Free Faith Revisited by Madelyn Ford

the lack of the warmth his body had been providing her, reminding him of his earlier request.
    “Come on, baby, unless you want Arak to see you in only my T-shirt.”
    She shook her head adamantly, allowing Bale to maneuver her under the covers.

    The Watchers: Faith Revisited
    31

    “Shit. I don't even know your name,” she whispered as he tucked the comforter under her chin.
    “It's Balam…Bale,” he replied huskily, glancing away from her as a knock sounded on the door again. “Come in,” he called out, bracing his body to face the door. With Faith still as weak as she was, he was in warrior mode, the dagger he'd used earlier to assist in feeding her clutched in his fist. Just in case whoever came through the door did so with the intention of terminating him, he was prepared to protect his own.

    Faith watched the door open slowly before a male not quite as tall or having the sheer mass of Bale entered the room. She bit her lip to prevent a gasp from escaping her mouth. He was gorgeous. Where Bale's beauty was cold, hard like steel, his friend radiated warmth and sexual heat. Blond hair curled around twinkling blue eyes, eyes that lit up even further as their gaze settled on her. Faith didn't think he could get any more handsome until he smiled, and she found herself returning the gesture, ignoring Bale's scowl.
    She felt herself blushing when Bale's friend stopped short, nostrils flaring as his eyes, filled with surprise, turned to Bale.
    “Not a word,” Bale threatened, the dagger suddenly visible as he crossed his arms over his chest.
    His friend laughed, a delightful sound, almost like the twinkling of bells. “And you protested.”
    Faith watched Bale's frown deepen. “It changes nothing.”
    The other male cocked his head to the side, his expression turning thoughtful. “Maybe you would now like to move Faith into the infirmary. Zeke will probably appreciate the company once he wakes.”
    The male shrugged as if his words held little consequence, but Bale apparently had other ideas. Confused, she watched Bale take a threatening step forward. She figured his bulk could easily overpower the other male, but his friend held his ground, appearing not the least bit intimidated.
    “Try it, Arak, and expect to lose body parts,” Bale growled softly.
    Arak only snorted. “Yeah, yeah. So you say.” Arak's gaze settled on Faith, and his features took on a sad appearance. “But maybe Remy will have something to say about that.”
    “Don't push me,” Bale warned.
    “I'll have something to say about what?” a voice interrupted.
    Another male stood in the doorway with Hope.
    The conversation between Bale and Arak immediately ceased, and both males shook their heads, obviously unwilling to share whatever they were discussing with the newcomer.
    The third male, Faith soon learned, was Remy, the leader of this little enclave of Grigori warriors. He was closer in height to Bale and was similar in appearance, except unlike Bale's long, silky strands, Remy's hair was cut close to his scalp, and a goatee decorated his chin. The other major difference was his eyes. They held a warmth Bale's presently lacked, one Faith was certain had been there only moments before.
    “Nothing,” Bale snapped, answering Remy's question with a glare aimed at Arak.

    32
    Madelyn Ford

    With a sigh, Remy stepped farther into the room. “Well, look who is awake,” he murmured once his gaze settled on her. “You are looking much better than the last time I saw you.”
    Faith smiled. “And feeling much better, I am sure.” She cast a quick glance at Bale to find him still standing defensively beside the bed.
    “Faith, how are you?” Hope asked, ignoring the three males in the room. She crossed to the bed and sat beside Faith.
    “I'm okay, Hope. It's done,” Faith replied as her eyes traced over her sister, examining for any hints of distress or injury. “And you? You are okay?”
    “You scared the crap out of me,” her sister