CANDACE

My lashes fluttered open slowly, my vision gradually clearing until I could see well.Trying to sit up, I realized that I was on a big bed with luxurious, silky sheets.That was when it sunk in.I bolted upright immediately, my eyes widening as I tried to make sense of where I currently was.A sharp pain slashed through my head, and I lifted my hands to cradle my head.I tried to think back to the events of the past but nothing was forthcoming…Except when I Changed!Joy unfiltered spread throughout my chest, and I resisted the urge to jump and dance.For all I knew, there could be cameras in here watching my every move.As if I conjured someone else, there was a soft knock on the door before I watched the doorknob slowly turn inwards.Panic set in as I watched the door swing inwards, with no clue what to do.Should I play dead or remain conscious?Unfortunately, I waited too long and both choices were taken from me as I watched who was behind that door reveal himself.As far as kidnappers go, this one was quite good-looking.He was over six feet tall with moss-green eyes and a head full of silky, black hair.He had kind eyes and his hands were held loosely by his side as he walked forward, a cup of ice-cold water in one hand.“Hi.” I said nothing, my fists clutching the sheets as I watched him warily.He raised his hands in a peace sign. “I'm not gonna hurt you.”“Then let me go.” I insist. “Where am I?”“My home.” He answered simply. “You've been passed out for about two days, and I just came to check up on you.”“How did you find me? Are you from Tyler?” It wasn't far-fetched, to be honest. Tyler was a sadistic motherfucker, and this could be part of his plan to hurt me.The guy's face scrunched up in confusion, and he shook his head slowly. “No. My name is Ethan, and I found you on the edge of my property.” At my bewildered state, he explained. “In the forest. You were almost unconscious and bleeding when I passed by and chose to help.”“Yeah, because you just happened to be passing by?” I folded my hands across my chest, skeptical.Ethan sighed. “I heard a scream and I chose to investigate. Happy now?”No, not really.However, I didn't argue it any further. I was just careful and on the lookout for any suspicious activity which I would immediately counter.Good thing I had martial arts training.“Water?” He handed the glass over to me. I hesitated, eyeing the drink with suspicion. Ethan just huffed in exasperation, throwing his head back so he could take a sip before handing it back to me. “Convinced I'm not out to kill you now?”I didn't fully trust him, perks of being hurt but I gratefully accepted the glass.He sat down on the bed, the material dipping beneath his weight.I shrank back in panic.“I'm not trying to hurt you. I just want to check your wound, if it's all healed up.” Ethan explained, studying me carefully.After minutes of careful consideration, I inclined my head to the left giving him access.“Sure.”“Thank you.” He smiled, gently lifting my leg to rest on his thigh. He moved the long gown I was wearing up a bit, to give him access to my ankle.My leg was wrapped with a bandage which until he showed me, I wasn't aware of.I let out a gasp of pain, twisting my leg to the side.Ethan gently prodded the skin of my leg, unwrapping the bandage off my leg.There was a nasty, pink scar on the left side of my leg.“What happened?” My eyes widened, and I strained my neck to get a closer look.“I think you must have gotten your leg cut during a run.” He magically brought out a small bag from his left-hand side, removing a cotton wool and methylated spirit.When he started to dab it, I hissed in pain.“Sorry, you mind telling me what you were doing on my property?”I turned away, not sure of what to say. “I was sent away from my pack and I was wandering through the woods until I stumbled into your home. Sorry about that by the way.”Ethan chuckled, massaging an oil into my leg. It was so soothing that I almost slept off instantly.Ethan lightly tapped my leg, and I woke up.“Are you feeling okay?” He asked.“Yeah, I feel better too.” I thanked him, drawing my leg down. “Thank you.”I moved back when Ethan got a little comfortable on the bed. “Can I stay here? Watch over you while you rest?” He asked, and up close his eyes appeared even more intense.Wasn't that a bit creepy?Like he read my mind, Ethan replied. “I know it sounds a bit creepy but I just can't stop worrying about you…”I swallowed, licking my lips. Forcing a smile on my face I said, “Sure. Did you bring food?”Ethan leaped to his feet. “I can get that for you.”He grabbed a long string of rope dangling from the ceiling, and seconds later a knock sounded on the door.It turns out that it was a signal for a maid to show up and after Ethan was done placing an order, he ambled back to the bed.I relaxed on the mountain of pillows behind my back, propping my head up on my hand while Ethan regaled me with stories, trying to draw me into a conversation.I slowly got comfortable enough to talk freely, even going as far as laughing and joking.When the food came, I was surprised to see Ethan feed me so tenderly, looking into my eyes.I didn't even know when time flew past, lost in each other's world.