her hand over her face, arm, or side. She waited a half hour after Tori fell asleep to make sure she wouldn't wake up when she left the bed. She stopped at the door to glance back at her once more before leaving the room.
She shut the door softly and strode back towards the office but paused in the doorway. Her father was finally home and it was high time she made her decision a solid and immovable one. She wouldn't let anyone dictate what she wanted from here on out, and that included him. She squared her shoulders and entered the room. He was at his desk going through the papers he left her. A scuff on the desk caught his attention and he rubbed it with an annoyed sigh. He set the papers aside, weaved his fingers together on the desk, and met her gaze straight on. She took her usual seat in front of the desk and leaned on her legs, her own fingers weaved together. She didn't break eye contact for a second.
"You're sure about this?" he grumbled, begrudgingly, like he was the one mated to a human. It was possible that her choice could reflect on him but ultimately she was taking full responsibility of what would happen.
"Yes," she replied, her tone resolute. He let out a dramatic sigh and then began jotting something down on a document. He finished with a flourish of his pen and then filed it away.
"Fine. It's done. Don't come begging me for help or wondering why you're viewed as a disgrace among our people," he stated coldly. Jade only shrugged and stood.
"She's done pretty well so far. She's outlasted my temper and handled all my needs without a problem. She has stamina to spare and she's also very…durable," Jade explained, her sly smirk returning. Her father made a disgusted sound in the back of his throat but turned it into clearing his throat.
"Very well. Get out of here. I have things to take care of and then I'm leaving for the day. Be ready to take over command at any time. I have many trips to take this year," he told her.
"Yes, father," she replied with a small nod. She left the room to head back to Tori's so she could be with her a little longer before she had her own tasks to accomplish. Tori welcomed her back with a tired but happy smile and Jade curled up next to her. As she laid there she wondered how long it would take for Tori to be fully healed. That turned out to be close to six months. She was already on her feet by three but Jade wanted to wait until the bruising and scabs were healed too before they did anything strenuous. Tori agreed but unfairly enjoyed taunting and teasing Jade the whole time, much to Jade's irritation. She did admire Tori's total lack of fear when it came to her though. She liked Tori being on the same level as her, even if she was a human. Speaking of her ray of harmless, well, somewhat harmless, sunshine. Where was she? Jade had spent ten minutes looking for her, taking her time, but still turning up empty. She retraced her steps and walked back into Tori's room. She froze when she shut the door and turned to see that Tori wasn't there. She couldn't hear her in the bathroom either.
"Dammit, Vega. Where the hell are you?" she muttered, disgruntled. She walked further into the room, searching intently. A small sound caught her attention, and she prepared to turn, but arms suddenly wrapped around her neck from behind. Strong legs locked on her waist and squeezed.
"Gotcha! Finally! I won!" Tori's playful voice shouted. Jade growled at the loud sound in her ears but chuckled at Tori's antics.
"Is that what you were trying to do? Sneak up on me?" she questioned, her hands automatically going to Tori's legs to help support her. She was looking over her shoulder at Tori who was leaning forward to meet her eyes.
"Yeah. I was trying to see if it was possible. I guess it is," she replied smugly.
"I kinda heard you right before you pounced, but close enough," Jade informed her.
"Nope. I got you," Tori denied with a shake of her head. Jade shook her head but smiled.
"Whatever," she dismissed. Tori laughed joyously and nipped at Jade's ear before placing a kiss under it followed by a bite to the shoulder. Jade shuddered under her grip and quickly deposited Tori on her bed. She pinned the human by the shoulders and gazed down at her.
"I feel better now, Jade," Tori whispered hopefully with a bite at her bottom lip. Jade's crooked smile of amusement tugged at her lips just so and made Tori smile. The vampire had started out so cold, so harsh and uncaring. But the longer Tori spent with her, the more she noticed the soft edges to her mostly prickly personality. That included her soft spot for her mate. Jade leaned down and captured Tori's lips, kissing her gently.
"I Love you," Tori mumbled when they parted.
"And I you," Jade answered. Tori grinned and then pushed Jade over to tackle her on the bed. She connected their lips again while her hands stayed busy undressing Jade as well as herself. Jade let herself be controlled, dominated, helpless to her human's ministrations. She didn't get to have Tori until she had hit her peak a few times in a row. Only then did Tori let her reciprocate. She took her hard and left appreciative bruises as well as nips and love bites scattered all over her tan body. Afterwards, Jade lay on her stomach, hugging a pillow in her arms to prop herself up. Tori sat astride her waist, warm hands massaging the cool skin of her back. Both only bothered to wear a pair of underwear but nothing else. Jade groaned and rested her chin on the pillow she held, enjoying Tori's hands on her body. The human had managed to leave some marks and bites on her pale skin but they healed minutes later, the damage minimal. Tori skimmed down Jade's back and then placed her hands at Jade's shoulder so that she could lean over on her, chest flush against her skin. Jade glanced back at her with a raised brow. Tori just returned it with a mischievous smile. Her right hand came around to lightly hold Jade by the chin, thumb brushing over her smooth skin. Her left hand slipped from behind her shoulder to hug her shoulder instead, pressing them a little closer. Her whole body weight was relaxed on Jade but it barely affected her. Jade's left hand came up to grip Tori's right by the wrist.
"You're playful today," she commented, eyes narrowing suspiciously along with her brows furrowing. Tori only giggled and kissed Jade's shoulder, her teeth nibbling seconds later. That sexy mischievous smirk was still on her face.
"It's fun messing with you," she replied. Her thumb moved higher to stroke over Jade's bottom lip. Jade's grip on her sneaky hand tightened slightly. Tori's current impish mood was just too much.
"You should know better my love," Jade purred, her own smirk widening. She caught Tori's thumb in her mouth by the tip with her teeth and flicked it with her tongue. Her fangs were sliding forth again with the hitch of Tori's breath in her ear. She quickly rolled Tori off her and turned over to lay on top of her. She now had Tori on her stomach and she held her by the wrists. Slowly, she sat up so that she was straddling Tori on either side of her hips. She released a wrist to drag a finger down Tori's defined back. She groaned into the sheets and gripped them in her fists. It was Jade's turn to smirk devilishly. Her hand continued down to Tori's underwear and tugged at them.
"Mind if these come off?" she asked, voice husky. Tori wasn't able to answer so Jade took it as a yes. She slid them off and then kissed down Tori's back before rolling her over and kissing her on the mouth. She pulled back and slowly made her way down Tori's body until she was licking at her navel.
"Jade…" Tori gasped, her hands in Jade's hair, tugging a little. Jade blew at her moist skin and then delved lower to taste Tori on her tongue. The human whined and tightened her hold, her ragged breath speeding up with every swipe of Jade's tongue. She cried out each time Jade hit the perfect spot or sucked lightly on the bundle of sensitive nerves. It didn't take much more for her body to lock up with her release, her toes curling. She came down slowly as Jade was determined to help her ride out her orgasm. When Jade came back up she was licking her lips. She plopped down right next to her mate and wrapped her in her arms.
"Can't talk yet?" Jade questioned with an innocent smile. Tori shot a weak glare at her before running her hand through her hair to get it off her sweaty face and neck.
"N-no…" Tori finally panted. Jade's smile widened and she cuddled closer. They spent the time in comfortable silence. It was minutes later when Tori could speak again.
"I bet I can render you speechless," she challenged. Jade scoffed and rolled her eyes.
"Yeah right," she answered. Tori growled with teeth clenched and shoved her on her back. She slid off her underwear and spread her legs then sat between them on her knees. Just seeing Tori between her legs made Jade reach out to grip behind her head and pull her in for a kiss. Tori didn't let the kiss distract her. She entered Jade slowly and slid back out to push in with a little more force. Jade moaned into her mouth, her free hand clenched in a fist at her side. Their lips brushed once in a while but the further Jade was taken she could only moan and grip at Tori's hair until she fell over the edge. Tori's eyes observed every inch of her when she did, her head thrown back, hips jerking, back arched, and muscles tightening. She was able to relax a moment later and opened her eyes to shoot Tori a gratuitous smile.
"So? Any words?" she wondered. Jade only shook her head and closed her eyes again. Tori cheered internally and moved to encircle Jade in her arms.
"Told you," she said with confidence, gaining a chuckle from Jade who leaned over to brush back Tori's hair and kiss her cheek.
"Get some rest and meet with me in an hour for dinner," she told her. She slipped out of her arms, Tori whining at the loss of body contact, and got out of bed.
"Rest," Jade commanded once more. She got dressed and left the room. She wandered and ended up in the kitchen. She took a few minutes to watch Beck cook and then wordlessly walked over to help him. He silently glanced at her with a curious quirk of his brow but then he smiled softly.
"May I ask what you're doing here Miss West?" he spoke up. He rarely spoke, but when he did it was only when necessary. It was the reason Jade liked him. He wasn't overly talkative. She took his question into account and shrugged. If she had to guess it would be because she was gaining an unhealthy soft spot for humans and all they did for them thanks to Tori. It was strange and unexpected but she found that she didn't really mind it, not that she would let anyone know.
"I had nothing else to do so take the help while you can. You'll be lucky if I do this again," she answered, a bit surly. Beck chuckled but nodded.
"Ok. Thank you," he replied. Jade rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, you're welcome. So, what do you need me to do?" she said, crossing her arms. He directed her with a kind voice and Jade responded easily. Together they finished dinner early and a full plate of food sat under a cover, ready for Tori to eat. Beck would eat his share later. Nothing besides questions and statements concerning the food ever crossed between them but now Beck addressed her with an intuitive inquiry.
"You wanted to make dinner for her, didn't you? She's been feeding you all this time and you wanted to give back to her, right?" he asked, his tone hinting that he already knew. Jade attempted a peeved look but one kind smile from him made it drop. She sighed and looked away when she answered.
"Yeah, I guess so," she said with a nod. He smiled wider and picked up the covered plate. He took it out to the dining room and Jade followed him. Tori sat at the table when they arrived. She was curious to know why Jade had been with Beck, the question written on her expression. Jade just took a seat and Beck served Tori. He removed the cover and Tori thanked him. He left them alone after that. Jade silently watched Tori eat.
"Is it good?" she asked suddenly. Tori paused in taking another bite.
"Yeah, why?" she wondered, taking the bite now that she answered.
"Good. I helped Beck," she responded. Tori was surprised but touched, knowing why.
"Well, it's delicious, Jade. You guys make a good team," she complimented. Jade met her gaze and smiled. If Tori didn't know any better she would have thought the expression was a little on the shy side. They were silent while she ate and then when she finished she silently stood and made her way over to Jade. She offered her hand and Jade took it. Tori pulled her up and led her to the lounge. She stopped in the middle of the room and Jade walked up to her so that her front pressed to Tori's back. She wrapped an arm around her middle and Tori placed her hands over Jade's hand resting on her stomach. Jade's other hand coaxed her head to the side and then cupped her jaw. Jade had bitten her before when they made love but those were playful and loving nips compared to the deep bite she bestowed on Tori's shoulder this time. Tori groaned and relaxed into Jade who relished the blood flowing down her throat. In a way, Tori missed it. She missed giving her body to keep Jade healthy. It was a sensual and tender bonding moment between them. When Jade was done she held her mate to her.
"Thank you, Tori," she whispered in her ear.
"For what?" she replied, turning her head to see Jade better.
"For everything. I thought I would hate giving in to you, but how can I when I've been nothing but happy since you came into my life?" the vampire stated. Tori turned in her arms and held Jade's face in her hands.
"I'm glad. I didn't think I would ever be happy here, but you've become someone I never thought you would be," she responded.
"Your happiness is all that matters to me. Which is why I'm letting you freely leave whenever you want so you can see your sister and do whatever else you may want to do," Jade informed her. Tori was shocked but excited, hanging in disbelief.
"Really?" she asked, just to make sure. Jade intertwined their fingers and nodded.
"Really," she assured. Tori let out a happy cheer and yanked Jade in for a kiss.
"Thank you," Tori whispered. Jade shrugged.
"Anything for you," she stated. Tori rested her forehead on Jade's and brushed their noses together. Tori held Jade in her arms a few minutes more, using her shoulder to hold back the tears threatening to spill. She thought she would never see the last member of her family but now she was allowed it and more. Jade provided a car for Tori to use. The next day her mate was gone almost all day. Anxiety and fear overwhelmed her. She sat in her room at her desk, worried that Tori wouldn't return. Why would she? She was free now. She could have easily pretended to love her just to gain her trust and escape. She had been tricked. She had to have been. It hurt even more now that she had foolishly fallen for the human. She folded her arms on her desk and rested her head on her arms, letting out a sigh. She didn't move from that spot. All she could do was wait. She occupied herself with memories of Tori and was brought back to her senses when a warm hand caressed her cheek. She opened her eyes and sat up quickly to see Tori standing there with a big smile on her face. She looked so happy she was ready to burst. Tori knew she loved Jade but now she was over the moon for her. She trusted her, allowed her out, and she had returned. She could see the relief in her vampire's eyes but they were quickly covered with hastily thrown together indifference.
"I was beginning to think you weren't going to come back," she spoke quietly, an uncertain tone in her voice Tori wasn't used to hearing. She wondered if it was fear or hurt, but instead of questioning it, she pushed the chair back so that she could sit in Jade's lap. She draped an arm over her shoulder and the other directed Jade's face to hers with two fingers on her chin. Their lips met with ease, igniting a comforting warmth within them. Jade slipped her tongue in Tori's mouth, turning the kiss into a sensual dance between them. Her arms held her close, firm but not restricting. When they parted Tori kissed her nose and smiled.
"I'd never leave you, Jade. I love you," she whispered honestly.
"I love you too, Tori," Jade responded, voice so tender it melted Tori's heart. She blinked back tears and kissed Jade again. She just couldn't get enough of her. Jade let Tori consume her, submitting to the powerful hold the human had on her. In that moment she was content. She had everything she wanted, regardless if it made her father unhappy or gave her enemies. She had the love of her mate and that was all that mattered. She would never leave Tori's side and she knew now, without a doubt, that Tori would never leave her. For the first time in both their lives, they could agree that they felt completely happy.
Again - Flyleaf