Page 226 of The Chosen One Universe: Volume One

Sawyer

Sawyer made the unfortunate mistake of trying to roll over. Pain shot through his body and he gasped awake with a cry of pain. His head throbbed and his side burned. His entire body hurt, actually. He sat up gingerly, looking around in confusion.

Then the memories of the past day came flooding back to him. “Ward?”

Nothing. He climbed out of bed and winced when his feet touched the floor. He didn’t have clothes on, but his feet and side were both bandaged. He slowly made his way out of the bedroom and into the living area of Ward’s cabin. He tried not to panic when he didn’t find his new guardian anywhere.

The sun was out so he peeked outside the front door. It wasn’t until he caught a flash of silver in the water that he realized he wasn’t alone after all.

“Ward?” Sawyer called, raising his voice a bit so it would reach over the crashing waves to the sea. It seemed to work as Ward stopped swimming and turned toward him. He waved, and then began swimming toward shore. A boat appeared off the horizon, catching Sawyer’s attention as it seemed to be heading straight for them. He watched it nervously, waiting for Ward to step onto the sand.

Sawyer had no idea what type of creature Ward became, but he knew that as a human, Ward took his breath away. His skin was deeply tanned all over, obviously a benefit of spending so much time in the sun and ocean. He pushed his dark hair out of his face and Sawyer wondered if he kept it short because it was easier for swimming.

His body was a work of art as well. Broad muscled shoulders which led to a heavily muscled chest. He shook a bit more of the water off of him and Sawyer nearly swallowed his tongue. He hadn’t imagined how thick Ward was in other places. He was big all over.

Before he got too distracted admiring the view, he pointed toward the sea and the approaching boat. Ward turned and looked at it before turning back and running up the beach until he reached Sawyer’s side.

“Afternoon,” Ward said quietly. “How are you feeling?”

“Rough,” Sawyer answered honestly. “Like I’ve been beaten up.”

“You were,” Ward said. He reached for Sawyer’s face and held it gently. “Do you not remember?”

Sawyer smiled and covered one of Ward’s hands with his own. “I remember. I was just being weird. Thank you for staying with me.”

Ward moved closer, tucking Sawyer against the long line of his body. “I should have been there when you woke. I promised I would be but… I found I needed the sea for a few moments.”

“It’s okay. Um, do you have a phone? I was pretty out of it last night and didn’t ask, but I really need to call my mates.”

“I do not,” Ward said. “I do not interact with humans often.”

“Okay,” Sawyer said. “So, I need to get to a phone.”

“I understand. We are several hours walk away from my nearest neighbors. I can shift to my horse form and let you ride, but you should rest a bit more first. You’re injured.”

As much as he hated to admit it, Ward was right. If walking hurt this much, riding for hours wasn’t going to be pleasant. He needed to think. He needed his mates. He needed to not panic.

Ward urged him to sit on the cabin steps then knelt in front of him and unwrapped one of his feet.

Sawyer didn’t want to look. He had a feeling they weren’t pretty to see. “Do you have to swim every day? Our seer had a vision so we’re having a saltwater pool built. I’m pretty sure it must be for you.”

“I was oddly drained today. I think… I think when we shared my magic it tired me. The water is rejuvenating for me. I shouldn’t have left you. I should have waited.”

Sawyer looked up, searching Ward’s heartbroken eyes. “You did the right thing. You… you’re all I have right now, so if you needed to regain your strength, I’m glad you took a few minutes to do that while I was sleeping. But… Ward, did I hurt you?”

“No. Not at all. I was a little tired, that’s all. I’m better now.” Ward looked over his shoulder at the approaching boat. “I would like it if you went inside now. Strangers are approaching. It is not safe for you.”

“Should you, I don’t know, put some shorts on or something?”

Ward glanced down at his body, and then up at Sawyer. “If you prefer.”

Sawyer couldn’t stop his grin. “Well, I prefer you exactly like this to be honest, but if that boat comes any closer, they may see your beautiful body too and I’m not sure how I feel about sharing you with strangers.”

Ward smiled then lifted Sawyer easily into his arms and carried him back into the house. “Then I will cover myself and see what it is they want. My cove is generally sheltered, and I don’t receive visitors.”

Sawyer glanced back worriedly. The boat was still moving their way and hadn’t slowed at all. “Do you think… did they find me?”

Ward looked back over his shoulder. “Perhaps. You’ll be safe inside, Sawyer. I believe I will change forms to assess this threat.”