The Cambion's Hoard
Chapter 26-Henson

Biggs was sleeping, and the others still weren’t back. This was all so messed up. I wanted to be angry with Rose, but I couldn’t. This wasn’t her fault; it wasn’t anyone’s fault. Nature couldn’t be controlled.

I went into the bath and filled up the tub. A good soaking was called for, and I poured half a bag of Epsom salt into the water. I settled into the water when the upstairs door opened.

“Rose, really, I’m ok.” Thatcher sounded tired.

“You can’t see your face.” Rose’s concern was palpable.

There was a gentle knock on the door. “Can we come in so I can finish cleaning Thatcher up?”

“It’s fine, Rose.” I sunk down in the water a little.

They came into the bathroom, and my heart dropped. Thatcher’s face was covered in dried blood and swollen.

“I thought a healer was coming?” I sat up and leaned over the tub.

Rose’s jaw twitched in agitation. “He came.”

Thatcher sat down on the toilet. He put his hands on Rose’s waist and pulled her towards him. “When he got to the point where I was conscious. I told him to stop. I’ll heal fine on my own.”

I watched Rose, and her irritation grew. It was like a little dark cloud formed over her head. Her feelings for Thatch made my heart hurt. She cared so much about him that she looked at him lovingly, even when angry. Mate bonds were insane.

“You could be completely healed. No broken nose, no fractured jaw, and eye socket. No swelling. No split lip, no...”

Thatch grabbed her face and placed his thumb over her mouth. “Let my brother see his handy work. Once I’m healed, we won’t look the same anymore. I like that idea.”

She crossed her arms over her chest and pouted. Thatcher pulled his thumb down her lower lip. “Stop worrying now. I’m going to be fine. I’ll get cleaned up and go lie down. Patti and Linus said you went into shock. Why don’t you join Hen in the tub? Take a soak. It’ll help.”

“I put in my favorite Epsom salt blend. Thatch can sit in here instead if it would make you feel more comfortable.” I didn’t want to get out, but he was her mate first. Hopefully, I could be hers one day too, but she needed to heal after today.

Rose looked between the two of us, clearly annoyed. “No, he’s going to get cleaned up. Go to my room, and I’ll soak with you for a little bit.” She gave me her full gaze. “No funny business.”

“I will keep my dick firmly against your back.” Then, grabbing her shirt, I pulled her toward me. “I can’t promise it won’t be rigid, though.”

She scoffed and smacked my hand away. “You.”

Thatcher and I laughed. “Oh, stop, it hurts my face.”

Rose went back to Thatch and took his face in her hands. She pressed her forehead to his gently, and they both sighed. “Better?”

“Yeah. Now get naked and get in the tub. If you keep it up, you’ll wear yourself out. I need you functioning.” Thatch finally got up and grabbed a washcloth from the cabinet.

Rose looked back at me. “Promise no funny business?”

“I promise, Rose. Let me hold you for a little while.” It was going to do us both some good.

Rose pulled her nightgown over her head and dropped it to the floor. I glanced at Thatcher, and he watched her strip. I looked back at Rose, and she was blushing. She’d never blushed when Biggs and I watched her. It made me realize that they had something special. I hated it.

“I wish my face didn’t hurt so much. I’d enjoy making you cum again.” Thatch turned away and wet his rag out in the sink.

Rose slipped out of her underwear and threw them at Thatcher. “Once you’re healed.”

“Would you two quit it, or I’m not going to be able to keep it together.” I leaned back in the tub and stared at the ceiling.

The water sloshed, and I looked up. Rose stepped into the tub and lowered herself. I adjusted so she could sit between my legs comfortably. She took a breath, and her body shook.

“If it’s ok with her, you can hold her, ya know?” Thatch sat back down on the toilet and dabbed his face gingerly.

Rose reclined against me. “It’s ok with me.”

I wrapped my arms around her, placing them snuggly under her breasts. She put hers on top of mine and rested her head against my chest.

“Why aren’t you mad that he’s holding me?” her voice was a whisper.

Thatch rested his arms on his knees. “Because I love him. I love looking at him hold you. Henson has always brought me comfort. I want you to have that comfort too. I’m not threatened by him because I know he’d care for you like I would.”

My heart ached. I may not be his mate, but he trusted me with her. I kissed the top of Rose’s head. She felt so fragile in my arms, and I understood why Thatch wanted her to have comfort. Why she needed it.

“I’m going to go lie down.” He got up, stroked Rose’s chin, and left.

We sat in silence for a moment before she began to shake. “Hey, hey. I’ve got you. It’s ok.”

She turned in my arms and hugged me. Rose cried, and she cried hard. I stroked her head and rubbed her back. She had suffered today, more emotions than an average person, let alone an Other, could handle. I held her until her sobs softened and turned to hiccups.

“I’m sorry.” She lowered herself into the water.

“Don’t be.”

She looked up. Even though her cheeks were tear-stained and her eyes were red, she was beautiful. I wiped the leftover tears from her face.

“No, you don’t understand. I’m so sorry. I wish I’d never moved in here. It’s caused you so much pain, Hen.”

I took her face in my hands. “Rose. You cannot help what’s happened. It is not your fault, and I don’t blame you. We belong to dragons. They are cold-blooded and hotheaded. Not much we can do about it.”

Rose pushed my hands away and grabbed my face; pulling me down, she kissed me. It was soft and sweet.

She pressed her forehead to mine. “Thank you.”

She settled back down against me, wrapping her arms around my waist. I wrapped her in mine and sunk slowly into the water. This woman was going to be the death of us.