Chapter 13
“Who the hell is that?”
Eric stood as wary and bristled as a wolf with its hackles up when we arrived back at the house. His eyes narrowed suspiciously at Noro, who he assumed was a stranger, just as I had at first glance.
“It’s okay,” I said quickly, running up to him. “It’s just Noro’s human form.”
“Oh!” Colton said. He examined Noro thoroughly, apparently not caring that he was completely nude. “Hi.”
“Hello, Colton,” Noro said with a polite smile.
I guess I was right after all,I thought in amusement.
“Noro?” Eric repeated, uncrossing his arms.
“He couldn’t shift to human form while he was injured,” I explained. “But my magic worked! I healed his wings just like I healed your arm, Eric.”
Some of the suspicion left his face, even if he wasn’t openly friendly. “I see. And he’s staying here with us, I suppose?”
“Only if that’s all right with you,” Noro said, dipping his head with respect.
“It’s fine. We have enough spare rooms.” Eric huffed. “But put on some damn clothes. We already have one man who likes running around naked.”
Colton nodded, either not realizing or not caring that Eric was talking about him. “Maybe mine will fit. Come upstairs with me.”
As Noro and Colton went to get dressed, I crossed the room to Eric’s side and took his hand.
“You okay?” I asked.
“I’m all right.”
I frowned slightly. The stress on his face was clear. “You seem upset.”
“It’s not about Noro, if that’s what you’re wondering. I don’t mind that he’s here,” Eric said. “Sorry. The issue with the humans edging the border still has me riled up.”
I nodded. “I understand. But I don’t want you to be thinking about it all the time and upsetting yourself when nothing’s going on.”
“I know.” He exhaled and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I just wish they’d act either way so I could stop worrying aboutwhenit’s going to happen.”
“That seems to be a recurring theme lately,” I mumbled, thinking about the gryphons. I squeezed Eric’s hand in sympathy. “You’re not the only one stressed out about this stuff, you know?”
“Yes.” He sighed. “Anyways, you said you healed Noro’s wing?”
I brightened up. “Yeah! It worked, just like it did before. I guess it really does come from inside me, since it worked without the three of you there.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Eric caressed my face, his thumb softly brushing my cheek. “I’m proud of you, Matheson.” With warmth flowing in my chest, I leaned up on my toes and kissed him. I felt the tension melt away in his arms as the kiss deepened.
“Maybe I need to have you in the bedroom every night, for de-stressing purposes,” I teased.
He smirked. “You’re not going to be the boss of me every time, you know. I like to be on top, too.”
“Oh, I know. And I like it when you are.”
Eric grinned mischievously, his fangs glinting as he licked his lips. He snaked a hand up my shirt and rested his teasing hand on my belly.
“I don’t know what it is, but you being pregnant makes you so much more tantalizing,” Eric said in a low, seductive growl. “Maybe it’s the fact that I know you’re carrying my baby.”
I shuddered and pressed closer to him. He wrapped his arm around my lower back, holding me protectively.
