Excerpt: Secret of the Rose

It was hours after Shiloh had walked into the forest, so far nothing had really happened to him until he heard some running water. Deciding to take a short cut, he found himself all tangled up in a spiders web. He grumbled as he tried to get it off him, to no avail. Little did he realize that while he was focused on getting the web off him, he had found what he was looking for. Aara was outside, gathering some water for her mother when she heard him. At first she just heard the sound of footsteps on leaves and then she heard his voice. At first she wasn’t sure who it was but as he got closer, she knew it was Shiloh.

She was glad he came after her. Something her mother had said sparked an interest in her. Nala had told her that she’ll never know how Shiloh feels about her unless she asks him. Aara knows her mother is right and now here is her chance to ask Shiloh. Well, after she helps him get the spider web off him. Shiloh didn’t notice her until she spoke, almost laughing.

“You know… when you’re trying to find someone, you have to do it quietly. I could hear you a mile away.”
“Aara!” He said, startled

She was leaned against a tree, an amused smile on her face as she watched him. She pushed away from the tree and walked over to him. He looked at her, almost confused before she began picking the web off his wings. He relaxed, glad she’s helping him. It took her all of five minutes to get it off. Shiloh looked slightly annoyed that he couldn’t get it off himself.

“Don’t worry about it Shiloh, the spiders here spin silk webs that are nearly impossible to get off by yourself. I’ve gotten stuck in them before too.” She said and then said down, motioning for him to join her, “You followed me.”
“I didn’t want you to leave, thinking we thought any differently of you because of what some book said.”
“You don’t?” She asked
“No.”
“Then… what do you think of me?” She asked
“That you are beautiful, talented, and every man’s dream.” Shiloh replied after a moment

Aara’s eyes widened. Was Shiloh saying he loves her? She thinks he might be. Her ear flicked when she heard the door to the house open and then shut a moment later. Landon probably saw them and figured it would be best to leave them alone right now.

“Shiloh, what are you trying to say?”
“May I show you instead? I won’t hurt you and if you hate me for what I’m about to do, I’ll live with that.” He said and Aara nodded, a confused look on her face

When Shiloh leaned closer, she felt like smiling. Maybe, just maybe… Any thoughts of hers were cut off when Shiloh gently kissed her. He didn’t kiss her long, just long enough for her to get the message. When he started to pull away, Aara reached up and pulled him closer. Smiling, Shiloh gently pushed her down to the ground, his lips never leaving hers. Finally they broke apart but didn’t move, just lay there together on the ground.

“Aara…”
“I love you Shiloh. I tried for so long to keep from admitting it, but I can’t anymore. Everyday since I left the camp, I’ve wanted to turn around and go back. But I couldn’t. I was too scared of what you thought of me.”
“I love you too Aara.” He said softly, brushing the hair from her face, “I knew it weeks ago, when you were in the coma. I hated myself for letting you get hurt because of me.”
“You know it’s not your fault.” She said
“I know that now.”
“Good.” She said and kissed him again