Chapter Fifteen: Red Riding Hood

As they rode down the causeway, she spotted the lighthouse they were approaching. She was in complete awe. The picturesque view of the seascape below the clear autumn sky threatened to take her breath away. Had she knew this existed, this would definitely be her getaway. He was right, she needed to get out more. Aidan pulled in and turned the engine off.

"After you, riding hood." He offered her his hand once again as she hopped off.

Maddie gave him a playfully peeved stare. "You had that just sitting in your arsenal waiting, didn't you?"

Aidan set the kickstand and in one sleek move, got up from the bike. Taking his shades off, he met her eyes and smiled. "I couldn't resist."

"Nice. Real nice." She looked up at the lighthouse in front of them. Its white painted brick maintained a rough, but timeless texture. The sheer height was monstrous compared to them and she felt so small being in the presence of so much nature and beauty. "How did you know about this place? It's gorgeous."

Aidan looked out to the sea. "I came about it coming into town somehow. I like to look around the shore. There were a lot of these being destroyed. But with the government's preservation act, it's being transferred into some private owners. I think this one is up for auction soon." He began to head towards the lighthouse. "C'mon, wanna take a look around?"

She followed close behind him as he looked around heading for the entrance. "Aren't these normally locked?"

He grunted. "You're quite the rule follower, aren't you?"

Maddie looked around suspicious as well, wondering if they would be greeted by the lovely Sheriff. "Well, breaking and entering doesn't necessarily look good on paper. And I look horrible in orange." Her arms folded defiantly.

Aidan reached for the door. "Maybe you could get them to give you red to wear instead. It's very becoming."

She gasped. "Aidan..."

The door opened effortlessly. "Relax. Some kids had opened this up already last week when I was here." He stepped in, but paused as he saw Maddie follow him. "Wait here while I check it out."

"Do you think the kids are armed and dangerous?"

He should be annoyed at her sarcasm like Cam's or his sister's, but instead it really amused him. "Well I did steal their stash of Skittles last time I was here. They may be out for blood."

Her face lit up in laughter, unprepared for his witty comeback.

He looked up at the stairs then at her and she sobered. "That was a week ago, Maddie. I just want to check to make sure it's safe for you to go in. Wait here."

Before she could comment, Aidan went inside. She tightened her hoodie and stood at the opening. Aidan did that a lot. She didn't consider him jumpy, but he was very...observant. It was a force of habit for this man to check everything it seemed. Maybe it was the bounty hunter in him. It was strangely endearing to her for him to be so concerned with her safety. Part of her hoped he wasn't like that for everyone, but that was a selfish thought.

It's in his nature to be this way.

"Maddie," Aidan called out from inside.

She opened the door and stepped inside to find him at the edge of the swirling stairs. His handsome features exposed against the rays of sunlight peaking in and out the window of the lighthouse. Yes, this man was gorgeous. "Is it safe, Sarge?"

"As much as it'll ever be," he motioned his head towards the direction of the stairs, "Come on up."

She followed him up, taking her time with the steep steps. Thank god she didn't wear dainty shoes, or else Aidan would be nursing her sprained ankle—or broken leg. Reaching the top of the swirling stairs, Aidan opened the door to the top and stepped out, holding it open to let her through.

Maddie gasped at the exquisite scenery that was the seascape. She looked past the glass to get to the outer deck to get a better look. The air was slightly cooler, the wind more fierce as she stood leaning against the rail peering out into that beautiful oblivion. She turned around as she heard Aidan come through the glass door.

"This is...wow. That's all I can say." Her face glowing with childlike wonder as Aidan approached her. She grinned at his silence. "What? No smart-assed comments?"

His gaze was soft as he met her eyes then looked out to the waters. "Not right now."

She turned around to continue looking out. "When my mother and I moved away from our family in Oklahoma when I was seven, Nana promised me it was for the best. She told me stories of how beautiful the eastern seaboard was. Ghost stories and lost ships. Beautiful lighthouses and seascapes." She took a deep breath. "And boy was she was right."

"Where's your Nana? Still in Oklahoma?" he asked.

She smiled thinking of her beautiful maternal grandmother. "Yep. She's actually coming to visit. I haven't seen her in a year, so I'm excited to see her. She would absolutely love this view."

"So you're not from Augusta? What brought you here?"

She sighed. "The truth?"

He met her eyes. "Only if you're up for it, Maddie."

"I was running. Looking for a fresh start." She cut her eyes away.  A bit ashamed to admit she was running. "I met a disaster of a guy and he tried to destroy everything I had. So I finished my degree and internship, packed all my shit up and found this town that had a practice for sale. Every cent I have is in that clinic. I learned some hard lessons."

Aidan could hear the trembling in her voice as she broke. The pain in her words. He wanted to reach out to her, but he didn't quite know what human women needed at moments like this. An Aristan woman would lash out if he coddled her, held her. They saw it as pity and got infuriated. But, looking at Maddie, he found it hard to believe she would behave that way.

Her eyes stung, but she bit them back. Thinking about the past always made her emotional. She couldn't pack up everything. Some things, she had to abandon or sacrifice. She felt Aidan's body heat as he moved closer to her side. So close it felt as if he was embracing her even now. She wasn't alone up here at all. She had someone here with her, and his kindness was astounding to her.

"I'm sorry Maddie." His voice a deep whisper. He too, had known what it's like to be alone. To have people who loved him ripped away from him, only to be alone once more. His pain, he could bear—but it was Maddie's that bothered him. "There's nothing wrong with running, Maddie. As long as you rebuild." He gave her a soft smile. "Looks like you built something pretty great here, doc. Nothing to be ashamed of." 

Maddie sighed at his voice. He was so sincere. "Thank you." She turned to face the sea. "Nana always said that as long as we're breathing, we will know loss. But perseverance keeps us going. It's just sometimes you get pissed off at the injustice of it all. She turned around, pressing her back against the rail, when he met Aidan's eyes.

The sadness in his face was unmistakable. She had to catch her hand as she wanted to touch him and let her fingers trail over the remarkable planes of his face.

She finally gathered the nerve to say what was clearly written on his face. "Who have you lost Aidan?," she whispered to him.

Everyone.

He thought of Ninon. The only mother he's ever known. Tiberius, as close to a father as he could have. Aristans who have been his friends and fought along side him. They were gone, and now he was left to bear the brunt of it all. There wasn't a moment that hadn't gone by that he wish he had lost the Selenium Circle so there would be peace. But it was too late. Kieran made his strike and with a blink of an eye, changed his life forever. Now he had to face fate, which before stumbling across his clan so many years ago, had been complete and utter shit.

"My foster parents died. I don't know where I would have been without them."

Aidan froze as he realized he willingly shared that part of him so easily.

Maddie was stunned at his answer. "Foster? I'm so sorry Aidan. What happened to your biological parents?"

"I never knew them." He said, reigning in his emotions. His voice was back to its calm, relaxed tone. Aidan didn't mean to come off nonchalant about his past, but he couldn't afford letting the anger creep up in him. "I barely remember my childhood. When Ninon and her husband discovered me, they took me in and I'd like to think my life began then."

He had his poker face, but it didn't take a genius to know he still held some anger and sadness beneath it. How awful to be abandoned so young? And to lose the only people who wanted you? For someone so kind, it just wasn't fair.

"Ninon is a beautiful name. What was your father's name?"

Aidan shook his head. "Why is it important?"

"Because I care." She stared into his eyes. "I wouldn't have asked if it didn't matter to me. I'm allowed to care, you know."

But Maddie was right. There are times you feel utterly helpless, and it enrages you of the injustice of it all. In the end, we must do what's within our power to do. And to live.

Maddie, unable to help herself gently touched his whiskered cheek. He closed his eyes to her soothing touch. "You don't have to talk about it, Aidan. I'm sorry for bringing it all up."

She offered him a soft smile before she turned around facing the water, rather sheepishly.

Maddie, you are a blabbermouth, indeed. Do yourself a favor and stop trying to be charming.

"His name was Tiberius." Aidan finally said quietly. He admired her strength. She didn't hurt or take her pain out on anyone, she handled it whole-heartedly. How beautiful it must be to see life in all it's unfairness and still manage to find wisdom and acceptance in it all?

He wanted to hold her. Just once, in hopes she would be able to transfer this wonderful gift of hers to calm him. She was so close now. Inviting. Aidan ached to feel her against him. To taste her, and feel her writhing beneath him as he buried himself inside her over and over until they were too weak to move. The thought was driving him mad.

Maddie felt him even closer to her. Good grief, if she didn't move away from him, she was going to explode. He hadn't touched her yet, but her body couldn't take much more of his presence and not do anything.

Down girl. He's leaving soon. Isn't he?

"How long are you going to be in Augusta?" She still looked out towards the sea.

Her question sobered him. "I don't know. It depends on how soon my business here is done."

"Just passing through, huh?" Her voice took an odd tone, so much she didn't even recognize it.

Aidan looked out. "Something like that."

Maddie turned around to face him. "Oh."

He literally saw her face darken with disappointment. Never had he seen anyone so upset of him leaving. Most people couldn't wait until he disappeared. He saw the light go out of her. Why would she even care?

"Why, are you going to miss me?" he quipped, fishing for some truth.

"Perhaps, I think I'll miss annoying you and playing doctor at inopportune times most of all." Maddie gave a confident, yet flirty smile. "I was just getting in the habit of giving you a lollipop when we're done."

Before he could think it through, his hands braced the rail on each side of her, trapping her with his feral gaze. He began to lean in slowly, staring longingly at her lips. Damn it, his body didn't want to listen to reason. I want to touch her. I think I've always wanted it.

Maddie's eyes widened at his unexpected gaze. Oh my, he's going for it...Her breathing escalated and she thought her heart was going to beat out of her chest. What was the use? He was leaving. There's no room for a relationship. I don't want to be heartbroken. Not now.

She began to panic. I can't even remember the last time I kissed a guy! Her body tensed, and Aidan stopped cold as he picked up that scent he knew all too well.

Aidan pulled back with a swear, his face tender and apologetic, refusing to meet her eyes. He should have known better. "I'm sorry. I'm not very good with people." He pulled completely away and released his hands from the rail. Maddie missed his warmth and closeness almost immediately. A pang of guilt tore through her. She wanted to kiss him, she did. Why was it so hard for her to give in? Before she could say anything Aidan began to walk towards the glass doors. "It's getting late, let's get you home."

Trying her best not to feel awkward, she followed him down the stairs to the doorway. Aidan did not say a word as they walked down. He was too busy kicking himself for his behavior. He knew this was for the best. Aristans don't get involved with humans. It's best to stick with your own kind. He remembered all too well that humans did not accept anything different. She would never accept him if she knew what he really was. Would anyone? Would she think him disgusting and push him away?

He had never wanted a mate before. The council had urged him as Alpha to choose, but he refused. He didn't want anyone tied to him again. Everyone tied to him dies, one way or another. They all leave him. And he was tired of losing loved ones. He's been lost in the wilderness far too long, and everyone saw him as nothing more than a raging animal. But Maddie was different. She cherished every little thing he's done for her. It always wanted to make him do more for her. She was strong, caring and floored him with her welcoming touch. No one dared touch him before. Not even Ninon. Yet, Maddie's nurturing had gotten the better of him. Eager to believe that he was capable of having a future where someone loved him and not tossed him to the wolves, so to speak.

But she was not for him. He had to leave her alone.

The ride home was quiet, only the roar of the engine. It was so dark on the highway with only their headlight to brighten their way. She had no idea how Aidan managed to see the curves in the road in such darkness. She held on to him tight, her face resting on his back. He was so comfortable with her there as she tried to focus on the stars in the eastern sky.

Maddie, you are an idiot. Why couldn't you just let the man play tonsil hockey with you? It's not like you don't want it!

There was no doubt she would enjoy it, she admitted. But she had rejected him, she saw it in those beautiful green eyes of his, when she tensed. She was beginning to believe Greta when she told her that she'd probably not see a good thing if it was staring her in the face. She groaned in annoyance. Greta would slap me for my actions tonight. But who was she kidding? Her luck with men had summed itself up when she had to move here to escape the parasitic nature of Eric, who barely found her suitable for sex.

Eric had started off charming and helpful, until his selfish and cruel nature got the better of him. When the smoke cleared, she walked out and she thought she had won. But soon she noticed the barrier that existed between her and the men she tried to date. Eric clearly left scars she feared would never heal. Damn him for sullying her spirit! She deserved to be happy, didn't she? Why did it come with such a high price?

Tears welled up and were soon blown away by the speed of the bike. I wish I could be the one for you, Aidan. I wish I could give all of my trust to you. The pain is too ripe on the surface. In truth, her heart shattered as she met his sad eyes at the lighthouse. He allowed her to open up, and she sensed a certain empathy and sincerity with him. And she wanted to bawl as she refused herself to sink into his arms and let go. She never met anyone that made it so hard for her to control herself. This man was nothing short of amazing.

He stopped at her office first, so she could check on the locks. Sure as the sun sets, Aidan monitored the area as she locked up, looking towards the alleyways and patches of darkness. He did not say a word, nor did his politeness towards her change. Despite his nonchalance, she couldn't help but think she'd somehow hurt him. The idea sounded crazy to her. Aidan didn't strike her as a guy who lamented over things like that. She was sure there was women lined up somewhere ready to make him forget all about her.

Moments later the bike revved through the neighborhood as he pulled in her driveway. When he turned the engine off, she filled with dread and her feet felt anchored in cement. And worst yet, she didn't want to leave his side. The night had turned chilly and she had grown to like her new friend very much. She liked herself when she was with him. She was able to be herself and speak her mind without him thinking she was odd. Able to joke and banter with him and he not take it so seriously. And when she was near him, her body grew hot and giddy with a need she couldn't yet describe.

Aidan extended his hand to help her off the motorcycle. She sighed as she took it and hopped off the bike, straightening her clothes. When she met his eyes she expected to see her confusion mirrored in him.

There wasn't. He had the poker face that he patented.

"Aidan, I had a wonderful time with you. Thank you for taking me for a ride. And in one piece no doubt."

His lips quirked up into a charming smile, "Next time I'll aim for two, Little Red."

She smiled as he pulled the hood off her head releasing her soft curls that were tucked underneath. He was pleased that she was tickled at his little pun. With her living on the edge of the woods, and him desperately wanting to follow her home, she had no idea how well it really fit.

"Thanks a lot," her voice teasingly annoyed.

His hand reached out and picked up the compass around her neck. It would be safe with her. His heart hammered as his fingers brushed her neck, and he released the medallion letting it fall against her gently.

"Try to stay outta trouble for me."

He looked at the moon, then down at her and how beautifully fitting it was for her naked face to be under the moonlight. Found himself staring at those full soft lips that seemed to beg for his kisses. Her almond shaped brown eyes burned into him, dug into him, finding a heart that he swore was torn to pieces ages ago.

You have to leave her.

"I'll wait here until you've made it inside." He offered her a tender smile. It was one of the most charming ones yet. It turned her to absolute putty. As if he cherished and held everything she was so deeply. She nodded in agreement, afraid the uncertainty in her voice would betray her. She started for the stairs to her front door, and found herself walking slower than she should. Maddie was bombarded with a bevy of crazy emotions for Aidan. 

If she let him go, would she regret it? She feared she'd be heartbroken from this night regardless of what happened. Maddie couldn't focus as she thought of him with every step to the door she took. That gorgeous smile, how his protective side got the better of him with her, how he made her laugh. As she reached the top of the stairs, just a foot from the door, she heard Aidan's bike roar to life.

It is now or never.

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Thanks for reading!  What do you think of Aidan and Maddie?  They both painfully want each other, they just need to take a chance!  Stay tuned for the next chapter when we find out if Maddie or Aidan get the nerve to make the first move!  


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