Jeffrey & Pepper

I chuckled. "I bet it got pretty crazy sometimes." 

"Very much so." I said, smiling a little.

I smiled back at her. "What kind of crazy things happened out there?"

"Some were crazy and some were just bad. I think some of the births were the craziest."

"Yeah, I bet. I can honestly say I don't think I'd know what to do in that situation. Giving birth can have a lot of complications anyway, but without really any medical supplies... Did you lose any?" I asked, hoping I wouldn't offend her by the question.

"Yes, I did. The baby had stopped growing and the pregnancy terminated itself. I have no idea why that happened because she was very far along."

I shook my head a little. "I'm sorry that happened... That must've been devastating."

"It was. Quin and Aurora have really been through the mill. Poor things."

"Yeah, I read their files. Not that I know much of anything that happened to them out in the wilderness, but just here in the districts alone... they've been through more than anyone should have to go through. If you don't mind my asking... how did he get the scars on his face?"

"Cade and Jasper."

I could practically feel my entire expression darken. "I read quite a bit about them." 

"Dirty bastards is what they were."

"That's putting it very lightly. What all did they do to him? There wasn't anything about it in the file." 

"They beat and tortured him. Thank god Asher and Sebastien found him in time." I said and he was silent for a moment. This man wasn't going to hurt me. Je was actually genuine and caring. "Will you stay with me?"

"If that's what you'd like, I'd be more than happy to." 

"I feel...safe with you here."

"You are. I promise. Nothing is going to happen to you here, not with me," I said, my eyes not leaving hers. 

"I believe you, Jeffrey. "

I smiled at her. "I'm glad. Do you want me to lay with you?" 

"That would be fine."

"Alright," I said and got up from the chair, slowly moving over to the bed. I sat on the edge then laid down on top of the covers, wanting her to know I was here and wouldn't let anything happen to her, but not wanting to get too close and make her uncomfortable.

"I pulled fthe covers down in my side and crawled underneath them. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Try to get some rest," I said, resisting the urge to run my fingers through her hair. I was pretty sure that wouldn't help anything right now.

"You should try too."

"I will. Good night Pepper."