Never mind the fact that I’ve only just learned that my parents were indeednotmy biological parents.
And to top it all off, I need to figure my magic out so I can start being my own weapon instead of someone else’s.
But right now, I just need to check my messages and speak to my friend.
Taking a deep breath, I awaken my cell phone to find three text messages waiting for me. There are no surveillance notifications this morning, which makes my stomach turn. Do they know I’m not there? Is that why they didn’t visit last night? But the only people who know where I am right now are Rion and Kael, maybe Thorne too, but…
I shake my head. I’m overthinking it.
Opening the messages, I find they’re all from Ocean.
Ocean: Hey, bestie, I’m going to stay with Nathaniel tonight. Let me know you’re good, okay?
Ocean: Is twenty-eight minutes too soon for me to send a follow-up text because I’m starting to worry? Anyone else, no problem, but anything can seem to cause you trouble. It doesn’t help that you’re never even on your cell phone. Okay, I’m not overreacting. Let me know you’re good when you can!
Ocean: Okay, I overreacted, but it’s all good. One quick text to Rion and the master wolf himself confirmed you are indeed not dead and safe in HIS bed. I’m glad, really, but the smugness in his tone is gross. Be safe in all of the ways, queen!
That girl is certifiably psychotic, and I think I love her for it. I quickly shoot her a reply to confirm all is good before slipping my cell phone back into my backpack, just as the bedroom door swings open and Rion reappears.
The grin on his face is broad as he takes me in, but it’s the mug in his hand with whipped cream swirled on top that has my attention.
“Ocean said you like hazelnut hot chocolate. I took a chance on the topping,” he states, moving to place it on the nightstand beside me, but I swoop in and take it straight from him.
“Your chance paid off,” I breathe, my heart racing at the gesture as I blink at him. “Thank you.”
He winks. “You’re welcome. Breakfast is going to be about thirty minutes, so you can chill out here, take a shower, do whatever you want, but if you have the key to your room, I can grab you some clothes.”
“You don’t have to do that,” I insist, my eyes wide as I try not to gape at him.
“Amuse me, Petal,” he murmurs, leaning closer with his hands coiled into fists and planted on either side of my thighs. “This is all foreign to me, but spoiling you sounds like the kind of fun I want,” he adds, his voice so husky I shiver.
Pressing the mug against my chest with one hand, I use the other to fish out my keys, offering them to him without question, and he beams when I place them in his palm.
“I’ll take you up on that shower, if that’s okay,” I breathe. It feels like my entire body is trembling. No one has ever taken care of me, not like this. I need to be careful because it could definitely become addictive.
“Please do, Petal. Make yourself at home,” he replies, pressing a sweet kiss to my forehead before sauntering out of the room without a backward glance.
I enjoy the perfect view of his butt for the second time as the door closes before I bring the mug to my lips and delight in the deliciousness inside.
What even is my life?
I’ve never been on a rollercoaster, but this sure as hell feels like one. I’m exhausted from the constant ups and downs that are being thrown at me, but if I get to enjoy a moment like this, maybe it’s all worth it.
With a warmth in my stomach and a lightheadedness making me feel like I’m floating in bliss, I head for the bathroom, mug in hand, as I turn on the shower. I almost feel sad stripping out of his t-shirt, but I fold it up neatly, fully intent on taking it for myself.
Placing my mug of sweetness on the vanity, I secure my hair in a messy purple pile on top of my head before I step under the spray. Cranking the temperature a little higher, I let the heat melt my tension away. I falter as I reach for the body wash, only to find a brand new bottle of the one I use waiting for me. My instincts tell me it’s a coincidence until I see the men’s version half used beside it.
Is that there for me?
Gulping, I fail to remain calm as a grin almost splits my face in two.
How am I supposed to live without this?
Shaking my head, I hurry along, my stomach grumbling with hunger just like last night, when a gentle breeze blows over myskin, puckering goosebumps along my arms. I press my lips together as I turn to glance over my shoulder, when a shadow casts over me and a body presses against mine.
His scent fills my airways and I relax. My lips part, but before I can say a word, his lips press against my shoulder, making me shiver with desire.
“Rion,” I rasp, my breath short and sharp as I feel his looming presence everywhere, and he snickers against my ear.
