What if they try to get Valen back? Obviously, he was an asset. Having him taken must have been a huge blow to their operation.
They can’t have him.The possessive thought takes root deep inside me. I might have trouble acknowledging that he’s my mate, but there’s no denying the pull I feelfor him.
I steel my resolve and decide right then that I need to unlock my powers as soon as possible. Not only for myself and my own curiosity, but for Valen. If they come for him, they’re going to have to get through me. I need to be ready. We might not have sealed the mating bond and are still learning about each other, but I find myself pulled closer to him as each day goes by.
I’d love to see them try to take him from me. I might be small, but I’m not afraid.
CHAPTER 16
VALEN
I’m puttingthe finishing lemon squeeze on salmon when Ava walks through the door. She breezes by without a word and deposits her purse on the island. Flopping down onto a barstool, she lays her head on the counter with a huff.
Pom Pom runs over to her from his station by my feet, and from the sound of his nails on the tile, I’m certain he’s hopping in the hopes of jumping up on her. Ava peeks at him from under her mass of hair with a smile and brings him up to her lap. I’ll never not be amazed at the energy such a small ball of fluff has. He’s also mischievous when it comes to stealing my socks and hiding them.
“Everything okay?” I ask while I bring the plate of food and utensils over to her. I might not need to eat human food for sustenance, but ever since I discovered the Food Network on Ava’s television, I’ve found that I enjoy cooking for her. Nothing pleases me more than the sounds of happiness from my matewhen she tries something she particularly likes. There have been a few disasters, but they are happening less and less lately.
“This looks delicious. How did you know salmon was one of my favorites?” Ava takes in the salmon, asparagus, and homemade mashed potatoes.
“Celine,” I admit and sit beside her with a glass of pre-poured blood.
Ava doesn’t make it awkward that I don’t typically eat her human food, although she’ll feed me bits and pieces to try.
“That’s so sweet of you, Valen. Thank you.” She sets Pom Pom on the seat next to her and digs in. The moan she lets out goes straight to my groin. If she figures out this is why I enjoy cooking for her, then I’m in trouble.
“Tell me what is wrong,” I prompt her once more.
“Nothing. Just frustrated and not wanting to get my hopes up that I’ll be able to access my powers. How am I supposed to untangle something I didn’t know I had until recently?”
“Jade did say I might be able to help you. If you are willing to try.”
She gives my knee a reassuring squeeze. “Let me devour this amazing salmon and then we can give it a shot.” Ava shoots a grin my way and squirts more lemon on a flaky piece.
Pom Pom barks so he can be part of the conversation, and she sneaks him a tiny piece, which he happily accepts. The dog won’t leave my side when I’m home, and if he does, it’s to cuddle with Ava. The other morning, I found him snuggled up above her head like a decorative pillow.
“How was your day?” Ava garbles around a mouthful of food.
I swallow the blood I just sipped and rest my head on my hand. “Good. I read some at the library and then watched moreVampire Diaries.”
“Without me? I thought you called it useless drivel,” Ava cries, giving a tiny pout of her bottom lip.
“I had to see if Elena went back to Stefan or not.” I shrug.
She’d thrown on the show, as she called it, and I found myself sucked into the fictional story of a woman torn between two vampires. It’s highly amusing to see how much they got wrong about our kind, but I can’t help the guilty pleasure it has become. I look forward to watching it with her under the guise of reading in the corner.
“I can’t believe you,” she huffs, but there’s amusement in her tone, so I think that means she’s secretly pleased I like the show.
I throw back the remaining contents of my glass and feel the cool liquid slide down my throat. Zavier warned me of the constant thirst that would rack my body the longer I didn’t solidify the mate bond with Ava. I haven’t told her any of my symptoms, not wanting to pressure her into anything. Truth be told, a large part of me is insecure about my atypical sense of affection and lackluster sexual history. As an angel, we’re taught to be celibate and ignore carnal urges. When Ava and I do become one, I want it to be special for her and not awkward because I’m inexperienced. Unfortunately, I think that awkwardness is going to be inevitable.
“Let’s try and get this thing done.” Ava wipes her mouth and throws her napkin down with a flourish. “It’s comfortable in the living room.”
Pom Pom and I follow her to a sitting position on the rug. My familiar plants himself in my lap and his tail brushes against my leg, his happiness to be a part of what we are doing evident.
I grab Ava’s tiny hands when she holds them out and run a finger over the smooth surface of her pink polished nails. She lets out a breath and closes her eyes, so I followsuit.
“Clear your mind and focus on your breathing,” Ava murmurs.
Silence rings through the room, aside for Pom Pom’s snuffles. Ava’s floral scent swirls around me like a gentle hug and her soft hands are a welcome weight. Her heartbeat is slow and steady, so I time my breath to hers even though it’s not necessary for me. I feel her essence, her kindness, her beauty inside and out. All of it flows around us. Opening one eye, I see her aura has expanded to double the size it normally is, and it’s beautiful.
