Archaic (Reverse Harem 2)

Ifiddle with the present in my pocket I had picked up for Clarissa in Thailand as she sits across the aisle from me.

Sebastian threw a fit making sure he was sitting beside her on the plane ride over. His protection for her and his love for her are becoming a deadly concoction. And the problem is he doesn’t seem to realize it. For all the pain Clarissa’s been in these past few weeks, the least we can all do is allow her to make her own choices. I knew the moment she walked in with Theo things had changed, and it didn’t take a scientific researcher to figure out what. And yes, it had hurt. More than I would ever admit to. But it didn’t change how I feel about Clarissa then, and it doesn't change my intentions with her now.

Theo himself stated his agreement with her was to take it no further than Norway, which means Clarissa is still in search of a mate.

At the very least, she is still open to the idea of one.

Even temporarily.

Every time I lean over to get her attention, Sebastian turns his head toward me. Like he has his mind trained onto mine. I can tell it’s wearing on Clarissa, and the last thing I want is to cause her any more discomfort. So I bide my time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to give her the gift I found in Thailand.

And when she gets up to go to the bathroom, I’m hot on her heels.

“What is it, Toshi?” she asks.

“I have something for you.”

I look back and see Sebastian eyeing us, a nasty look on his face.

“Don’t worry about him. He’s being bull-headed,” she says.

“Wolves and Bulls do have a lot in common,” I say.

“Dragons. Bulls. Bats. Is there any animal that doesn’t have a Primal race?” she asks.

“Plenty. Beetles. Ants. Most spiders.”

“Most spiders?” she asks.

The look on her face is priceless. A mixture of curiosity and fear. I reach into my pocket and pull out the jade ring I’ve been holding for her. A ring that makes her gasp as I hold it out for her.

“Toshi. It’s beautiful,” Clarissa says.

“It’s jade,” I say. “And no, it’s not an engagement ring.”

The two of us share a laugh as someone pushes past us to get to the restroom.

“It’s a traditional stone for purity, but its meaning runs deeper,” I begin. “It has soothing and healing properties. The belief is jade purifies the energy around someone. I saw it in a shop in Thailand, and it reminded me of the pain you’re experiencing. And with all of the bickering going on between the two

behemoths, I figure a nice cleansing of the air around you might do you some good.”

I watch Clarissa’s eyes water as she takes the ring from me. She slips it onto her right hand, watching as the lighting catches the colors of the stone. I can see the reflection of the ring in her eyes, and an overwhelming sense of thankfulness pours off her.

It’s stifling in such close quarters.

“Thank you,” Clarissa says breathlessly. “It’s—it’s beautiful, Toshi.”

“A beautiful stone for a beautiful woman.”

I crook my finger underneath her chin and bring her gaze to mine.

She’s so lost and so angry, and so lonely. She might not be alone, but the loneliness in her eyes is prevalent. The best thing we can all do for her is figure out where in the world this trail ends and what we can do to put an end to its suffering.

No matter the cost.

I brush a tear away from her cheek as the guy from the restroom comes out. He shoves me into Clarissa, and we crash into the wall. I whip around, ready to pounce, but I feel Clarissa’s hand between my shoulder blades.

Soothing me.