Children of the Gods - A Chosen Novel by Monica Millard Read Free Book Online Page B

pulling in a deep breath, then gingerly pulled his
arm from beneath me.
    I opened my eyes a fraction and watched as he
dressed slowly, clearly still hurting. There was still no response
from Anaya regarding the growing concern I felt for him.
    I closed my eyes as he turned back toward me.
He must have stood there for five minutes. Watching me?
    Finally I could hear him move toward the
wall. I chanced a peek and watched as he knelt down and pressed a
hand to the wall lower than normal. There were no bells.
    “Griff, I am leaving now. Could you come keep
an eye on her?”
    I gritted my teeth.
    “How are you feeling?” I almost gasped when I
heard Griff’s voice as if he were in the room with us.
    “Still a bit groggy.”
    “Jax, you should not be out wandering around
in your condition. I can take care of things today.” The concern in
Griff’s voice surprised me.
    “I will be alright. Besides, she needs her
space.”
    “She needs you safe more than she needs
space.”
    “If it will make you feel better, I will take
Orson with me.”
    “Take Alton instead, and promise me you will
visit the Waters and stay clear of the garden.”
    “Did she like the flowers?” Jaxson asked,
ignoring Griff’s request. His tone was different, it was
softer.
    “She loved them, but she thinks they are from
me.”
    “As long as they made her happy, I do not
care who she thinks they are from.”
    “She should know, Jax,” Griff pleaded.
    “She may not like them if she knows the
truth. Do not tell her, please.”
    “I am on my way.” Griff’s voice had resigned
frustration in it. I could imagine him shaking his head at
Jaxson.
    I closed my eyes as he turned and came
towards me. Kneeling next to the bed he caressed my cheek. I
blinked and looked up at him. He smiled.
    “Good morning, Love.”
    I could not help but smile because he did not
call me by her name. “Morning.” I yawned and stretched.
    “I have to go, but Griff will be here to
escort you anywhere you would like to go.”
    I narrowed my eyes and glared at him.
    “It is for your protection. I cannot have
anything happening to this.” He kissed my forehead. I touched his
cheek as he pulled back to look at me. “How are you feeling?” I
asked.
    “I feel amazing. Being with you makes
everything better.”
    “You are a terrible liar.”
    My sense of compassion wrestled with the side
of me that wanted nothing more than to see him disappear through
the wall. How could I let him though, after what I just witnessed
of his character.
    I did not like feeling I was the cruel
one.
    The wall chimed announcing Griff. As it
opened completely and Jaxson turned to leave, I grabbed his
hand.
    “Stay.”
     
    Chapter 8
    The wall whined, indicating it was locked.
Jaxson pulled on his animal skin pants and walked carefully to the
wall. He situated himself so he was standing casually, then pressed
a hand to open the wall.
    “Duester?” he said her name with
surprise.
    “Jaxson, what is the meaning of this? Sending
a guard to complete your responsibilities!” She made a sound of
disgust.
    My blood was boiling instantly. I did not
even think. I grabbed the sheets up around me and crossed to where
Jaxson was standing.
    “Jaxson, my love, that would not be my good
friend, Duester, speaking so irreverently to you, would it?”
    Reaching under his arms, I pressed my palms
to his bare chest and rested my head against his shoulder so I
could look Duester in the eye.
    “Anaya!” she gasped. “I meant no disrespect.
I was concerned. Jaxson, here, has never missed a single day, not
even on changing days. Now I see there was no need to worry. He is
merely attending to the whims of his queen.” Her tone filled me
with acid.
    “Which is my number one priority,” Jaxson
responded.
    “I simply could not stand to share him
today.” I reached out and touched her shoulder. “You of all people
should understand the desire to be close to the one you love. It
has not been so long since the