“I don’t think being a chef is in your future,” Maliki informs my little soul.
Pip’s eyes take on a big, sad quality.
“But I’ll keep trying to teach you,” Maliki rushes on to say. “Just promise you’ll wear the gloves.”
Pip bobs.
“And promise you won’t touch the open flame on the stove,” Maliki adds.
Another nod from Pip.
“Okay. Then you can help me take the food over to the table while Sera gets dressed.”
Pip rushes forward.
“Wear your gloves,” Maliki growls, causing Pip to freeze right before almost touching a plate. He slowly retracts his bony hand and scurries back to the table, where a pair of gloves is already waiting for him.
“Come on, little dreamer. Maliki and Pip will put the finishing touches on breakfast while I manifest a new wardrobe for you.” He uses the hand on my hip to turn me around, then wraps his arm around my waist to pull me from the kitchen and down the hall.
When we enter a room that’s different from the one I slept in, I realize he’s taken me somewhere new. It’s a smaller space with a single bed, presumably meant for a guest. “Is this where you slept?” I ask.
“No,” he replies, releasing me and wandering off toward what I assume is a bathroom area. “I didn’t sleep. I kept guard with Pip and the three-headed beast outside.”
He disappears from view after crossing the threshold.
When he calls for me to follow, I do so cautiously.
Then startle when I find him in a closet full of tank tops and soft pants. No jeans. No dresses. Just comfortable clothes.
“I added some undergarments to the wardrobe there.” He gestures to a dresser. “And shoes in boxes on the back wall.” He looks at me. “If I’ve missed anything you desire, let me know and I’ll manifest it.”
He goes to leave me, and I echo, “Manifest it?” I’m sort of familiar with Alpha abilities because of Orcus. But I’ve never really asked how it works.
“Yes. My power tends to be a little extreme since I’m a natural dreamer, which makes me more fantasy focused. Just as Hades tends to be a little more lethal, given his penchant for death.” He shrugs. “In the end, we’re all similar. But I like to think my imagination affords me an edge.”
“Oh.” I’m not sure what else to say to that other than to agree that he might be right.
He smiles. “I’ll be in the bedroom, waiting for you. Just yell if you need me.” His gaze runs over me once more, then he walks away.
I’m left with a dizzy feeling that has me longing to follow him and learn more.
He’s always teaching me. So patient and understanding.
And interested,I think, recalling the way he held me. The way he’s spoken to me. The way he’s simply been there for me.
What does it all mean?I want to ask him.
Maybe I will.
After breakfast.
Also after I have a chance to see my sister. Because she has to be worried about me. I need to tell her I’m okay. And maybe ask her some questions about Omega estrous cycles…
Chapter 11
Morpheus
I standwith Maliki on the beach, watching as Serapina wanders off toward the water with Alina.
