I promise I'll make you feel better

Mate? Blaze mused.

He hadn't thought of him being with Arabella.

She was Sandro's and he never assumed he'd have her even though he had some funny feelings whilst with her.

But then, he reckoned his protective nature was due to her being fragile and needing help all the time. He didn't attribute it to anything.

'You like her?' Thalia asked again.

Blaze snapped out of his thought and his eyes wandered to her. He realized she had changed back to her human form.

He stared at Arabella who was still in his arms. Her arms were wrapped around his neck and her chest pressed into his.

His heart fluttered at the nearness and his stomach did a flip flop. His nostril flared as her scent wafted in and he let out a groan.

"I knew you did the moment you tried to keep her away from me and him."

"Enough, Thalia." Blaze glared.

Arabella jumped and she held him tighter.

"You can look now." He mumbled.

"No, please, I'm scared of it." Arabella whimpered.

"Oh, poor you." Thalia jeered. "All humans are freaking fragile and cowards too!"

"Thalia," Blaze mumbled, his eyes glinting as they narrowed at her.

"Keep your human mate away from me. Next time I see her wandering around like a hopeless mutt, I won't hesitate to rip her heart out."

"You wouldn't dare!"

"Of course!" Thalia beamed. "It's a joke but we both know what I am capable of doing."

She said, skipping out of the room.

"Such a nasty brat." Blaze rasped and glared at the place she a few seconds ago.

"I made you fight with your sister again, I'm such a horrible person." Arabella sniffled, trembling in his arms.

"You did nothing wrong," Blaze reassured. He frowned and refrained from the embrace.

"Are you crying?"

"No," Arabella shook her head and attempted a smile.

But she failed miserably.

She sniffled and coughed before biting her lower lip.

"That's tears sliding down your cheeks. Tell me, did the dog by any chance do anything to you?" He asked, seriously.

Blaze didn't trust Thalia but he knew the limit she could go. She wouldn't kill Arabella even though she said so but he was aware she could torture her.

"It did nothing." Arabella wiped her cheeks.

"Then why are you crying?"

"Something must have slipped into my eyes." She mumbled, rubbing her eyes for emphasis.

Blaze shook his head. He knew she was lying but he didn't want to prod her further seeing as she didn't want to say anything to him.

Moreover, the absence of bruises on her skin made him believe Thalia did nothing and her tears weren't about her.

"I want to go in," Arabella said after a while.

She stared at Blaze and sighed. "The dog did nothing. I don't know why you are looking at me as if I am a liar. You don't believe me, I know that…"

"I believed you," Blaze said, opening the door for her to step in. "I'm just curious to know the reason you started crying and I can't read your mind which is even more annoying."

Arabella frowned, "Are you a mind reader and why do you need to do that? It's kind of creepy."

"At least, I'd know how to make you feel better."

Arabella shook her head and began, "I woke up after eating with a pounding head. Also, it seemed a part of my brain had been wiped away and I don't even know what is going on anymore. I'm confused!"

"Shhh," Blaze hushed before pulling her into him.

"Something is wrong with my brain. Someone messed up with it and I see a lot of bruises on my skin but I don't know how I got them. I want to know what is going on, Blaze." Arabella choked out.

As Blaze released her from his grip, he stared into her red-rimmed eyes.

She looked broken.

He didn't know the reason she was going through everything. Her father sinned and he didn't think she should be punished for it but she was. He wished he could take her pains away.

Make her feel better and happier just like the first time he saw her through her office window.

"You'll be fine, I promise. I'll make you feel better." Blaze said.

Arabella nodded and heaved a breath. She was still confused despite the assurance from him.

But then, at least he was willing to make her feel better. She believed that was what matters at the moment.

Momentarily, Arabella stopped thinking about her pains and concentrated on Blaze's words instead.

**********

As soon as evening came, Blaze stepped into Arabella's room once more.

She turned as the door opened and her lips stretched out in a wide smile.

"Hey! I thought you left." She beamed, her eyes twinkling.

"I can't leave without seeing your pretty face." Blaze said.

He grimaced and shook his head mentally.

He didn't know why he said it but she was beautiful. She was the most beautiful woman he had seen and she wasn't trying too hard like the others.

Moreover, he wanted to see the reaction on her face and he was satisfied as a blush crept up her cheeks.

She was affected by his word despite trying so hard not to be.

Arabella rolled her eyes, "Please, that won't get you anywhere with me. I prefer a straightforward man."

"Who said anything about getting anywhere?" Blaze smirked, tilting his head.

Arabella's cheek reddened more and she gripped her hair to cover both cheeks. "Stop."

"Stop what?" He rasped, stepping into the room.

"Stop smiling." She mumbled.

"Do you find it cute?" Blaze said.

"Yes," Arabella nodded. She peeked at him through her long lashes, "And it makes me fall for you."

Blaze stilled. His heart pounded and for a second, he let what she said sink in.

She was in love with him and he wanted it to be real for some reason. But he was certain she was only playing along with his flirt.

She didn't love him. Neither did he love her.

But the funny feeling within him said otherwise.