“I don’t know what you’re talking about. This is great,” Luna says with a smile as she puts the last piece on her orchid. Her bamboo set is already finished and sitting proudly on the side table.
Luna’s been joining us more lately, which has been nice. I think now that we know she’s a vampire, it’s especially freeing for her to hang out with us. Her drinking blood in plain sight does take a little getting used to, though.
“Yeah, Ava. Sounds like you’re just impatient,” Celine adds unhelpfully with a smirk.
“I hate you both.” I struggle to fit mine together and throw my hands up in defeat. “I’m tapping out. Never again.”
Falling dramatically against the couch, I clutch one of thepillows to my chest and catch a whiff of Valen’s citrusy, sea salt scent.
I throw the pillow to the side before I continue to smell it like a weirdo. Standing, I clap my hands to get the girls’ attention.
“Back to what I really called you here for. Operation Valen.”
Celine and Luna situate themselves on the couch and face me attentively.
“What’s the problem, boss?” Celine asks.
She practically radiates happiness now that she’s consistently getting dicked down by the chaotic and insufferable ginger next door.
The past few days at work have been extra boring without Celine. She decided to take an extended leave of absence after the kidnapping, and I know she’s seriously considering quitting altogether.
“Befriending Valen is impossible.” I pace back and forth and try not to think about the way he wrapped my hair around his finger at the furniture store. “When I manage to locate him, since he likes to disappear, I end up in a one-sided conversation. I don’t want to make him uncomfortable, so I try not to push, but at the same time, I feel like I’m getting nowhere.”
Though shopping with him wasn’t too bad. He spoke more than usual, but I’m still nowhere near closer to knowinghim.
“What have you tried so far?” Luna asks, crossing one jean-clad leg over the other.
“I’ve introduced him to random things, trying to find a hobby he might like, but no luck so far. I know Zav said he’s been loving the library, so I got him more books, which I think he appreciated, but it’s not exactly a collaborative activity.” I count on my fingers as I go. “We’ve tried different cuisines, but he hasn’t been into it, even though he pretends.” I let out a sigh and plop down between them on the couch. “At leasthe’s becoming more familiar with modern day things and speech so he isn’t as old fashioned. But I don’t know what else to do.”
“You’ve been trying, which is all that matters.” Celine pats my shoulder. “Valen’s been through a lot and I’m sure he’s still very overwhelmed. Give him time. This is overwhelming for both of you. Don’t overthink it.”
“What about an animal?” Luna suggests and plays with the corner of the blanket in her lap. “They make everything better. Plus it might help with his trauma.”
“Hmm,” I muse, pondering the suggestion. “That might be a good idea. I’d love a furry friend myself.”
I’ve always wanted a pet. Spencer—my ex—and I talked about getting one down the road but never got to that point.
“Speaking of Valen,” Luna says, crisscrossing her legs. “How are you feeling about the mating bond?”
My shoulders deflate. “I don’t know,” I answer honestly. “It’s weird to have this paranormal bond that tells us that we’re each other’s person—I like him, but is it the mating bond making me feel that way or do I actually like him?”
Celine frowns and grabs my hand, giving it a squeeze. “Trust me, I know how confusing it can all be. I went through the same thoughts and feelings with Zav. But I … as crazy as he is, I feel it deep down, beyond what I think is the bond, that he’s my person. I want you to know, though, that if you never get there with Valen, it’s okay, and I’m here for any questions you have.”
“I’m here for you, too,” Luna says, tugging her blond hair over one shoulder. “I mean, I don’t have any mate experience, but you can always talk to me.”
“Thanks, guys. I appreciate it.”
And I really do. It’s nice to know that I have their support.
A knock sounds at the door and Luna jumps upto grab it. She all but disappears, just a blur, as she runs to the door at her vampire speed.
“Oh, yay, I think the pizza is here!” Her blond hair swirls around her as she opens the door. “Wait a minute, that doesn’t smell like?—”
Before she can finish her sentence, a familiar neighbor appears in the kitchen with pizza boxes on his head. Trailing behind him is my MIA roommate.
“Zav? I thought I said no girls’ night for you this time! Ava called an emergencygirls onlymeeting,” Celine huffs out, sending a sympathetic look in my direction. “Last I checked, you are not a girl.”
I notice Valen’s eyes slide my way when he hears that.
