Stone nodded his head, looking like some kind of tenacious God ready for war. An almighty look of someone who would clear anything and everything in their path to get what they want.

"I am not some kind of trophy to be won." I accused.

"No. You are not." He agreed before glancing at me intently "You are my Medusa. There is not a fucking chance in hell that I am going another day without you."

When I did not reply he then pulled something out of his other pocket. A sheet of paper folded up. He did not quite meet my eye as he handed it to me.

I flickered my attention between him and the piece of paper that felt important as I questioned "What is it?"

"You never got to read my essay."

My hand held onto the sheet of paper tightly. I did not plan on reading it. I would lock it up and keep it hidden like the rest of my feelings.

His phone beeped again and he exhaled sharply before cursing.

"Go." I whispered.

Before I could pull myself away, he brought his arms around me so that I was crushed against his chest. He rested his mouth on my head and left a kiss there. I let myself sink into the warmth before I pulled away a minute later.

He lingered at the top of my head, begrudging to leave.

In his gravelly deep tone, he uttered "Happy birthday, Medusa."

I tried to smile again but it came out all shaky.

The arms trapping me to him fell and he took a last good look at me before turning and leaving.

As soon as he left the kitchen, I let out the deep breath that I had been holding. I stared at the doorway and the absence of where he once was.

Dread took over every vein inside of me. He had to leave for Litora Bello. He probably had to train because it was the final. The big fight was happening in a matter of hours. Whoever he was facing was going to be just as good a fighter as he was and that thought made me feel sick.

Not thinking about it any further, I pushed myself off my hold on the sink and ran through the living room to the front door.

As I felt the fresh air hit me, I ignored the stares off Brennan and Lana who were still talking on the stairs.

"Lurch." I called but it came out quieter than I intended it to be.

He heard it anyway because he turned around instantly. He took long determined strides so that he was in front of me again.

"Are you going to be okay?" I asked as undisguised concern flowed from me "Tonight, I mean. With the fight. Are you going to be okay?"

Stone nodded, his lip twitching.

"I am going to win." He declared "Then I am coming to get my girl."