“Let’s lie down and settle ourselves,” he murmured.“I’m tired and don’t want to argue.”He led her to the bed, lay back, and pulled her onto his chest, wrapping his arms around her.“It’s okay.We’ll move past this.You’re upset, and I understand.I would never hurt you.I want to help you, Ancelin.I love you.”
When he brushed a lock of hair from her eyes, she flinched.“You can hit me if you must.At least, when I deserve it.However, I didn’t deserve it this time.Nevertheless, it’s forgiven.I’m sure it hurt you more than it did me.”He kissed her forehead and then the hand that had struck him.Within minutes she drifted off, and he held her until dawn’s light filled the room.
He stayed awake.When Ancelin stirred and looked into his eyes—which still gleamed silver—she whispered, “Are you still mad at me?”
“No,” he said softly.“I wasn’t angry—just concerned when you reacted like you did over the drugs.I’m emotional right now, but if I were truly mad, you’d know it.”He gave her a reassuring wink.“I don’t want to be mad.You slept through the night without any help, remember?I promise to help you.I only have your best interest at heart.How about breakfast—maybe we can get something at Krammer’s soda fountain in Coti?”His face hovered close.“We need to pick up our vehicle and the furniture you ordered.Your baby shower is tomorrow, right?”
Ancelin nodded.
“Then let’s get the car and head to this beautiful waterfall spot I know.We should enjoy the outdoors before the weather turns.Interested?”
“That sounds wonderful.Can we call Kellie and Derrick to remind them of tomorrow’s party?”
“Of course—but I doubt they forgot.They’re thrilled to attend, and you’ve been so thoughtful to them and their baby.That kindness is one of the things I love about you.”He pressed a tender kiss to her cheek.“I just wish we had more women to invite and to be in your circle of friends.I think that would be good for you.”
“Yes, that would be nice.”
"What about the Krammers?Mrs.Krammer seems to be about your age—she might make a good friend.We could invite them," Krevan suggested.
Ancelin's eyes lit up."Perfect!I have some decorated paper left over for an invitation.And Mrs.Krammer could bring something for Kellie's baby."She sprang from the bed and darted from the room in her rumpled pajamas.When she reached the bottom of the stairs, Krevan was already waiting.
"How do you do that?"she asked, shaking her head as she slipped past him toward the kitchen.
"Just keeping you guessing."His hand connected playfully with her backside.
She swatted his hand away with a smile."Behave yourself."
"You know you like it," he murmured, landing another gentle pat before she could dodge."Now hurry—I'm famished."While Ancelin bustled about, Krevan brewed coffee and settled in to wait.By his third cup, she appeared in the doorway—dressed, coiffed, and clutching a handmade invitation.
"I'll drive us there," Krevan said, jingling the keys, "but you'll need to bring this vehicle back.You can drive, right?"
"I bought a car, didn't I?"Ancelin crossed her arms.
Krevan's eyes narrowed.“Ancelin, I’ve come to realize and suspect that you do a lot of
things that you’re…not really…ready to do.”
"What's that supposed to mean?"Her voice pitched higher.
"Save it for later."He flashed a bright smile."I'm conserving my energy.We can argue tonight, make up, and..."he winked, "...celebrate properly.How's that sound, Lin?"The nickname rolled off his tongue like he'd been saving it.
Ancelin followed him into the garage."All those promises, silver-eyes," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper as she caught up to him.She tilted her head, eyes dancing with suggestion."This waterfall of yours—anyone else around there?Would a blanket be...appropriate?"
"Absolutely," he said, opening her door with a flourish.His eyes flashed silver, catching the light like polished metal.
Something primal stirred in Ancelin—she was playing with fire and loving it."Can you control when they change color?"
"Strong emotions trigger it.I used to hide it—especially when I practiced medicine.Humans get nervous when a Triaxen’s eyes suddenly go metallic.They expect fangs to follow."He flashed his teeth playfully.
"Don't hide them," she said."They're part of you.I find them...attractive."
Krevan slid behind the wheel and paused.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm debating whether we should go back inside."
"Why?"
