Chapter Sixty - Scared - Maya's POV

The second the bathroom door is closed, I exhale. My hands are still shaking, though I have the dagger with me. Even after everything that's happened, I haven't had a moment to breathe. Not really. Evelyn only left me a few moments ago when she knew he was on the way here. Now that I'm by myself, it's all crashing into me at once. A vampire and a rogue, as they call it, were in my room. If Evelyn hadn't been there, I would have died. And well, I would have died out in the woods if Damian hadn't been on his way back. I tighten my grip on the dagger, my knuckles turning white. Damian told me I was safe here, but how can I believe that when they had already snuck in here once? That vampire almost had me, which surprised me because the sun had risen. I guess it has something to do with the shade of the trees, keeping them safe. I swallow hard as my heart pounds in my chest. It feels like I'm a prisoner and nowhere is safe. And the worst part of all of this is I want to stay. I know if I go anywhere, they'll just find me and I won't have anyone to defend me. I hate feeling this way and I hate it when my body reacts when he's near. The way my body betrays me by leaning into his touch makes me angry. I should be pushing him away, not pulling him in closer. He's dangerous, obsessive, and possessive. And yet, when he gave me this dagger earlier, he told me to protect myself. Something about that moment has stuck with me. He wants me to fight and trusts me to. But I don't know a single thing about fighting. It doesn't mean I trust him, though. Not yet. But I can't ignore the way my stomach twists when I think about how he looked at me before walking into his bathroom. His golden gaze burned with something raw, something hungry. I shake my head, dismissing those thoughts. No, I can't think about things like that. I have to focus on right now. The only reason I'm staying here is because I have no other choice. If I run, I die. I get it now and will stay put. I really don't want to die. As I inhale, I force myself to stand. The room is too quiet, save for the sound of the shower running. I need to move and find some clothes, but no one has allowed me to go back in there yet. My gaze flickers toward the door before I realize I could sneak away now, while he's busy. But as soon as I start toward the door, the sound of the water shutting off makes me freeze. My heart leaps into my throat. He's coming back, and I'm still in this blasted robe. Panic flares in my chest, but I shove it down, remembering I have a dagger. I won't let him control me and I could use this against him, if I need to. I take a slow breath as the bathroom door creaks and he steps out. His gaze finds mine, but I'm too busy staring at him. The towel is slung low on his hops, steam curling around his bare skin. I don't move. Neither does he. Then he chuckles. 'Going somewhere?" I don't answer him right then because I'm too focused on his bare chest. Damian stands there, still dripping water down his skin. His golden eyes glow softly in the dim light, waiting for me to make a move. I tighten my grip on the dagger as if I might use it. That would be a mistake. 'Just thinking." His lips twitch, almost like he wants to smile. 'Thinking about what??" I swallow and look at him again. As I shift my feet, I know I'm losing my resolve. 'Options." He reaches up, dragging a hand through his damp hair before stepping further into the room. My stomach twists as I take a step back, but the moment I do, his expression changes. 'Are you afraid of me or thinking of running away screaming? I mean, I can't say I blame you if you're wanting to run. It was scary." I shake my head, but I move the dagger upward a little, against my chest. Damian doesn't miss the subtle movement. His golden gaze flickers down to the dagger and then lands on my face. 'Do you think you need to use that against me?" I don't answer because I don't know anymore. Would I? Probably not. His jaw flexes, and before I can think, he moves. Too fast. One second, I'm standing with the dagger gripped in my hand and in the next, Damian is towering over me. His chest brushes against mine as his fingers curl around my wrist. I inhale as I gaze up at him. My entire body goes rigid. He doesn't squeeze or try to pry the weapon from my hand. Instead, he just holds me. The heat of his skin seeps into mine, and I hate the way I melt into him. 'You don't need this," he says softly. I want to tell him he's wrong, but don't. 'You gave it to me to use." Damian watches me for a long moment before releasing my wrist. 'I'm not your enemy. That dagger is to fight back against those who will harm you." 'You're not my friend, either," I counter. 'No," he says, his golden eyes darkening. 'I'm not, but I'm something more." When I go silent, he finally turns around and heads for what I assume is the closet, but he stops at a chest of drawers first. 'I'm not going to lock you in here. If you want to leave, do. But I'm warning you. The safest place is next to me." I blink. 'What? I can roam?" He grabs a pair of pants from one drawer and underwear from another before looking at me over his shoulder. 'You heard me." He's giving me out, but is it real? Or is it another test to see what I'll do? I glance at the door. It's right there and I can leave. Without wasting time, I walk toward the door and leave. In the hallway, I look back, and he still isn't looking at me. I head next door to my room and open the door, only for my heart to sink. Two dead wolves are lying in my room. It's an absolute wreck and blood is splattered everywhere. 'Of course it is." With a heavy heart, I head right back to his room and shut the door behind me. 'I wasn't truly leaving. I just wanted some clothes, but I think I need you to get them for me." He only laughs. 'I will go get them once I'm dressed. Anything particular you want?" 'Just something soft and comfortable. A simple t-shirt and some sleep shorts will work." He nods before disappearing into the closet to get dressed.