CHAPTER 83

CHARLENE'S POV

His right eye was swollen shut and half of his lower lip was cut through, revealing the bone underneath. His whole body felt like it was in shock. Was he okay? Jaxton slowly moved his eyelid upward. A single tear rolled down his cheek.

"Char…" He breathed heavily.

Relief and joy rushed over me. Thank goodness he's alright. I pulled him into a hug, holding him tightly against me, trying to absorb all of the heat and energy radiating off his body. I buried my nose into the curve of his neck as I inhaled deeply, relishing the scent of him. It was intoxicating! He smelled like fresh rain and pine trees.

As my head started to spin, I realized there were other people nearby. They must be watching us or more specifically. And they're probably wondering how we knew each other or if I even remembered him at all. But this didn't matter. All that mattered now was Jaxton.

The moment he wrapped his arms around me I felt safe and protected. So safe and happy. It almost made every