Rule#6 Trust NO ONE

The moment I left the house, I threw off my dress- I really hate clothes- and started running with Anna. I ran and ran, as fast as I could go. Anna stops up ahead so I finally slow down. I notice this is the same place we found Rowin, earlier today.

Coming to a stop and panting, I place my hand on a large oak tree. I scan the area and notice a small bag a few feet away from where he had collapsed. Curious, I step over to it and gingerly scoop it up. It's not heavy and smells just like him. I find a large stone and plop myself down upon it. My attention on the bag in my hands, I decide to snoop. I open the bag and carefully pour the contents on my lap.

What comes out surprises me. There's a small sachel with runes, a bright red feather, and a necklace. The moment I pick it up to take a better, all my anger and frustration melts away. The amulet is a pentacle with a serpent circling it. Different colored stones, at the tips of each point, makes it shine in the moonlight. I gather everything back up, into the bag, and race back home with Anna at my heels.

Opening the front door, a wonderful aroma full of meat and spices hit my nose. I haven't smelled food like this since.... Well, since my mother left.

Rowin, still topless, is hunched over by the fire. Hearing us come in, he turns and smiles at me. "You came back just in time." His husky voice sends shivers down my spine. He looks me up and down and smirks. "Why are you always naked?"

I feel the heat raise up to my cheeks. "I hate clothes." I state as I make a bee-line to my room. I must've forgotten to pick up my dress.... Again. I look through my room and can only find a thin night shift. I take a deep breath. "Screw it." I mumble as I lift the shift over my head. I find my brush and try to brush out the tangles from my hair.

As I struggle with my hair, a large hand closes around my own, making me stop. I glance over my shoulder to see Rowin ease my brush out of my hand.

"Let me help you." He whispers in my ear, sending more shivers down my spine. The words caught in my throat, I just place my hands on my lap and let him get to work.

20 minutes later, Rowin finishes putting my hair in one long braid, tieing it at the end with a black velvet band.

"Thank you, Rowin." I turn towards him and smile, softly. He lifts his hand to my cheek and pushes a stray strand of hair behind my ear. "My pleasure, sweet Bella." he says, as I watch his eyes change from lavender to red.

"I have to ask. What's with your eyes?" I ask out of curiosity.

He smirks, "Whatever do you mean?"

"They keep changing color! Why?"

He sighs, "My eyes are the only way you'll know how I'm feeling."

I inch closer to him, my interest peaking more. "So, what does red mean?" I ask, innocently.

He chuckles and pulls me closer to him, our lips almost touching.

"Because I am nothing but full of desire for you." He whispers right before he lands a soft kiss upon my lips. He pulls away and shuffles off the bed, leaving me speechless. "Now, let's eat." He says as he offers me his hand.

I take it and look up at him, my eyes wide with surprise. He pulls me up and out the door to go back to the fire.

As we eat in silence, I can't help but glance at him through my lashes. I finally swallow my food and clear my throat before asking, "So... Why were you almost killed by a bullet?"

Rowin smirks. "What makes you think it was a bullet?"

"Seriously? Who do you think dug that thing out of you?" I comment back. "By the way, how is it healing?" I set my food aside and shift over to his other side, forgetting that my night gown is pretty much see-through.

I take a look at his wound and gasp. It's already scabbing over! The muscle must also be healing nicely. "What the-"

"Oh. That." He says, voice flat.

I look up in his eyes. They're crystal blue. Beautiful but somehow sad looking. "What's wrong?" I ask, concerned.

He sighs and takes my hands in his. "I heal quickly and I can't say why. Please, Bella. I know you don't know me. But please trust me when I tell you that I would say why if I could." He lowers his head. "I cannot, though."

Trust him?! How can I trust anyone? Mother was the same way. I take a deep breath and slowly release it. I look straight in his eyes and lean forward a bit. "Fine. I'll trust you on this. But trust doesn't come free, with me. I want something in return."

"Anything." Rowin growls.

"Take me, tonight." I whisper.