“What the hell are you doing?”
For a moment, it felt like he knew what had just transpired upstairs, before shaking off the ridiculous thought, “You can’t be here, Rhulle is going to feed soon, I don’t think it’s wise if you’re here for that.”
“Why are you here then? Avie, this is crazy! You’re going to get yourself killed!”
“What are you doing here? What do you need so desperately at this hour?”
“You weren’t home, I had to come and find you.”
“Look, I know it looks bad on you end, but please let me explain!”
As they spoke, Owen was collecting her things, grabbing her coat and boots in a silent action to get her to leave, “No. We’re leaving, the both of us.”
“Just hear me out for a moment—!”
“What is going on here?”
They looked up at the direction of the voice. Rhulle stood on the stairs, watching their interaction from above.
Owen promptly tugged her behind him, “We are getting away from you. How dare you? What exactly made you think your plan would work?”
“I can assure you; I have no idea what you mean.”
“Owen, stop it,” Avie harshly warned.
He continued, “You led her out here to feed on her, right? Well you aren’t getting the chance. She’s coming with me.”
“Why not ask her what she wants to do?” The chestnut plumed truxen started to descend the steps.
“D-don’t come any closer! Avie, get your coat on! What the hell are you waiting for?”
She shook her head, “I want this pain to stop. It’s excruciating and it keeps happening. If there’s a possibility he can help, I’m taking every chance I’ve got. Owen please, it’s nothing like you think will happen, he’s only going to look at my blood.”
The blond turned to her, placing both hands on each side of her face, “But what if that wasn’t the case? What if you were one of the ones who didn’t come back? Aves, I couldn’t take it if that happened. Not to you.”
Rhulle raised an eyebrow, taking in the interaction, “Why not also spend the night, if you are so keen on protecting Avie?”
She took the hands from her face, holding them, “Owen, I want to stay, I’m sorry, but I won’t change my mind.”
He looked between her and the feathered being, almost glaring death at the latter. He spoke through gritted teeth after much consideration, “Fine.”
“Are you sure? I don’t think you’ll-”
“I’ll be fine. You’re my number one priority, Avie.”
“Okay… Okay, Owen, if you’re sure…” She looked over at Rhulle, a silent thank you exchanged.
They sat in the same living space with the fire burning to keep warm. Owen had his arm wrapped around her back; she was shaking. He may have thought it was from the cold, but she was worried. She knew the librarian was going to try something, she just didn’t know what or to what extent, absolutely sure Rhulle knew it too.
“So long as you are here, you must have more questions for me. Anything you would like to ask?”
“You’re going to feed on someone soon, right?”
“Yes.”
“When’s that going to happen?”
Rhulle sat back in his seat, “Typically, I can tell when the feeling is coming. But I cannot tell when the hunger will show up.”
“And Avie, do you want to feed on her?”
“Owen…”
The truxen waved it off, “No, I would never. Humans often come to me; I do not lure them or hunt them down.”
Owen looked frustrated at that answer. “The blood inside her led us to you. Isn’t that what you do to your victims? What you’ll eventually do to her?”
The woman squeezed his arm, concern exaggerated on her features, wanting him to draw back. She wasn’t really sure how to jump into the conversation.
“I have not seen any other blood do what you describe. I was hoping to see it myself.”
“Never, huh?” he asked in disbelief, “Let me ask you something else… When the blood is around you, are you sure you won’t go into a frenzy?”
Rhulle leaned forward, a stern look plastered on his face, “When it comes to Avie, you can be completely sure.” He looked over to her, their eyes meeting as he leaned back.
Avie knew the way he expressed himself had been different, she knew Owen noticed it too. He turned to her, but her eyes still caught with blazing ones before them, unable to break away just yet. With the kiss they shared, the woman understood the dynamic of their relationship changed, yet she couldn’t make that abundantly clear around the blond.
It was another secret she had to keep.
Owen stood suddenly, “I need some water. Would you have any, Avie?”
She broke out of her trance to look up at him, and simply nodded. Leading him to the kitchen where she placed a few bottles, once they were out of ear shot, he turned to her and started whispering.
“Has he done anything? Anything to hurt you?”
“No, absolutely not! You don’t have to be here, but if you are, you’re going to have to behave a little better.”
“I didn’t like the way he looked at you just then. It was predatory, especially with what he said. I’m sure he’s going to try something, something to hurt you!”
“Rhulle wouldn’t do that, there’s more to him than you know. He really is remarkable; he’s so smart and caring; an incredible being… Astonishing, really. I just wish you could see that too,” she beamed, looking back down the hallway in his general direction as she spoke his praise, fiddling with her hair.
A strange look washed over Owen’s face, “You’re blushing...”
In the dim light, because of her pale features, the pink flush could be seen with ease. It took her by surprise, a hand reaching up to feel the hotness in her cheeks, “Yes, I suppose I am.”
He scowled, “Is this what it’s all about? What it’s come to?”
