“Thanks, man. That makes a lot of sense. And I’m sorry I've been acting so crazy about her. She just became my whole world, as if my entire existence has always been to serve her. Now I just need to hear her laugh like I need my next breath of air.”
“I hear ya. I feel some weird connection to her too. Like I need to stand by her side for the rest of my days… there’s a complete and total devotion to her suddenly consuming my every thought.” I pause trying to make sense of it, before once again focusing on the original topic. “So is that why you don’t want to shift?” He doesn’t respond, just brings his paw up to his nose and touches it, then gives a cough-sounding huff, which is his wolf version of laughing. Yeah, that dick just mocked me. Can’t say I’m actually mad though. It’s different but refreshingly pleasant to see him being a little less rigid right now.
“Yeah, laugh it up. But seriously, is it that you think your emotions will be stronger as a human?” I ask, trying to get him to confirm it so I can offer some help.
“I guess something like that. This is the form I was in when they first manifested, and I don’t want to lose what little progress I've made in the last few hours. You don’t even know how close I was to lunging for Derrick’s jugular when I saw him holding her.”
“Oh, I know how close you were. I was there, remember,” I say before adding, “I honestly don’t think you'll notice a change in the intensity of what you’re going through if you shift. Just so you know...”
Turning from Marcus, I’m distracted by her silky platinum hair. It would probably be weird for me to play with it while she’s in a coma… For sure… that’s really weird. Like invasive and shit.She hasn’t given you permission. Don’t be that asshole!I’m totally that asshole. My hand lifts as if it has a mind of its own and starts running my fingers through her hair while trying to talk myself out of being a creeper.
“You know… after sharing that dream with you, I’m not as worked up over you touching her. Klaus and Derrick both had dreams with her in them too, but my blood boils thinking of them being near her.”
“For some reason, I find the thought of them dreaming about her strangely amusing.”
“You have no idea! Hmmm… maybe I can show you. Let’s see if this works.” Instantly, a montage of images from Klaus and Derrick’s dreams are projected into my mind. Images of Klaus on a date with Sleeping Snow. They’re on a beach with beautiful white sands, such a Klaus-esque location to dream of having a date. That visual is followed up by Derrick hunting down some food for her and sharing a moment that could rival Lady and the Tramp.
I can’t help the bubbling laughter brought on by the images from their dreams. My laughter abruptly cuts off as jealousy creeps in. I had the most terrifying dream of my life, and they’re dreaming of dates and intimate moments. Marcus, noticing the dip in my demeanor, pushes more images into my mind, showing exactly how he woke them up. And to be honest, those images helped extinguish the jealousy trying to rage inside of me.
Fates, her hair is the softest thing I've ever touched. A lock of it is wrapped around my index finger and I can’t help but rub my thumb over it repetitively. A rabbit’s foot has nothing on her hair. Softer than it appears, I might have a new addiction… Marcus has his eyes fixated on my hand, barely even blinking.
“You honestly think I won’t notice a difference if I shift?” He questions me with hope in his voice.
“I really don’t,” I respond, not even sparing a glance his way. Seconds later, he's threading his fingers through her hair, shifting the silky strands between his fingers, over and over. Marcus sighs as if he’s brought a sense of peace just from the touch. Yeah, I get you, buddy.
“We should probably make a plan,” Marcus states. His voice is a bit rough, as if he’s still dealing with some of his emotions, but it could also just be the overwhelming emotions this woman seems to be causing in all of us. Yep, he’s back! Always needing a plan at the ready… and a backup plan is part of his identity… his Bourne Identity… Haha! But seriously, Marcus rivals Jason Bourne.
Just as I open my mouth to respond, my stomach growls so loud, I swear I can hear it echo off the walls of the cave. Well, that’s embarrassing. “I was going to ask if you had a preliminary plan but by the sound of things food should be at the top of the list.”
Marcus chuckles and glances up at me. “Yeah man, it sounds like you could eat a whole buffalo. One of us should head out to hunt for some breakfast. You know the other guys are going to be starved when they wake up. Which will probably be pretty soon. After we eat, you can brief us on the details of what happened yesterday. No one knows about this cave, but we should check the perimeter to make sure all is clear.”
“Haha… are there any buffalo around here?” I ask, licking my lips. “Because that sounds delicious. Think you could take one down by yourself?” I make sure I infuse extra sarcasm into my question.
Marcus, always such a macho man, replies, “Dude, are you questioning my skills right now? I could down two buffalo before you even sniff one out.”
“You’re probably right. But for today, I’ll let you get some rest while I do the breakfast hunting, even if it will take me longer than it would take you. And I'll check the perimeter. You’ve taught me well, Sensi,” I say, then press my fist into my hand and bow. Marcus has been meticulous in training us on everything he knows. We aren’t as good as he is, but we aren’t too shabby either.
“Since you’re offering, I’ll take you up on it. How about you do that check first, and I'll just hang out here holding this beauty’s hand and wait for your report.” Yeah, the dick just had to throw that in there with a huge smirk at the end. I make sure he's looking at me before rolling my eyes and shifting into my wolf form.
Chapter 13
Cecily
Five Hundred Years Ago
Ipace back and forth in my chambers, thinking through the conversation I had with Marcellus yesterday. Things aren't right at all, and I don’t know what to do. Once again, I wish I hadn’t denied Thea’s request to join me. Having a friend I could discuss this with would be much appreciated right now.
My only option is to write to my mother. I need to tell her about this because she needs to be aware of what is going on. Always my teacher, I know she’s the best person for me to ask for advice.
I sit down at the writing desk and finally write my reply to her letter.
Mother,
I can’t begin to tell you how much finding your letter has meant to me. There have been so many moments since I've arrived here where I've felt lost, and reading your letter has made that feeling lessen.
I've had so many expectations of how this would go my whole life, and nothing is happening the way I imagined. From the moment I met Marcellus, his uncle, Lord Silas, has been meddling with our getting to know one another. It shames me to admit that I let him get away with this. I’ve been allowing my emotions to cloud my judgment, which is why I believe I’m not ready or prepared to take your place as Queen.
Thankfully, I found my courage after reading your letter, but it wasn’t needed. The same day Marcellus stood firm and put a stop to his uncle’s intrusion. From that moment, we’ve made huge strides in strengthening our bond and getting to know one another. I say huge strides, but that’s only compared to how things were going when his uncle was constantly interfering.
