Page 34 of An Anomaly of Sunlight

He taps the key and turns the knob, stepping inside and gesturing for me to follow. “What are you doing?” I ask, entering the room. A few steps ahead of me he flicks on the lights. “Checking for monsters, of course.”

My steps falter; heart beating faster at the sight of this man checking the room without hesitation. I’ve never been offered such fierce dedication, soft protection. Creators... Goddess, please let this be real.

We still have a lot to learn about each other but I’m not sure I can picture a future without him anymore. Standing in the middle of the room, mere inches from the bed, he asks, “Do you need me to stay?”

Yes! My subconscious screams at me. Begs me to say it. Instead I force out, “It’s okay, Angel. I truly couldn’t stand being the reason you lose your job.” He opens his mouth but I quickly add, “Even if you don’t care, I do.”

“All I care about is you. Your well-being comes before anything.” He takes my hand in his and brushes a kiss across my knuckles. “Please, Amethyst,” the desperation in his voice cracks my resolve, “if you need me, the rooms are connected. Please come to me, okay? Promise me.”

Steadying myself with a deep breath, I nod. “I promise.” Skyler brushes his thumb across my bottom lip gently lifting my chin. Placing a soft kiss against my lips he whispers, “You are safe, Sunlight.”

The second he leaves the room the emptiness slams into me. Several minutes pass as I simply stand frozen to the spot where he kissed me. Like maybe if I relive it in my mind enough, I’ll somehow gain the courage to call him back. I rub my fingers across my temples to pull myself out of the trance.

I beeline for the shower while tugging my sweater over my head. With a little bit of hot water therapy, surely sleep will take me. Stopping in front of the mirror I unclasp my bra. Biting my bottom lip in preparation to see the litany of bite marks.

Instead I’m met with clear, unmarred skin. I really need to do some research on wolves and witches. The knowledge I have is very limited. I’m unsure if the paranormal blood running through my veins is to thank for the lack of scars.

My phone buzzes in the pocket of my leggings.

Mom

Stopped by you weren’t home. Please talk to me Amethyst

I’m not sure if things will ever be the same between us. How could we go back to normal knowing she hid such vital information from me? Still, I know I don’t want to lose her completely. I type out a half-hearted response.

Amethyst

Working out of town.

Steam already clings to the mirror as the hot water beckons me.

Twenty-Two

Skyler

Iwas naive to think I’d be able to sleep tonight with Amethyst this close. With her scent drifting through the shared door to our rooms and her voice still echoing in my mind hours later. It’s okay, Angel. Amethyst’s nickname for me had my heart skipping a beat. She’s getting more comfortable with me.

You make me see the light in this world. Even before I knew how intricately entwined our souls were, I fell.

She is the light. I’ll make her see herself.

No use laying here for four more hours knowing I’ll just toss and turn. I pull myself out of bed and throw on a dress shirt, leaving the top few buttons undone. I stuff my phone and keys in the pockets of the gray sweats I’d changed into.

The woman working the desk is completely out now. Her head lulled to the side, and the book sprawled across the counter. I can’t help smiling at the scene. Maybe someday I can have a job like that. With a chuckle, I push the door open.

Coming to stand beside the car, my phone dings three times. I frantically pull it out to make sure Amethyst doesn’t need anything. Seeing Nitasha's name on the screen has me pulling a cigarette out of the center console. Goddess, I wish she’d quit.

Under her two texts stating she won’t be there in the morning is one from Sage. With a slow inhale, I unlock my phone to see the full message.

Sage

You’re missing all the fun here. Actually took someone into custody tonight. How’s all that alone time with your mate treatin ya?

An amused grin tugs at my lips. The last sentence has my heart hammering in my chest. As much as I try not to go there, my cock perks up.

I drag the cigarette butt on the pavement to make sure it’s out before slumping into the driver’s seat and tossing it in the trash can I keep in the back floorboard. My head rests on the seat as I greedily suck in a deep breath of Amethyst’s sweet vanilla that still coats the car.

I wanted to pull her into my lap. Dedicate the rest of the night to worshipping her body. When she leaned her head back, pressing her chest toward me…