“Mmm, so very thoughtful of you, Little Dove.” I hook underneath one of her tiny straps with my forefinger and run it up and down, teasing her warm skin. “Though I think it would be only fair of you to steal a peek seeing how we are now in nearly the same state of undress.”
Surely sensing the danger she’s in, she slowly steps out of reach, pulling her hair to one side with both hands, not daring to look at me. “I’ll grab you some clothes,” she tells me before disappearing up the stairway momentarily.
When she returns, she keeps her eyes carefully downcast and hands me a bundle that smells of soap but not of her. I step into the strange undergarments, followed by pants and a short-sleeved shirt of the softest cotton. She refuses to look in my direction lest she accidentally catches a glimpse of my nude form.How strange for a mortal to be so open about sexuality in theory, yet so afraid of the human body.
“Whose clothes are these?” I ask. Surely if there was a male she shared a home with, they would have made themselves known.
“Roommate. Moved out a few months ago, left a few things behind.” She can’t hide the sadness in her voice.
“You miss him deeply?” If there’s anything more to her history with this man, I may have to pay him a visit. There’s a sour feeling in my gut at the thought of any man being too close to her. Aroommate, she said. If he’s the reason for her sorrow and fear of the human form, I’ll—
“I do, very much. Him and his husband saved me in more ways than I can count.”They may live, then.
“I deeply appreciate your willingness to part with these so that I may be clothed. I’ll be on my way now,” I tell her.
“Where will you go?” she asks, prolonging this conversation the same way I long to. The last thing I want is to leave her presence, but needs must.
With a sigh, I partially explain, “That spell was entirely unhelpful, so I must go in search of answers elsewhere.” She chews on her thumbnail and nods, still avoiding looking directly at me. “Hopefully, another of my kind with answers will not be too hard to find.”
I don’t bother telling her that if I stay any longer, she’ll be splayed out like the finest feast across her dining room table. I gather that even though she’s curious about the tension between us, she’s not quite ready to accept it yet. I need to give her space and find answers.
She walks beside me and opens her front entry, leaning out to ensure no more peacekeepers are waiting. Then she points down the hallway to her left to a large gray metal door, “That’s the stairwell. Take those all the way down and you’ll enter right onto the street.”
With a small bow, I leave her home, ready to rediscover the world I’ve been locked away from for centuries.
Leftovers
Bel
The moment he leaves, I realize my mistake.
His fucking leftovers.
I grab some sweats and a jacket, throw on my designated mailbox slippers and sprint out my door. There’s no way I can just leave them there, and what can I do with them? Nothing. I was so glad to be rid of him that I didn’t even think about the consequences.And I don’t even really know what he looks like!
I couldn’t bring myself to look at him while he was nude, and seeing someone else in Charlie’s clothes would have gutted me. But if how he smelled was anything to go by, he’s probably gorgeous.Christ, what is wrong with me?He smelled like snowy nights; like chimney smoke, balsam, and like… fucking roasted marshmallows or something, making my head spin.
Ignoring that alarming train of thought, I burst out the doors and onto the sidewalk, the chilled Fall air smacking me in the face. “Caspian!” I’m shouting, running down the sidewalk, looking for all to see like an idiot running after a man. Yelling it again, praying I find him before the police come back and findmewith dismembered officers in my freezer.
“Missing me already?” he laughs from the shadows a neighboring building casts in the moonlight. With mock pity, he adds, “Come now, darling sacrifice, I’ve only been gone a moment.”
Panting, I manage to choke out, “You left something in my freezer.” I rest my hands on my knees, catching my breath.
“I believe you mean I left someonein your freezer.” Laughing again at my scowl, he begins to emerge from his hiding place.
God damn it all to Hell, he is hot.As if reading my mind, he gives me a small smile and allows my perusal as he strides closer. Probably six feet tall, maybe a bit more, anddefinitelyat least six inches taller than me. Inky black hair that falls into gentle waves around his ears and nape.That haircut is terrible.Even that doesn’t detract from how gorgeous he is, with eyes so green they nearly glow, full black brows, and a strong, straight nose.You could cut glass on that jawline, fuck.And I’m waxing poetic about a monster. I definitely need to stop reading so much smut.
“Ididwarn you that many enjoyed this form.”Asshole.Snickering, he continues, “You needn’t worry, I have every intention of returning for a midnight snack.” For a moment, I forget what we were talking about and picture averydifferent kind of late-night treat he could enjoy. “You’re blushing again. You and your filthy imagination. I was only talking about the contents in your kitchen.” He takes a step closer, and I take one back. The predatory look in his eyes has me considering fleeing again. Maybe in a crowded city like this, he couldn’t find me.
“I wouldn’t try to fly away, Little Dove. I willalwayscatch you, and you won’t like the consequences when I do.”
“But you can’t hurt me,” I taunt, literally flirting with the devil. Our little dance continues until I’m nearly backed into the street.
He doesn’t say anything, only takes another large step toward me, reminding me of those fucking videos of a panther stalking its prey.He’s too close. God, he smells so good.Keeping his eyes locked on mine, he twists one of his fingers around a strand of my hair and tugs before releasing it. Leaning down, he mutters quietly, “Go straight home, Bel. I’ll be back for you and mytreatsshortly,” his eyes light up with mischief.
Wait, no.He’s supposed to take his shit andgo.“That’s not what I meant. I meant that you should just like take it all with you, wherever you’re going. I don’t want it, oryou, in my home. No offense.”
He grins, “No offense taken, I assure you. However, unfortunately for you, I’ll be remaining close by.” I feel my jaw drop in dejection, only causing him to smile wider. “For now, I must reacquaint myself with this world, and hopefully find one of my kind wandering around who may have the answers I seek.”
