“I hate this for you,” I whisper and stroke his cheek.
Valen hesitates with his arms out like he wants to hold me for comfort. Our relationship is in an odd spot, but I want nothing more than comfort right now. I grab his arm and pull him over to the bedroom and onto my bed. He takes the hint and settles down next to me on the mattress. His heavy frame settles on top of the covers, but he keeps me underneath and tucked in.
“I’m here if you want to talk about it, but don’t feel obligated.” When he doesn’t protest, I lean against his side.
Valen strokes his long fingers through my hair, and I try to settle on his chest. We lie in silence for a few minutes, and I respect his space.
Little scurries and huffs sound as Pom Pom attempts to jump up onto the bed with us from the floor. It’s too high, and his little nails periodically tap on the floor as he kicks off but fails. A smile makes its way onto my face, and I lean over to pet his head. The pup gives me his goofy smile where his tongue lolls out the side.
When it’s clear neither of us is going back to sleep, Valen eases off the bed. “Come on.” He offers a hand, and I take it without question. We make sure Pom Pom is situated with his favorite toy before we leave.
Valen takes me up to his spot on the rooftop to sit beneath the stars. I see a noticeable tension leave his shoulders now that we’re out in the open.
“How did it go with Jade? I hope the chaos did not throw you off too much,” he asks.
I shrug and twirl a piece of hair hanging over my shoulder. “She didn’t stay too much longer. We tried to access my power, but my frustration didn’t help, so she said to sleep on it. It’ll take more sessions to get to the root of everything and who I am. Thank you for finding her.”
I see Valen nod out of the corner of my eye. “I am happy she’s helpful.”
“Why aren’t you angrier?” I ask suddenly. The thought has been weighing on me for a while now.
“What do you mean?” Valen looks at me curiously. A strand of dark hair curls over his forehead, and I resist the urge to smooth it back.
“You were held against your will for years upon years by beings that tortured you.” I lean back on my arms and dangle my feet over the edge. “Every movie I’ve seen where it’s a similar case, the character is hell bent on getting revenge and fueled by anger. I wouldn’t blame you if you were, but you’re not that way at all. You’re just … you.”
“I am me. Thank you for the observation, Ava,” Valen replies dryly.
I lean up quickly and bring myself close to his face, which makes him startle a little. “Sorry, I’m just shocked. Did you crack a joke?”
Valen smiles in response and leans toward me. We stare at each other for a minute, and I fight my body’s instinct to lean in and kiss him. This gorgeous man might tempt me beyond belief, but it’s still such a new relationship—if you can even call it that—and when we do kiss, I want him to initiate it. After everything he went through and how touch-resistant he is, that’s his move to make.
My breath catches when he leans forward and his soft lips connect with my forehead. His light kiss feels like a spark against my skin, and a sigh leaves me. It’s heaven and hell wrapped in one being this close to him yet holding myselfback. I don’t know how, but even though I’ve been set on taking it slow after everything with Spencer, there’s part of me that wants to dive headfirst into this pull.
Valen breaks the spell—witch pun very much intended—and lies back on the blanket-covered ground beneath us. I suck in the drool that threatens to come out at the sliver of sculpted skin that’s revealed when he puts an arm under his head. I glance at his face and smile to myself when I see his smirk.
He knows I’m checking him out. Good.
“I am tired, Ava,” Valen replies in a voice layered with age. “I can’t find it in me to be angry. Of course it is upsetting to realize how long I’ve been in captivity and not understand why, but I cannot waste time being angry. I am out and safe. I am slowly learning about this new world I am in, and I have friends and a mate by my side.” His brown eyes glitter under the starry sky. “Being there ultimately led me to you. For that, at least, I am grateful.”
I duck my head at those words. Valen enduring what he has and being grateful in some way that it brought him to me is astounding and a testament to his character.
Settling next to him, I gently thread our fingers together and kiss his knuckles. His skin roughened from all he’s been through. I marvel at Valen and his wise words. I’ll continue to support him the best I can and show him he’ll never be in that dark place again.
CHAPTER 15
AVA
Valen pushesthe door to a stationery shop open, and a bell chimes our arrival.
I look around, surprised when I find Jade standing behind the counter. Valen said he was bringing me somewhere but didn’t say it was to see Jade.
“I can guess why you two are here. Follow me.” She nods for us to follow her into the back.
She perches on a large chair and motions for us to sit while taking a bite of an almost finished apple I didn’t notice previously in her hand. I take the couch across from her, with Valen at my side. His whole left leg presses against my right, and I appreciate the feeling of stability it gives me. A reminder that no matter what, he’s got me.
It’s a whimsical space back here, between the olive-green velvet couch and the gauzy beaded purple curtains. There’s a core part of me that feels at home with the energy of the room.
“Ready to try again, sans the entourage?” Jade asks, smoothing a hand down her burgundy skirt.
