Fractured by N.O Darling

Chapter 325 Chapter 325 Chapter 5 **Harper's POV ** Sage's hand lands on Dillon's forearm, not his shoulder. What does that mean? Axel comes over and puts a hand on Dillon's shoulder before guiding him away. I attempt to follow, but he puts a hand up to stop me. He givesthe universal sign for "It's okay" and I can finally suck in a breath. What the hell just happened? Demi shootsa questioning look and I shrug, still trying to remember how to breathe and trying to calm my racing heart. I don't know what I would have done if I'd been wrong about Dillon. He and Archie already mean the world to me.

I've already spent hours daydreaming about our future. The thought of all those dreams shattering is heartbreaking. I couldn't stand it.

Sage is moving down the line again, but I can't focus on her. I can't stop my eyes from going to where Axel is talking to Dillon further down the field. Dillon looks animated and Axel appears to be trying to calm him.

I can't hold back any longer. My legs are moving towards them before I can stop myself. Dillon turns to look in my direction and I pick up speed, running towards him now as he moves towards me.

Dillon's arms open forand I run into them. He liftsfrom the ground and I plant my lips on his in a desperate kiss. We all agreed not to go this far until our bond was confirmed, but I couldn't wait a second longer. I felt so close to losing him just now and I know I'd regret never kissing him for the rest of my life if that had happened.

So right here, in the middle of the training field, in front of sof my parents and a large group of students, I have my first kiss. It's messy, it's raw and is passionate. It's amazing.

When I finally break the kiss and look into Dillon's eyes, I can see my own emotions reflected there.

"I thought I was going to lose you," Dillon breathes.

too." My eyes well with tears, and he kissesagain. It's slower this time, less desperate and more sensual and exploratory. I think I have just found my new favourite pastime. Why did we wait to do this? As I deepen the kiss, my tongue delving into Dillon's mouth to meet his, someone clears their 1/4 +25 Bonus throat nearby and I suddenly cback to my senses with a flush of embarrassment.

I break the kiss and bury my face against Dillon's chest to hide my shame. He wraps his. arms around me, shieldingfrom view with a chuckle.

"Sage has moved on. It might be best if you don't follow for now," Axel says.

"Why did she touch Dillon? He's not Demi's bond." "I'm not sure. I guess she will explain it to you later, but we have always been told that if she touches someone anywhere but on their shoulder that we should move that person away from her. Only a shoulder touch identifies a bond," Axel explains.

"Well, that was a bit exciting, wasn't it?" Theo says with humour as he comes to join us.

I lift my face to scowl at him, and he holds up his hands in surrender.

"No. It was terrifying," I huff.

"Yes, that's what I meant," he nods, his face turning deadly serious and almost makingsmile.

Theo trying to be serious has always been funny to me. Of all my parents, he is the least serious. He finds humour in almost any situation and I love him for it. "Deacon said you should go to Ruby. You have been assigned an apartment there," Axel says.

"Which way is that?" I ask, trying to remember the location of each building.

"I can take her," Dillon offers.

"Yeah, I bet you would love that, wouldn't you, Romeo?" Theo snorts. "But you still have a class to complete. I'll take her." Dillon sighs and kisses the top of my head. "I'll see you for dinner later," he says before releasing his hold onand jogging back over to join his classmates..

I watch him go with a new appreciation for him. I can't wait until he's officially mine.

"Okay... let's get moving before we have another romantic movie moment in the middle of the field," Theo sighs.

I cast one last look at Dillon and he waves before taking position in front of his sparring partner.

"Be good," Axel grins before jogging back over to his students.

I roll my eyes and turn to follow Theo.

We arrive at an old-looking building and I remember my mum tellingit's where she once lived with my dads when they were at the academy.

The entrance way is spacious and doubles as a communal area, which is currently occupied by students

and their luggage. My mum Luke is calling out names from a tablet and handing out keys to teens, who then head up one of the two enormous staircases. Theo leadsstraight to Luke, who hands him a key and tells him I'm in apartment number three. My mum doesn't make a fuss over me, and barely glances my way as she continues assigning rooms to students. Which is good.

"Deacon will port your luggage over soon, so make sure you answer the door when he knocks. Intake day is always busy, but this is a crazy one, so be ready to answer when he comes," Theo says as we climb the grand staircase. "Okay," I nod.

"Here

we are, apartment three." Theo handsthe key and I unlock the door! excited to see my new home.

I push open the door and I'm surprised to see how spacious the apartment is. From the doorway, I can see an open- plan kitchen area with a table big enough to seat six. Behind the counter is a lounge area with a large L shaped couch and a TV on the wall.

"I'll leave you to explore. I need to get back to my combat class before Axe accusesof slacking," Theo says.

I turn to thank him and watch him walk away before I step into the apartment and close the door.