The way he immediately seeks comfort from me has my heart warming. Despite the chill in the air, I suddenly feel hot all over.
“Let’s get off the ice,” I soothe and start to lead him toward the exit. He’s stiff with panic, and I wish I could hold his hand, but he still has a firm hold on my hips. “That’s right,” I encourage. “You’re doing great.”
The pressure of his frame against my back makes it feel like he’s boneless and relying on me to get him out. I hate that crowds are too much for him. Especially living in Chicago, crowds are inevitable and unavoidable. In this instance, we’re packed in like sardines, so I understand why it’s triggered him.
“We’re almost there. Just listen to my voice,” I say as gently as I can. “You’re safe and you’re with me.”
Every time Valen has to brush against someone, a small sound of pain comes out of him. It’s so at odds with his imposing figure and makes me feel violent on his behalf. I know we’re in a public spot and the people here don’t mean him harm, but I can’t help the possessive feeling crawling out of my stomach.
Finally, after what feels like ages, we make it off the ice and head over to a relatively quiet corner to take our skates off.
“Will you be okay if I grab our things from the locker?” Valen looks devoid of color and stares off into space with a furrowed brow. “Valen?” I ask, worry twisting me into knots.
He nods but holds on to my hand for as long as possible as I step away. I hurry and grab my bag and our shoes. He’s in the same position I left him in when I return, and I encourage him to get his boots on like he’s a small child.
“Left foot up.” I tap his arch, and he complies. “Good job. Now the next foot.” Once his boots are on, I help lace them and feel a weight drop onto my shoulder.
Valen clutches me like I’m his lifeline and nuzzles his head as deep into the crook of my neck as he can. I close my eyes and inhale his scent. Shivers rack his body, and I whisper reassurances to him. His breath fans across my neck, and I stroke his hair with gentle fingers. With him leaning down over me and me kneeling, it feels like an intimate position.
“Too many auras?” I whisper, wanting to confirm.
After a brief silence, he responds with a shaky “Yes. I don’t like when they swarm around, and being touched is still … troublesome for me.”
Since he’s progressed so much with me, I forget how overwhelming everything is for him and how fresh his trauma is.
“But you’re okay with this?” I ask, referring to the way he clings to me.
“Yes.” He holds on tighter.
“I’m sorry for bringing you here. I should’ve known how crowded it would be. I should’ve known it would be too much,” I apologize. I’ll have to think through my ideas for our winter bucket list.
Soft lips press against my pulse, making it jump in surprise. A slight swipe of his tongue has my heart feeling like it’ll beat right out of my chest.
“It is not your fault. Plus, I want to get better.” Valen sighs softly.
We sit there in silence for a while as the sky grows dark and the wind colder. Children giggle, parents scold, and couples coo over each other while we exist in our own special little bubble. Valen relaxes against me as I hide him away from the chaos. At one point a woman walks a little too close, and I give her the stink eye when she almost brushes against Valen’s back. If I were a cat, my claws would be out.
Once he’s settled and not feeling as anxious, we walk hand in hand back to the car and head home to the apartment.
CHAPTER 20
AVA
Bells jingleas I push open the wooden door to the Bean Hive. The smell of coffee tickles my nose, and I breathe in deeply, inhaling the scent of my favorite form of sustenance.
“Smells delicious as always, Luna!” I singsong as I walk over to the bar where she cleans a mug.
“Hey, Ava.” Luna smiles and gets to work on my usual drink.
“How’s it going today? Busy?” I set my purse down on the bar and take a seat.
“Pretty busy. The cold drives more customers in, plus we just changed our seasonal menu.” She glides around with the grace of her vampiric self as she pours coffee. It makes me wonder how I didn’t notice before. She’s so obviously more than human. “How’s work?”
“Same old, same old.” A lock of hair falls over my shoulder, and I examine it. “Ugh, I need to refresh my pink. It’s getting duller than I like it.”
Luna places a piping hot mug of coffee in front of me withbeautifully poured milk on the top. I waft the caramel smell to my nose and practically orgasm on the spot. Her coffee is such a unique blend. I’ve never tasted anything like it. I love that she knows what I want without me even having to order. That’s A-plus service in my book.
“I’ve been thinking about trying something new and dyeing my hair.” She dries another mug and sets it back on the open shelves behind her. “Could I join you? Make it a girls’ night?” she asks, crossing her arms over her chest.
