I watch as they walk toward her car with sadness in my heart. I’m so happy for Celine and all that she’s found in Zav and her new life, but it feels like I’m losing her at the same time.
CHAPTER 9
VALEN
“I wishto ride the horse with wheels,” I blurt out.
Ava sputters and chokes on the burritoshe’s eating. “Come again?” She wipes delicately at her lips before scooping up the particles of food from the counter and putting them on the edge of her plate.
“The horse with wheels. Can you teach me how to drive it?” I tilt my head in question, not sure what she’s not comprehending.
She continues to stare at me in bewilderment, and I look out the window to see one conveniently parked on the side of the road. I motion her over and point at it. Ava giggles when she spots it, the sound quickly morphing into a boisterous laugh.
“I don’t see what’s funny.” I cross my arms as she loses it.
“A motorcycle.” Ava wipes tears from her eyes and pats my arm. “It’s called a motorcycle, but points for creativity.”
She’s been touching me more lately, and I don’t have the urge to cringe like I used to. Even though I know she’s notactually using magic, the way she affects me still feels like witchcraft.
“Whatever it may be, I want to learn how to operate it. It seems fun … and freeing.” Two things my life hasn’t possessed for an incredibly long time.
Ava finishes off her food and washes her hands in the sink. Around the bulge in her cheek, she manages to garble out, “Onward, then.”
As she heads for the door with a purpose, I scurry after her, shocked that she agreed and we’re going this quickly.
“You own one of these motorcycles?” The word feels strange in my mouth. I prefer horse with wheels. Makes the most sense to me.
“Hell no,” Ava replies breezily. “We’re going to start with learning how to drive a car, which I do have. Motorcycles can be dangerous, so we’re walking before you learn how to run.” “I am confused. I thought you were teaching me how to drive, not run?” I question.
Ava turns toward me with an open mouth.
“Next lesson after learning to drive is going to be expressions and their meanings.”
We reach the garage, and she leads me to her car, a carriage with wheels if you ask me.
She pushes a magic button and lights flash. “Door’s unlocked,” she says in a singsong tone when I stand there flabbergasted.
I reach for the handle and swing it open. I haven’t sat inside one of these since I’ve been back in the real world. There’s plenty on the road, but I find them scary. People act like they’re going to hit you with them. I might be indestructible, but pain is not pleasant.
I settle into the seat. The car smells of her—a mix of rosesand candy and pure sweetness. I inhale a big whiff, and she sends a mystified expression my way.
“Are you okay?”
“I am good.” I smooth my hands down my hips and flex my fingers.
“I’m good,” she says.
“That is what I said.”
Ava sighs, a tone that makes her sound tired, but there’s a smile on her lips, so I find myself confused about what she’s feeling. “No, I was correcting you. You don’t have to say I am good. You can just say I’m good. The “I am” shortens to I’m. I’m good. I’ve heard you use the contraction before, so don’t act like you haven’t.”
“I’m good,” I say to pacify her.
“See?” She pats my arm encouragingly and releases me. I stare at her hand. My skin feels heated beneath it, humming beneath the surface, screaming for more touch from my mate. But I cannot push her, and I need time of my own to heal from the horrors I’ve survived. “That wasn’t so bad, was it? Now buckle up.”
“Buckle…?”
She practically sprawls across me and reaches around me for something … a strap. She tugs it over my torso and snaps it into place.
