Circus Save Me, page 13
Nixon roars as he tries to get him off, but the attacker isn’t moving. I have to do something, I am not content to sit around and let others keep saving me. I feel a tingling in my hands and look down to see my nails have changed into razor-sharp claws. I look across at Nixon and the attacker again, waiting for their backs to face me. Seeing my opportunity, I run across the tent and slash at the guy on Nixon’s back. With a grunt he lets go, clutching at his side which is now bleeding from the scratches I gave him. Nixon uses this as the chance to throw the guy across the tent, where he lands on the bed. I look over and see that someone else is laying on the bed as well.
My eyes have adjusted to the dim light in the tent and I can now see that the other person is dead, a knife still in their chest. I scream, I can’t help myself, everything is too much. I hear a commotion outside, and the attacker uses this distraction to slash the side of the tent and run into the night, a trail of blood following him.
“Rhea,” Nixon's deep voice calls to me.
I turn to look up at him and am greeted by a stunned expression on his face. I may be in shock over what has happened but right now I want to comfort him. I take a step closer and take his large hand in mine.
“Are you okay, did he hurt you?” I ask, reaching up my other hand and placing in on his neck where I can see an angry red mark forming already. I dimly notice that my hands have turned back to normal, but Nixon's next words take my full attention.
“You saved me. You could have run, but you saved me,” he whispers. I’ve never heard his voice so soft. His eyes look at me like this is the first time anyone has shown him kindness and I wonder what on earth his life was like before the circus.
“Of course I did, you’re my-” My words are cut off as he pulls me in close and presses his mouth to mine.
I am stunned for a moment, my body stiff after the shocking events of the day, but knowing it’s Nixon and that I am safe with him, I relax into his arms. I would have expected kissing Nixon to be all fiery passion and hard urgent kisses, but his lips are soft and gentle, igniting a desire inside me I hadn’t known I possessed. Nixon pulls away and I make a noise of complaint that has a rare smile gracing his lips until I can hear footsteps running towards us.
Nixon wraps his arms around me and pulls me out of the tent, getting me away from the carnage inside. Shouting greets us.
“Rhea! Where did you find her?”
“Are you okay?”
I see Alcide run towards us, his hair disheveled and he looks worried, I’ve never seen him lose his composure like this.
“Rhea, what happened, what is going on?” he asks, taking my hand in his, worry and frustration clear to see in his expression.
“There is someone in her tent,” Nixon tells Alcide, who raises his eyebrows and sends several guys into the tent to check it out.
“The breeders caught me, then Nixon found me and killed the guy and when we got back here, someone attacked Nixon and now there is a body in my bed,” I ramble, the words running into one another.
Alcide can see I’m about to have a breakdown and looks to Nixon.
“Take her to my tent, I’ll have a look in her tent,” he orders, the self-composed Alcide I know coming back. Nixon nods and walks me over to the ringmaster's tent, directing me to the end of the bed.
A few minutes later Alcide walks in, his eyes filled with sorrow as he sits on the end of his desk, facing towards us.
“The body in your bed was Sam, one of the stagehands. He was a good man and didn’t deserve to go that way. The question is, who killed him and why was he in your tent?” Alcide asks tiredly, rubbing his hand across his face.
“How did you get away?” he asks, running his eyes over me as if inspecting for injuries.
“I was chained to the bed. Nixon found me and broke the chain,” I mutter quietly, my thoughts on the poor man who was killed.
“Wait a second. You were chained? Let me see your leg,” he orders, his voice stern as he sees the cuff around my ankle.
I lift my leg to show him where the chain had been attached to the metal cuff.
“Rhea, did you think for even one second that you could use your powers to escape from this?” he asks, dumbfounded, his voice starting to rise.
I look at him in shock. I’ve had a pretty shitty day, and he is shouting at me?
“What do you mean-”
“What I mean, Rhea, is that you have escaped worse than this before. You grew wings for heaven's sake, you should have been able to change the shape of your foot and escape!” he shouts, his face contorted into an expression of frustration.
“Alcide,” Nixon warns.
“No Nixon, if you hadn’t gotten there in time, something terrible could have happened, and then we would have lost two people today. You have to start pushing yourself Rhea, you need to learn to master your powers!” His voice is so loud at this point, I flinch away from him.
He is right though, I can’t keep hoping my powers will protect me, I need to learn to harness them.
Alcide sighs and walks over crouching down in front of me.
“I’m sorry I shouted, Rhea. I just can’t lose you. None of us can,” he tells me gently taking my hand is his.
He looks up at Nixon who is nodding in agreement.
“It’s time to call a family meeting.”
I curl up into Nixon's lap, loving how big he is compared to me and how safe I feel in his arms.
“Someone tipped him off,” I say into the silent tent, my men around me waiting.
“What?” Rex asks, his face scrunched.
I tell them everything I remember, ignoring the outcries of anger, and when I finish I snuggle deeper into Nixon's chest.
“Who would betray us?” Jesse asks, voicing what everyone is thinking.
“Anyone got any ideas?” Alcide asks, rubbing his eyes.
I nibble on my lip, unsure whether to say anything but Alcide zones in on it.
“Rhea, do you have something you want to share?” he asks, making my decision for me.
“Esme hates me.”
They look between each other, and then every eye focuses on me.
“But enough to betray us?” Jesse asks quietly.
“Make sure you are certain of accusations you are throwing out, Rhea. Remember, these people are our family,” Alcide’s voice is stern, making me feel like I have been scolded.
“I am! But someone told that man where I was. If Nixon hadn't found me, we all know how it would have ended. Not everyone is happy with me being here. I am simply listing a person who falls into that category.” Pushing out another breath, the anger leaving with it, I look into Alcide’s eyes. “I know you don’t want to believe your family could betray you, but someone has and pretending it isn't happening won’t help.”
“Okay, so let’s make a list,” Jesse says seriously, looking between me and Alcide. Alcide nods but doesn't look away from me.
“Esme, Harold-”
“Wait, who’s Harold?” I ask tilting my head to the side.
“The one who follows Esme around,” Rex says softly. I nod and they continue throwing names out there. At the end, the list is six people long. It makes me sad to think someone here would betray me, that six people hate me that much.
“Right, so we keep a closer eye on them. Rhea is not to be left alone, ever. She will also not be going into town again while we are here.” Alcide throws me a meaningful look and makes eye contact with the others as they nod.
“Great, so we are babysitters now,” Blain groans.
“Oh, Wildcat, I forgot to tell you. Here is your bag,” Rex passes it over and I jump up in happiness that my gifts haven't been lost.
“All this just because Harpy wanted to go shopping,” Blain mutters. Glaring at him, I grab the bag and put it in front of me on the table.
“I guess you don’t want your present then,” I say snottily. He freezes, his eyes watching me like a mouse in front of snake.
“You bought me a present?” he asks slowly. I nod and he watches me in confusion.
“Why?”
I shrug. “As much as an asshole as you are, you are still my family.”
His eyes soften as he looks at me, a small smile on his face. “I’ve never had a present before,” he mutters, and my heart breaks a little bit for him. Searching in the bag I pull his out and slide it across the table.
“Well, now you have.” I watch as he unwraps it like it’s a precious stone. He stares at the knife so long I start to get nervous. “Is it not okay? I could go back and get you a different one.”
He looks up at me and back to the knife. “It’s perfect, thank you, Harpy.”
I grin at him and he narrows his eyes. “This doesn’t mean I like you, though.”
“Whatever you tell yourself, Blainy.” I blow him a kiss for good measure.
His scowl reappears, but he picks up his knife and tosses it experimentally.
“Do I get anything, Firecracker?” Jesse asks, grinning at me when I look at him. I dig through the bag and pull out his necklace, a stone that looks like fire in the middle hanging on a long silver chain. I offer it to him and he snatches it from my hands with an apologetic smile.
His face looks shocked as he looks from me to the necklace and back. He slips it over his head before launching himself over the table and kissing my lips before sitting back down and admiring the stone. My cheeks heat and I busy myself pulling out the next present. I pass Nixon his gloves and he fingers them softly like he might break them.
“So you don't hurt yourself in your act,” I say softly to my protector.
“Thank you,” he rumbles.
I smile at him and turn back to the bag. I pull out the teddy and my cheeks turn red before I stuff it back in and grab Rex’s paints and paper.
“What was that?” Alcide asks curiously.
“Erm, oh just something I bought for Rumples and Bubbles”
He blinks in confusion and then laughs, shaking his head.
“Here,” I offer Rex his supplies and he takes them delicately. His face breaking into a grin.
“Thank you, Wildcat!” he gushes.
“Not that we aren't grateful, but why did you get us these?” Jesse asks.
“To say thank you, for welcoming me into your family,” I offer as I look in the bag for Alcide’s. I hear them sucking in breaths and some murmurs but ignore them as I pull out the wrapped frame. While the others are distracted showing each other what they got, I walk around the table to Alcide.
“Here, I thought Rex could fill it with a drawing for you. You can hang it in your tent, it’s time to start living Alcide. Why don't you start with filling your space with things that make you happy?”
He gently takes it, brushing my fingers with his. He unwraps it, his long fingers making quick work of the brown wrapping. He stares down at the frame and then strokes the animals carved there.
“Do you like it?” I ask impatiently.
“I love it,” he says breathlessly. I nod and go to sit back down when he grabs my hand.
“We are the lucky ones to have you as part of our family.”
Smiling shyly, I sit down at the end of the bench next to Nixon.
Looking around at the men as they all look at their presents, I notice their happy expressions. I realise none of them have ever received presents before and just how much this means to them. My heart speeds up and my smile feels like it might break, it’s that strong.
A scream has us all looking at the tent flap before they bolt outside, me close behind. I run after them and we all skid to a stop outside the big tent, where Esme staggers out. Blood trickles down her head from a cut at her hairline.
“Esme, are you okay? What happened?” Alcide asks, striding up to her. I notice none of the others do, in fact, Nixon steps so close to me, we are touching.
“Someone attacked me. I was walking through and they hit my head and tried to drag me away, but I managed to kick them and run,” she says between sobs as she throws herself at Alcide, who catches her and looks uncomfortable as she sobs in his arms.
“Blain, Rex, go check it out,” he calls, as they both throw me a look but step through the flap into the tent. I wait anxiously, the only sound is Esme's incessant sobbing. Not to sound mean, I know everyone reacts to situations differently, but it just feels like she is putting on a show for sympathy.
Blain and Rex come out of the tent and shake their head at Alcide.
“Okay everyone, back to your tents. No one stays alone. We are leaving in the morning anyway.” Alcide leads Esme away and I get a little jealous.
“Hey, you wanna feed the animals with me, Wildcat?” Rex asks, perking up my mood.
“Yes,” I nod enthusiastically making him grin.
“Rhea, I know that after everything that has happened you may not want to share a bed with anyone right now-” Jesse begins, his words blurring into one.
“Jesse, what are you trying to say?” I ask softly. I know they are trying to make me feel comfortable after what happened, but I don’t want their sympathy, I just want to be treated like they would treat me normally. I want hugs from them and the little touches that make me feel loved. They make me feel safe and protected, and I know they are nothing like the guys who tried to hurt me.
“Can I stay with you tonight? I really want to make sure you’re safe, Firecracker,” he says, shocking me as his cheeks flame red.
“Yes, please, I don’t want to be alone right now,” I reply, not really wanting any of them out of my sight, but I know that’s not practical.
“I’ll stay in your tent tonight with you then, Firecracker, I'll meet you there when you are done.” Jesse winks and walks away. Nixon squeezes my shoulder, causing me to look up at him. He tilts his head in a silent question and I know he is asking if I’m okay. I nod at him, a soft smile on my lips, and watch as follows after Jesse, but a slight sense of panic fills me as I see him walk away.
My expression must change as Rex takes my hand. I jump slightly but relax as I see it’s him, feeling safe again, I know that Rex will look after me. We start to walk towards the animal tent when I have a realisation.
“Oh, wait I need to get Rumples and Bubbles’ present,” I shout before darting back to the other tent and grabbing it. Jogging back to Rex, I grin and hold up the pink stuffed bear.
“Got him!” I call triumphantly and raise him to the air. Rex groans but grabs my hand.
“This should be fun.” He says making me giggle and clutch the bear closer.
I let Rex greet all the other animals, while I make a beeline for Rumple/Bubbles who is curled up in the corner. I plop down into a cross-legged position in front of him, with the bear behind my back.
“Hi.”
Rumple lifts his head, his eyes sliding open. His tongue darts out as he rubs his head on my hand. I stroke his head and wait for Bubbles. He doesn’t bother to lift his head, but his eyes slit open and watch me.
“I bought you both something,” I singsong. Rumple nudges my hand while Bubbles hisses.
“If you’re not nice, you can’t have him,” I say seriously.
Bubbles finally lifts his head but stays a good distance away as if still unsure of me. I am hoping Beary will do the trick. I pull the peace offering from behind my back and put him on the floor in the space between us. Bubbles eyes widen before he darts forward and wraps his neck around the bear, resting his head on it. He starts to nuzzle along it as if trying to cuddle it and I have to bite my lip to stifle my giggle.
He freezes and then slowly lifts his head as he looks from the bear to me.
“Friends?” I offer.
He pauses before nodding. Grinning, I watch as he dives back in to cuddle Beary. Rumple licks my hand before trying to wrestle him away. I stand and leave them to fight over it.
I dust off my bum and walk towards Rex who is under a pile of animals. Tiny is at his back, Fluffy on his belly and Rodger is laid over his feet. Sid, who has been AWOL since the night of the attack comes bounding in and twists around my legs.
“Hey buddy,” I say, as I run my hands through his fur before looking up and seeing Rex nearly be suffocated. “Need a hand?” I ask around a smile.
He looks up at me as he scratches Fluffy's head, a massive smile on his handsome face.
“Want to meet Sid?” I ask seriously, bending down to scratch my new friend again. Rex manages to untangle himself from the animals and huffs over to me. He crouches next to me and lays his hand on Sid.
“He's beautiful, yes you are,” he coos at the animal. Sid lays and flips onto his back, his belly in the air. Rex strokes him whispering to him as he goes. I don’t blame the cat one bit, I would roll on my back if Rex spoke to me like that. My cheeks turn red at the direction my brain is taking me in.
“Where did you find him?” his voice pulling me from my dirty thoughts.
“He found me,” I say, stroking his head.
We spend a while playing with the animals before I help Rex feed them. I bid them a sad goodnight and follow Rex out of the tent.
Grabbing Rex’s free hand, I twine our fingers, smiling shyly at him when he grins down at me. We walk in comfortable silence to my tent, although at the flap he hesitates. His cheeks heat as he looks at the ground.
“Well, goodnight,” he offers.
“Goodnight,” I say softly. He lets go of my hand and turns to walk away, I watch him go a little bit disappointed.
“Screw it,” he mutters before striding back to me.
He grabs me and lifts me up, his lips smashing to mine. The kiss is quick and over way too soon. He lowers me gently to the floor, his hands cupping my cheeks.
“I couldn't leave without that. I’m going to miss you tonight. Be good, try not to get into any trouble, Wildcat,” he says before kissing me again and walking away before my muddled brain can think of a response.
Feeling stupid for just standing outside, I slip through the tent flap to see Jesse already in my bed. He watches me with a soft, sleepy smile.
“Come on, Firecracker, time to get some sleep.”
