“Scream? Take some credit, girl. I’ve never heard such a shriek of pure terror. Cry of the Banshee, it was. I ran in, you’re shaking on the ground, covered in blood.” He lifted my chin up. “You gave me a fright, darling.”
“Everything hurts,” I told him. “I need a hot shower.” He helped me over to the bathroom.
“You sure you’re okay?” His expression was pained with worry.
“Yeah. No. I don’t know.”
“I’ll be right here if you need me, okay?”
I smiled, closed the door behind me, and stripped out of my dirty clothes. I walked into the shower and turned the water to ‘scalding hot’. This was one of those moments where I needed to just sit in the shower, let the water fall on me, and ponder my life. I knew the Morrigan, in some deeper way now. The knowledge had flowed into me, or perhaps it had simply been sealed until this moment. I felt myself swinging the sword and fighting. I was the one in those ancient battles. It had been real, and my body’s pain was from fighting in a war. With trembling hands, I gripped the necklace, feeling it warm under my hand.
I finished my shower and wrapped a towel around my waist. I wiped my hand over the foggy mirror and took a good look at myself. As I ran my fingers through my wet hair, I noticed it was shinier than usual, and it was such a lustrous black that when the light shined on it, it looked almost blue. The dark circles under my eyes were no more. My normally gray eyes were now a brilliant silver, with flecks of black and tinges of blue around the edges. I dropped my towel to look at myself. Woof. Who’s been working out in my body? I was incredibly toned, as taut and muscled as a beach volleyball goddess. I remembered how wussy and fatigued I had been when I climbed that hill on the island to meet the Morrigan. And that was only a dream! All of a sudden, I now had more muscle packed on me than an Olympic gymnast. And my skin? There must be pores somewhere, but I can’t see any. Just pale, creamy, flawless skin, smooth as a porcelain doll, with a faint glow to it.
“Strangest fucking morning ever,” I mumbled.
I finally stopped gaping at this incredibly beautiful stranger wearing my head. I quickly threw on a cute red summer dress, and braided my hair (could it be mine?) to the side. I threw the bathroom door open, and saw Weylyn sitting on the bed, playing on his phone. Walking in, I noticed he’d cleaned up the mess from my hissy fit. I smiled, and told him “Thanks for cleaning up.”
“You’re welcome.” Then added, with nothing in his tone but innocent curiosity, “Did you have fun last night with Keegan?”
I froze mid-stride. Did everyone know?
Distracting myself, I played with the hem my dress. What do I say about this? I’ll go for nonchalant. “Oh, he kept me company last night. I didn’t want to be alone.”
“Ah, well. Fair play to our lucky gingerknot, then.” He stood up and walked toward the door. “It may not be a big secret, but Keegan’s not the only one who likes to cuddle.” He winked at me as he stepped out of the room.
“Wait!” I asked as I followed him down the hallway. “How did you know?”
“The nose knows. Well, you know, being what I am, I have heightened senses. That includes smell.” He flared his nostrils and took in a deep breath. “Keegan’s scent is like fresh air, green leaves, and dawn in springtime. A signature scent, you might say.”
Really? He smells like Irish Spring soap? Classic. “What do I smell like?” I blurted out, immediately, I wishing I hadn’t.
Weylyn stopped, turned, and walked toward me. I slowly retreated, until my back was pressed up against the wall. He placed one hand on the wall, leaned in, placing his other hand on the side of my hip.
Weylyn inhaled deeply, as the tip of his nose trailed up the side of my neck. My eyes closed as a shiver ran through me. “Even after a shower, you smell like roses.” He tugged on my braid to expose more of my neck. He draws another deep whiff.
“Aaah… Brimstone.” This inspired him to kiss the side of my neck. I let out an involuntary moan, and my hands splayed on the wall. He explored me, a small line of kisses tracing a tingling line from my neck to my collarbone. “Mmmm, and lily of the valley…” he said as he slowly dragged his elongated canine over my skin. “…it’s delicious,” he crooned.
Something felt very serious about this moment, and I closed my eyes in anticipation of a kiss. The kiss came, but on my forehead, and then Weylyn started laughing.
I felt a shiver run through my body as goose bumps erupted on my skin. “My God,” I groaned, sliding down the wall onto my ass, feeling a lightheaded, and lubricated. Turned on? Yes, and it must have showed. A cocky smile slid across his full lips. I swear if I could stop breathing, I would have. “I’m thinking you need something,” said Weylyn, with a tender concern in his voice.
“God, I do. I need it. Right. Now.”
“Good. So, I’m gonna head downstairs and fix you something to eat.”
“Hunh?” You’re something to eat, homo lupus.
“You’re going to need your strength. I promise,” he growled out, then stepped back.
“Ugh... err... coffee.”
“Words darling, use your words,” he tossed me a wink before walking down the stairs.
Fucking words. I think Weylyn just melted my brain.
I eventually pulled myself off the ground and headed into the kitchen, where steaming hot coffee and
