Edie

Edie

SasatheShy

--

Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Chilling Plan

--

And so Lavan’s plan was set. And so he’d make sure it was made. He traveled alongside Tonisha to Cain’s home. He was ready and willing to settle this once and for all. It was early that following morning. The atmosphere was chilling, dark, and unsettling. Dark, gray clouds blanketed the sky, and all citizens were prepared in case it happened to snow that day.

Back at the inn, Edie peacefully slept, oblivious to what Lavan and Tonisha had planned. Tonisha still believed the idea to be insane. She was certain Cain would turn down Lavan’s second challenge. But then again, he was just as stubborn, if not more than Lavan.

Either way, she knew the outcome could be disastrous.

She stood next to Lavan, eyeing Cain’s home. She turned to him, clearly freezing from the unpleasant weather. “Can you find your way back?”

“Not a problem,” Lavan whispered. He eyed her. “Are you going to stay, though? Just to make sure I can get in to see him?”

“I suppose,” she sighed. She took a few steps back. “Good luck.” Turning, she went to take cover around the corner in the neighborhood. She peeked out, waiting as the door opened. The same Cretchen that had greeted her only yesterday stared down at Lavan. She saw Lavan being serious and firm with the Cretchen. After some minutes of bellowing, he was allowed in.

“Alright,” she breathed as she blew into her hands to keep them warm. “I hope you know what you’re doing.” And she turned to return to her inn.

--

The hunter’s visit was a grim one. Cain was not expecting the other to show his foolish self in the manner that he was. His presence, back to its raggedy self, made Cain stick up his nose. He knew what this was about, even before Lavan could say a word. The moment Lavan stepped into his office, he knew what to expect.

Slowly, Cain rose out of his desk chair. He slowly faced the hunter, making sure to keep calm. He would not be the enemy. Not any longer. And judging by Lavan’s sour, shaky expression, Cain had the feeling Edie had no idea he was there, now, so early and ready to face Cain down.

Grabbing his usual pitcher of ale and popping it open, Cain asked, “Care for a drink?”

“No thank you,” Lavan shivered. He kept his arms at his sides, determined to keep under control.

Shrugging, Cain finished pouring himself a drink. The habit’s grown bad on him since his disappearance that blizzard night. He took only a small sip, welcoming the rich, nasty flavor. He sighed as he cranked his neck to the side. He eyed Lavan blankly.

“Well then, I’m assuming you’re here about Edie. But I’m not sure why.”

“Listen,” Lavan said, standing his ground. “This has to come to a stop.”

“This?”

“Don’t play at me like that,” Lavan growled. “You know what I fucking mean. You and I both know that Edie cannot choose between us on her own. She cares too much for us both, though I still don’t understand how she could possibly care for someone like you.”

“Nor you,” Cain grumbled. He gulped down the rest of his ale. He kept the glass in his hand, twirling it in a composed motion. Edie wouldn’t forgive him if he attacked Lavan then and there; however, he was getting the idea that Lavan was determined to start a fight.

Lavan had not taken Cain’s comeback well. Grinding his teeth, he growled as he took a step forward. He was ready to grab at Cain’s throat, and knock some sense into him. But he remained steady. He’d have his share of Cain soon, knowing Cain would not turn him down.

“My point is that she is struggling with this, Cain. She cannot decide between us, and I don’t know about you, but I have no intentions on spending the rest of my days with both she and you. It’s just -- too much.

“So then, I’d like to challenge you again. And this time, I’m telling you this far from Edie -- I don’t think we should involve her this time. She doesn’t need to know.”

Snorting, Cain felt about ready to take another swing. But deciding he rather not get wasted off of Lavan made him keep his space from the bubbly fluid. Slowly, he turned his back on his desk, focusing his eyes on Lavan’s ugly stare. A part of him was keen on Lavan’s reasoning, however, for challenging him a second time. And without Edie’s presence, he was sure that Lavan’s deceiving plot would not be one ending with rainbows or sunshine.

“Why are you asking me this?” Cain asked. “I thought we both promised Edie we’d keep our distance. We are already breaking one promise to her, just by being in this room together -- alone, and not with her. She wanted us to keep away from one another.”

“Do you really want to agree with her shit?” Lavan snarled. His sudden attitude towards Edie made the captain shocked. “She knows we’d fight like we are, and so she told us that! She wants us both! Haven’t you been listening?”

“Please don’t,” Cain sighed. “I know very well what she desires. But even so, what you are asking of me will lead to ugly results. If we do this, one of us may come out -- dead.”

Pausing, Cain watched as Lavan tensed up. So then, that was it? Lavan did believe one of them would die. And in his eyes, Cain had to be the one to torture.

“I see…” Cain drifted. He locked his eyes to the side, eyeing his sword. It laid casually over his bed, hidden in a sheath of black leather. “I know you want me dead.”

“And you want me dead.” It was matter-of-fact. Lavan knew Cain wanted this, even if he were to deny it.

Cain turned his neck again. He held his tongue.

“The only way for Edie to be happy is for one of us to be dead,” Lavan stated. “That’s all there is to it. Once one of us is gone, she will go to the other for support -- for comfort. It is how she is.”

“And so, the best solution is murder?” Cain almost frowned.

“We can cover it up,” Lavan went on. “Edie will never know what we are planning. We’ll hide it from her. She’ll never have to know. And when she hears the tragic news of the other, one of us will be victorious.” He folded his arms over his chest, showing a part of himself the captain’s never seen before.

A sinister fog was rising out of the floor, curling around Lavan’s figure. The fog represented an evil that the captain once was. A darkness that could lead towards disaster. And Cain, though noticing the change in the hunter, grew willing to accept it. He wanted to keep Edie away from the sudden monster that Lavan was becoming.

“You’re sick,” Cain whispered. “Do you really think that this will work?”

“It will as long as we keep our mouths shut,” Lavan said. “And Tonisha is keeping Edie at bay.”

“So Tonisha is in on this as well?”

“Yes.”

“And so you are further corrupting Edie?” Cain scoffed. He turned his back, ready, this time, to have another drink. Such a messy arrangement could scar Edie even more so than the time Cain had taken her. He just could not hurt her again.

How could he?

“This is ridiculous,” he trembled. Though, if he were to win, and he killed Lavan, he’d have Edie all to himself. No -- wait -- if there were a way he could talk with Edie behind Lavan and Tonisha’s backs, could he end up the winner?

“Even so, it’s right,” he heard Lavan say. “You and I both know that this’ll be never-ending, as long as Edie is smiling at both of us.”

True, though how disturbing it sounded, Edie could not choose alone. She was showing no signs of taking her pick. And Cain had the feeling she was only doing so to not hurt the other man. He was certain she was well convinced that her decision was made. She just could not say her pick out loud. She was tormenting herself, Lavan, and Cain.

Growling, Cain faced Lavan again. He held his empty glass at his side. It was held on its side. A small drop of ale landed on the carpet, leaving a single dotted stain.

“Very well,” Cain soon answered. “I accept your challenge.”

“I knew you would,” Lavan grinned. “So then, this should not wait. One day of practice is all that is needed. Tomorrow morning, we will do this -- you, I -- and nothing but nature.”

“You want us to fight outside of Forter?”

“Exactly,” Lavan nodded. “The woods are the best place for such a thing. Wouldn’t you agree? We’d have no witnesses or interruptions. And I know a perfect spot.”

“Do you, now?” Cain sneered.

“Just to the west of town, a few miles out, there is a large clearing with little trees. It’s a good distance from town, and is manageable for a sword fight. We’ll have it all to ourselves -- and once one of us wins, the other can simply place the body near the small thicket of trees. I know for a fact that many wild coyotes, wolves, and mountain lions come from that direction to get water from the lake. It’s well-hidden, and any animal could easily chew one of us clean before any human got the chance to start a search.”

“Animal mutilation for sword cover-up?” Cain asked. “Well, someone’s been doing their homework.”

“Are you fine with it?” Lavan asked.

Cain could just picture Edie’s reaction to one of them falling victim to a wild animal. The thought was not pretty. He trembled some. Lavan’s plan was sickening, and perfect. He knew for a fact that hardly any persons ventured into the mountains. Only farmers and hunters left the roads, and it could take weeks or months for someone to find their body, and by that time, there’d be hardly anything left! It would be as if one of them had simply never existed!

Would it be best that way, for Edie’s sake? Would it be right? Could they simply cover up the challenge to keep Edie from finding out? Cain didn’t like it at all! And yet…

“Sounds fine to me,” he whispered.

He was lying, however. Lavan’s plan oozed with disgracefulness. Disgrace to Edie, and to their respect for her. How could they just go about this behind her back, and make sure that one of them, the captain or hunter, had been brutally torn apart by some wild animal? It did not seem right. Not at all -- but then again, if Cain won, the idea that a hunter became the hunted fitted perfectly for Lavan.

“Tomorrow morning,” Cain nodded.

“Good,” Lavan grinned. “By this time tomorrow afternoon, Edie will have no more concerns.”

“Right.” Cain looked down at the floor.

No more worries. Edie would be well-protected, and happy. That’s all he wanted for her.

--

“You didn’t need to lead me to the front door,” Lavan told Cain as they stepped up to the fine craftsmanship. “I could have easily found my way here.”

“I doubt it,” Cain mumbled. “It wasn’t a problem. Besides, I wouldn’t want you snooping around, anyway.”

Opening the door wide for Lavan, Cain did not realize Mark was watching from around a corner, hidden with ears wide open.

“Remember,” Lavan grinned. “Tomorrow morning -- this will all end. And no telling Edie.”

“Right,” Cain nodded. He kept emotionless, not wanting to show Lavan his quaking side. He still felt that this was not right. But what other reasoning did they have, if Edie would not speak up on her feelings?

Nodding, Lavan grinned as he took his leave. Cain closed the door and sighed. He rubbed at his temple, trying to rid himself of an oncoming headache. Turning, he jumped, startled to find Mark standing there before him. The second-in-command had sneaked out from behind the corner, curious about Lavan’s presence, leave, and the conversation beforehand.

“What’s happening tomorrow morning?” he asked bravely.

“Nothing of which concerns you,” Cain grumbled. Great. Mark was at it again.

Frowning, Mark bowed his head. “Captain Cain, even if it is not my business, I’m sure Edie has the right to know. What was that hunter doing here?”

“He and I have something to -- settle,” Cain whispered.

Mark understood immediately. And before Cain could take in that he had blurted out a rather large clue, Mark was already on him like butter to a pastry.

“You two are going to continue the challenge, aren’t you?” Mark shook his head. “I thought that things would be different… And judging from your face, Edie doesn’t know, does she?”

Sighing, Cain rubbed at his face. He pushed his hair back. His headache had come, now. He couldn’t stop it.

“Mark, please,” he grumbled.

“This isn’t right, captain. What if he kills you? What will Edie -- do then?”

“I suppose she will go with the hunter,” Cain shrugged. He started to walk for his quarters, knowing that Mark would follow. He had hoped the other would not, and take a hint. But of course, Mark was worrying for the captain all over again.

“But captain,” Mark repeated, trying to grab Cain’s attention. He forced himself in front of Cain just as they reached the bedroom door. “Stop ignoring me!”

Cain gaped. He watched as Mark quickly covered his mouth, ashamed for yelling at his captain.

“I -- I’m sorry,” Mark whispered. “I don’t know what came over me…”

“You grew a partial backbone,” Cain chuckled. “To be honest, I liked it.”

“Liked it?”

“Mark, listen,” sighed Cain. He stared his best over honestly and sternly, willing to talk. “I love Edie with all my heart, and tomorrow, I’m going to rid her of that man forever. She’ll live here with me, and we’ll be happy. I want to be happy. And I know that she’ll be happy. I won’t die tomorrow.”

“But you could…” Mark started. He was easily cut off.

“Even if I do,” Cain continued, “Edie will always have a spot for me. She won’t forget me. She couldn’t, even if she tried.”

“I believe that,” Mark whispered. He looked down. It was true, no matter how much he hated it. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

“You worry too much,” Cain chuckled. “Try to outgrow that.”

Pausing, Cain eyed Mark. He knew that if anything bad happened to him, it’d be Mark’s duty to take the reins. Lifting his hand, he firmly placed it on Mark’s left shoulder. He gave it a squeeze, gaining Mark’s full attention.

“Listen, Mark,” he began. “I want us to discuss something serious. Can you keep a secret?”

Blinking, Mark slowly nodded his head. “Yes.” He felt nervous.

Sighing, Cain eyed him calmly, almost sadly. “Time and time again, I’d take over villages, and time and time again I’d allow my men the privilege of raping many of the women. However, I never did it. I couldn’t. I never got the courage too -- until I saw her…”

“Edie,” Mark whispered, wanting to hear more.

“Yes,” Cain paused. He was shaking, now. “I don’t know what came over me. The moment I saw her, I felt as if -- she was special; very special. I wanted her all to myself. I didn’t realize it then -- how I was truly feeling. I broke her… And it pains me, now. But it was obvious that -- to me, it was love at first sight. I had fallen in love with her then and there.”

Mark gasped. He shook his head. “Captain…”

“When I saw her again,” Cain continued. “I just could hardly believe my eyes. I didn’t want to kill her. I could have easily killed her on that day, but instead I let her go. And I found her again… And she’s so beautiful. I love her, Mark. I love her with all my heart.”

“I know, Captain.”

“Please listen to me well, Mark. If anything goes wrong tomorrow, I trust in you to -- do your job.” He took his hand back. “You truly are the greatest I’ve worked with. And I -- well, I am sorry for what I did to you and to your family.”

“Don’t…” Mark begged.

“Can you forgive me?”

Sighing, Mark shook his head. “Captain, I’ve forgiven you long ago.”

“Honestly?”

“Yes,” Mark nodded. He bowed his head. “You -- make sure you win tomorrow. For both my sake and Edie’s.”

Surprised, Cain gently replied back.

“I’ll try my best.”

--

Tonisha was far from surprised. She could hardly believe Cain accepted Lavan’s challenge. She was sure he’d refuse. Lavan had told her the plan. Far from liking the sound of it, Tonisha found herself sinking into her desk chair. She shook her head, suddenly gaining a wave of nausea. She knew that if Edie found out about this, it’d break her heart.

“This is really happening?”

“It’s all set,” Lavan sighed. “Tomorrow morning, this ends. And -- Edie will belong to me.”

Huffing, Tonisha dropped her arm over her desk. She turned her neck up, staring at Lavan seriously. “You don’t know that.”

“I’ll be well prepared,” Lavan said. “I’m not going to let Cain win. He doesn’t deserve her.”

“And you think you do?” Tonisha challenged. “Do you honestly think Edie will love you if she --”

“She won’t find out,” Lavan growled. He turned his back on Tonisha. Sighing, he eyed the ceiling. He felt awful for sounding angry. He knew Tonisha was only concerned. “I’m sorry.”

“Just be careful,” Tonisha whispered. “I want you to win. I admit that.”

“You do?”

“Of course.” Tonisha rose. She walked around her desk, and went up to Lavan. He had turned to her again, his face brilliantly amazed. “You’re best for Edie. You and I both know that. She just can’t seem to. That is why I’m worried. I don’t want her getting hurt.”

“I promise I won’t hurt her,” he said.

Giggling, Tonisha smiled, then. She looked up at Lavan, examining him. He really was the gentlemen, compared to Cain. He had a large piece of his heart wrapped and ready to give to Edie. She knew he’d make a good husband, and Edie was lucky to have him. Why, if Lavan hadn’t shown up at the inn in the first place, Edie would already be with Cain, she was sure. Lavan must be an angel sent to keep harm away from Edie. Tonisha believed this.

“I know you won’t.”

Putting her hand out, Tonisha gently touched Lavan’s chest. “Win.” Her demand was strong and firm. She hugged Lavan, then, wrapping her arms over his shoulders. “Don’t let Edie down…” Which was talk for, ‘Don’t let her down,’ as well. Though she did not see it in such a manner.

Lavan grinned as he hugged her in return. “I won‘t let her down.”

As Tonisha pulled away, three soft knocks came to her door.

“Come in,” she called as Lavan turned his body, prepared to act naturally. He was glad he did, for Edie revealed herself, peeking through the door.

“Hi,” she smiled. She opened the door wide, a bit puzzled to see Lavan standing there. “Am I interrupting?”

“Not at all,” Tonisha smiled. “I was just asking Lavan to work a late shift for this evening.”

“Oh,” Edie said. She closed the door and walked over to them. “Alright.”

Her arm was bandaged neatly, now. Lavan was to thank. He knew how to treat cuts and wounds, from working in the wild. He gently took her hand in his as he eyed the bandaged wound.

“How are you feeling?” he asked, then.

“I’m fine,” she answered, lifting her arm some. “It doesn’t hurt anymore. And Cain should be back by this evening.”

Lavan cringed, some. Edie did not seem to notice that speaking of Cain in front of the hunter caused pain. But he knew she spoke of him in front of Cain -- and by tomorrow morning, it’d no longer matter. He eyed Tonisha, warning her to keep the challenge secret. Edie couldn’t find out.

“That’s great to hear,” he said softly. He was glad that she didn’t pull away from having his hand over hers. He caressed the top with his thumb, loving the feel of her skin. He greatly missed her body. It’s been weeks -- he wanted her again, but he could wait a bit longer.

“How is the kitchen?” Tonisha asked, then.

Edie sighed. She seemed irritated by the subject. “Well… It could be better. Things have slowed down. It feels like it, anyway. Things keep happening. But I’m hoping now that things will get better again.” She smiled up at Lavan. Her face may had once made him feel guilty for what he had planned, but no longer. He merely smiled back at her.

“I’m sure things will,” he said. He kissed her hand gently.

Blushing, Edie pulled her hand back. “I better get back in there. Those pies don’t bake themselves.”

“Wait, I’ll come and help you.”

Lavan retook her hand. She eyed him, and pulled her hand out of his tight grasp. She moved it behind her back, and only Tonisha noticed the swift wipes Edie gave it against her dirtied blue dress. It was as if Lavan had a bad disease, and she wanted to keep from catching it.

“If you want to,” Edie answered. She hardly sounded happy by his generosity. She stepped ahead of him, opening the door. Lavan hastily followed.

Frowning, Tonisha slid back into her chair as the door closed. She shook her head, realizing the truth. No longer did Edie seem fond for Lavan. Tonisha had a bad feeling building up in the pit of her stomach.

--

The day had dragged on, seeming endless. As evening fell, Tonisha felt relieved. She was exhausted, hating the fact that her employee number had decreased. She had lost some prostitutes, and one of Edie’s assistant chefs had also left. A woman, she believed. She did not know the full details. Edie only came to her the other day to claim the assistant had found a better job. To top everything off the charts, Tonisha had dealt with more complaints than she ever had in the past. Everything from cold food to a low quantity on ale. And she even had one of her girl’s complain about a certain sensual position she was not up for, though the customer was.

Groaning, Tonisha fell over the counter, gaining its support. Her feet ached, and she was certain she had bruises. The main area was finally emptying. Only a few customers were left. A single family eating their evening meal, and some men chatting about, fooling around. She’d close up soon.

Turning her head, she watched Lavan coming down the stairs. He was dressed well, again, early for his time to spend with Edie. Cain would be coming through the front door at any given second, and Edie would soon be finishing up with the kitchen downstairs.

“You look dashing,” Tonisha chuckled once Lavan had walked over to her. “What’s the occasion?”

“Very funny,” he grumbled. “I’m trying to look better for Edie.”

“Do you think it’s working?”

“Not yet, but it will.” He brought his hands up to brush at his curly hair. It had gotten slightly longer and thicker since he arrived in Forter. He’s not bothered to cut it. The style made him look like a true wild man.

“Is Edie finishing up?”

“She should be up here soon,” said Tonisha, nodding as she arched her back. She groaned, hearing a small pop. “I worked too hard today. I could really go for a long, peaceful night of sleep.”

“Sounds like a good plan,” Lavan said, smiling. “And tomorrow will be a good day.”

Tonisha groaned. She shook her head. “Please, Lavan, I want to hear nothing of it.”

“Sorry,” Lavan bowed his head. He then turned, hearing a ringing. He knew that the front door had just opened. And judging by Tonisha’s sour expression, he knew that it was Cain.

Lavan turned his body, watching Cain standing there in that usual blue attire. The captain had just closed the door, and was working to get his black, leathery gloves off his hands. He looked over at Lavan, keeping casual.

“You’re early,” Lavan snared, almost. He walked up to Cain.

“I figured since it might be my last night with Edie that I come early.”

Not having a say on that, Lavan shrugged his shoulders. Fair enough, really. And it made sense. After all, Cain could be the last one standing, instead of the other way around. He wanted to spend as much time with Edie as possible as well.

“She should be finishing up in the kitchen,” he said, then. “Should we -- sit?”

“I’ll stand.” Cain shoved his gloves into his pocket. He looked up at Lavan, and kept his posture. He placed his hands behind his back, not willing to move until Edie came up the stairs.

“Fine then. So will I.”

Lavan kept his position, not moving an inch. He kept a firm glare on Cain. Tonisha locked up the door, just as the final customers left for the night. She went to call it a night too, ready for some good, deep sleep.

“So then,” Cain began. “Edie still doesn’t know about the challenge?”

“No,” Lavan grinned. “And she doesn’t need to know. Tonisha’s keeping her mouth shut. I’m keeping my mouth shut. Can I trust that you’ll do the same?”

“I already said I would,” Cain said. He sighed. “But I still don’t feel that it is right, even though I’ve agreed to it.”

“Stop fucking lying,” Lavan snorted. “You want this as much as I do. Besides, this way it is evident that you really do care about Edie. We both want to make her happy. We both want to be titled ‘husband.’ There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“No, I suppose not.” Cain lowered his head briefly. He then lifted it. He raised an eyebrow. “Well…”

“What?” Lavan asked. He then knew. Slowly, he turned his body. He gaped, seeing Edie standing there behind them. She had come up only seconds ago, but she had heard all she needed to realize what they had planned. Lavan cursed under his breath. “Edie…”

“W -- why?” Edie then asked.

“Edie, wait,” Lavan began. “We -- it’s not what you think.”

“You’re continuing with the challenge?” she cried. “N -- no! No! You can’t!” she ran up to them, and stood between them. “You can’t!”

“It’s too late!” Lavan shouted. He stunned the room. “If you cannot choose between us, then this is the only way!”

“No!” Edie cried. “Please don’t…”

Growling, Lavan turned on his heels. He stormed up to the stairs and swiftly faced them one final time. “Tomorrow morning, Cain. Be there! And don’t tell Edie where we’re meeting -- I don’t want her finding us.”

“Lavan!” Edie gasped. She covered her face, fighting back sobs as Lavan raced up the stairs. “No… Why are you doing this?” she turned and glared up at Cain. “Tell me why?”

“I’m -- sorry,” Cain stuttered, for once. “But there’s -- no other way…”

“Yes there is,” Edie sniffled. “I don’t want either of you to die.”

There was a long moment’s pause. Cain took a cautious, single step forward. He placed his hand gently on Edie’s shoulder, feeling her curly hair in his fingertips. She was dirty from working, but such a form no longer bothered Cain. He loved her too much.

“Could you really choose between us, Edie?” he gravely questioned.

“W -- what?” she stuttered.

Cain repeated himself. “Could you choose? Or is choosing helpless? I love you, but so does the hunter. And he and I both know you are struggling to make the right decision. And we both worry that you cannot make a decision because it’s too difficult for you.”

Taking a step back, Edie shook her head. “T -- that’s…”

“Please, Edie, don’t take this the wrong way,” Cain whispered. He rested his arm at his side. “I just know that we’re suffering a rotating triangle, here. And neither Lavan nor I want to be close together in order to be close to you.”

Edie understood. She knew that they’d stand by her side always. But even so, she could not have them both. She lowered her head and turned her back on Cain.

“Even so, this is wrong,” Edie sniffed. “I will choose, Cain. I -- just promise me you won’t go through with this challenge.”

“Edie?” Cain raised a brow.

“Tonight,” she whispered. “Meet me in my bedroom -- in an hour or so -- okay? Stay with me the night, and stay with me in the morning. Just don’t go in the morning. Don’t take on Lavan. Promise me?”

The captain never dreamed of such a second chance with Edie. And to be given the chance of staying a whole night with her in her own bedroom made him shiver uncontrollably. He thought back on the challenge made, and where it’d take place. There was no denying the fact that it had to be done. He knew Edie could not decide… Not at the time being, anyway. She was only frightened by the outcome of a challenge. She wanted neither man dead, and Cain could not blame her. But to be gifted such an offering from her was -- unbelievable. He was given an offering he knew that the hunter had received in the past. And he never thought he’d someday achieve what Lavan had.

“I’ll come,” he soon said, making sure to keep his voice low.

“Promise?” she asked.

“Yes,” he nodded. “I promise.”

“And you won’t take on Lavan?”

Letting out a deep breath of air, Cain walked up behind Edie. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her into a much needed hug. She welcomed it, pushing into his chest, and taking in his rich, amazing scent. She tilted her head back some as he kissed her neck. He did not notice Lavan’s eerie eyes watching from the top of the stairs.

“No,” he sighed. “I won’t take on Lavan. I’ll stay with you.”

Smiling, Edie sighed happily. She looked happy, ecstatic -- ripe.

“Thank you.”