"How are things at the Sanctuary?" Nolan asked, and I winced. I felt guilty about it, but I hadn't been there long enough to find out recently. I'd slept out in the Forest last night, and woken up with my arms around Keoni, and Draven standing over us with his hands on his hips, one brow raised, his aura a bright yellow of amusement.
I'd gotten out of there as soon as I could as the auras around me got more and more overwhelming. Though the headmaster's gray aura of frustration and dejection had made me want to stop and talk to him, my brain had been too scattered to form any coherent thoughts, and I'd figured it would be best to get out of there.
"I'm not sure. The headmaster was frustrated and sad this morning. He's been solving problems as they crop up, but it's clear he can't solve the bigger issue."
I remembered what Keoni had said about Nolan, and I clamped my mouth shut before I blurted out something stupid.
Then again, Dustin had moved in with Khush quite early in their relationship, and it hadn't taken Diego long either. If humans could do it, then why couldn't we?
Even as I thought that, I knew I wouldn't be able to ask Nolan that. Our relationship was still in its early stage.
"Zamir..." Nolan trailed off, and I glanced up at him.
"What is it?"
He shook his head, then gave me a soft smile. "Maybe I could come over one of these days? Talk to your headmaster, help him figure out a solution?"
"That would be great," I said, and while it wasn't what I'd been thinking of, it could help. That was, if the headmaster accepted his help. "You can come over whenever you want."
For someone who'd built a place where supes could become friends and support each other, the headmaster was extremely reluctant about accepting assistance from others.
Nolan smiled, and ruffled Muffin's fur when she stood up and placed her head on his knee. "Looks like they're all rested up. Should we keep going?"
"Sure."
Nolan threw away the water and put the bowls back, and we continued walking. I breathed in the fresh air, the scent of loam, fresh leaves, flowers, and about a dozen different scents filling my lungs. Everything seemed brighter, fuller now, my senses sharper than they'd been in years.
I'd forgotten all the good things that came with feeding, but Nolan had reminded me.
"Are you working tonight?" I asked, and Nolan hummed. "Can I come with you?"
He turned to me, his brows furrowed. "Won't it be too crowded for you?"
I shook my head, then tapped my temple beside my right eye. "I remembered how to tune it down and turn it off. I'll be fine."
"Then of course. You're always welcome at The Lair."
I grinned and took his free hand in mine, then squeezed. Damn, he was so strong.
"How about we go back to my place and have some lunch first?"
Muffin answered with a woof before I could, and I chuckled. "What Muffin said. Do we need to turn around?" I asked, though I could hear cars close by.
"This trail circles back, so we'll reach the start point in a few minutes," he said with a shake of his head, and I nodded.
Once we reached the car, we buckled the dogs in, and as Nolan drove us back to his place, we discussed what we'd have for lunch, with the dogs chiming in their own opinions.
When we walked into the living room, the Murder Triplets clucked all at once, making me jump. Muffin tugged against the leash, and I quickly released her.
She raced straight for the chickens who squawked and flew off to escape her tackle.
"Aww, thanks for defending me, Muffin. Your dad could learn a few things from you."
Big, warm arms wrapped around me from behind, and I leaned into Nolan, his chest firm and hot against my back. "Do you need me to protect you from the chickens?" he teased, and I nodded.
"I do. They're evil."
He chuckled, his breath warm against my ear. I turned in his arms and gazed up at him. My eyes flicked from his warm green ones to his soft lips, and I licked my own.
Nolan leaned down, and I met him halfway. Our lips crashed, warm and soft and wet as they moved against each other. His hands moved over my waist, then tightened on my hips as he pulled me close.
His tongue, hot and wet, slid into my mouth like it belonged, dancing with mine. The taste of fire and spice washed over my tongue, and I moaned.
Pulling back, I met his gaze as I panted. "I don't think I'm hungry for lunch yet," I murmured, and his lips curved up in a smirk.
"I feel the same."
Nolan paused only long enough to give the dogs a bone-shaped treat before he took my hand and led me to his bedroom.
