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Perhaps she is weak in the head from her fall. I give her a kind smile and shift her. My mate is obviously injured, and so she requires care. “I think you’re in shock. Here, come sit. I will buy you coffee,” I say, leading her into a nearby cafe. Humans love coffee, despite its strange effect on them.
I know she will appreciate the gesture.
The seething brunch frenzy has not arrived yet, as the shop is just opening. I sit her down at a small table and go to the counter to order a couple of drinks, stealing glances over my shoulder while I wait. Some part of me worries she’ll disappear if I take my gaze off her for too long.
I do, however, note that there is indeed Chroma between us. My Chroma slowly drifts out of my body, like smoke being carried by the wind. It flickers around her, sparking into life quietly, like fireflies on the breeze. I realize quietly that this is the most I have seen in quite some time.
It must be from directly touching her.
Excitement bubbles inside of me. Access to Chroma again, finally.
Even if my mate is a little odd, she is my ticket back to Iluemera. Back to myself.
When I return to the table, I place a warm mug in front of her. She sips it tentatively.
“Here, drink up,” I encourage as she sips again. I watch her closely, noting her reaction and movements. She doesn’t look like much. Softer than I imagined, and more plump as well. Her physical features are unremarkable, but she isn’t unattractive. She’s simply an average human, with wavy brown hair and hazel eyes.
I can’t help it. I had hoped for more.
An unexpected wave of anger boils from beneath the disappointment and overtakes it as old visions of a fierce Shifter, a sorceress, or even just another warrior dot my memory. I wanted someone that matched my power and ambition. Searching the human realm was simply for completeness. I never truly believed this was where I’d find her. Although I suspected…
I still myself, taking a deep breath. I need to take a step back from this situation before I ruin everything. “I have not requested your name.”
“Mira,” she offers openly. She shifts in her seat. “I could have died. That branch… if you hadn’t been there…”
I nod solemnly. This frail human could have perished because of a strong wind.
A sorceress would be significantly more durable.
“Thank you,” she says sincerely, looking into my eyes. Nodding, I reach to touch her hand in what I hope she finds a comforting gesture. Humans are always touching each other, and while I could go without that part, I need to test if the Chroma returns when I do.
Her skin’s soft, a pleasant sensation against my palm. A tingle travels up my arm. Growing stronger, stirring, and then raging through me. I savor the power now bringing me to life. I fight the smile that threatens to creep across my face.
How strange it feels.
This power is more than I ever could have imagined. Deeper and more powerful than anything I’ve wielded before.
“Let me buy you dinner,” I say. A sense of calm washes over me. Reluctantly, I remove my hand from hers and the energy slowly drains away again, leaving an empty pit inside me.
Mira smiles. “I’d like that, but I’m going to cook instead. A small thank you for saving my life.”
Chapter Five
Mira
Frazzled, I dart back to my apartment. I almost died just moments after deciding it was time to treat myself better and to start with a brisk walk in the sunshine. What kind of fucking karma is that? My mind races, thinking through the highs and lows of my morning. My ribs ache with every hurried step I take, but I mostly ignore it as my mind reels.
Once safely back in my apartment, I slump to the floor, catching my breath. I lift my hands to see the shaky wobble as Bobble appears at my side. He walks towards me, eager as always.
But he pauses wearily outside of my reach, arching his back. He doesn’t hiss or run away. I scrunch my eyebrows together. Strange.
I grab him in a hug, squeezing him like a stress pillow. Vibrations ripple through my arms as his purr box comes to life. I’ve never met a cat that likes hugs as much as Bobble. Actually, I’ve never met a cat that likes hugs at all. Inhaling his musky cat smell, he’s 6 pounds of much needed comforting warmth.
Moving to the couch, I do the thing that anyone who just went through a traumatic experience might do.
I call my best friend, “You’ll never guess what just happened.”
Lisa, without missing a beat, gasps. “Girl, tell me everything.”
