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Escaping Chayton’s torment sounded almost as blissful as the pleasure that had stolen through me just a few minutes earlier.
Calling upon my magick, I hurriedly conjured a robe for Lorn and walked to where she stood naked before the open door. Shimmering moonlight caressed her skin, making her complexion glow. I placed the soft fabric around her shoulders, and she clutched at the opening, not bothering to slide her arms into it.
“Come on.” I eased her away from the door. Hesitantly, she let me lead her down the hallway. One of the doors led to a bedroom, and I guided her through it to the bathroom. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”
When the water in the tub ran hot, I helped my teary-eyed mate into the bath. Reaching behind her, she unhooked her bra, the only article of clothing she was left with, and dropped it on the floor. She was beautiful, but I knew this wasn’t the time to stare, salivate, or compliment. Instead, I held her hand to steady her as she sank below the steaming surface.
Gooseflesh erupted down her arms, and she shivered from the temperature change.
Another flash of magick, and I held a couple of wash clothes in my hands. I perched my ass on the edge of the tub and dipped one into the water before I methodically took care of her, scrubbing her skin gently. When I reached her shoulders, she came out of her trance and covered my hand with hers. The weak smile gracing her lips tore at my heart more than the tears had.
Lorn was so fucking strong. She didn’t want us worrying about her, so she put on a brave face that I saw through completely. It didn’t take x-ray vision to see past the exterior she wore like a shield.
She hurt as much as Chayton did, but her pain was compounded by Chayton’s loss of control. He’d just made love to her and left her. My teeth ground together, but I swallowed the foul words that wanted to pour out of my mouth.
Lorn didn’t need my frustration. She needed my understanding.
I surprised myself with my desire to take care of her, and it had nothing to do with the responsibility that stemmed from the sexual encounter we just had or the fact that we were fated mates.
Being an asshole came naturally to me, whether on purpose or by accident. I could have given her privacy and left her to deal with the emotional aftermath alone, but I’d never be able to look at myself in the mirror again if I’d done that. Besides, I’d been raised better than that.
No. My choice to stay by Lorn’s side had a depth that I was scared to examine too closely. Everything had shifted the day our bond had shattered and the choice of solidifying our mate bond was taken out of my hands.
They say you don’t know what you’ve lost until it’s gone, and holy fuck was that an understatement.
Washcloth in hand, I motioned her to sit forward. With smooth circles, I ran it over her back soothingly.
“Chayton didn’t mean to hurt you,” I promised, adding more soap and lathering her skin.
“I know.” Lorn nodded, and her sniffle made my heart clench. “It was stupid to try mating so soon.”
“You’re still transitioning... but it’s more than that.” I dipped the cloth into the water and started at her feet, lifting one and cleaning my way up her calf. “You’re different now. If you want my opinion…” I paused, waiting for her approval to continue. She blinked up at me with fragile blue eyes and nodded. “You’ve always been special. Those differences make you unique. It’s time we explored each side of you—shadow touched, witch, vampire. There’s never been anyone like you before.”
Lorn’s brows pulled together, creating an endearing wrinkle across her forehead.
“I don’t understand why you’re being so cool with this. I thought you’d flip when you found out I was part witch.” Her voice lowered, and she stirred a finger through the water, creating ripples that branched outward. “I thought it would only drive us further apart. I know how much you hate them. Your brother…”
I swallowed hard, fighting off the torrent of pain that wanted to bombard me like hail in a summer storm.
I was glad Axel had told her about Enoli so I didn’t have to explain that part of my history.
“It didn’t take me long to see that you’re nothing like the warlocks who killed my brother,” I told her vehemently. The words were forceful and captured Lorn’s attention, drawing her eyes back to my face.
I dipped the cloth into the water and wrung it out.
“Besides…” A smirk tugged up a corner of my mouth as I endeavored to lighten the mood. We’d had too much heavy shit for one day. “You’re a vamp now also. That makes you only one third witch as opposed to one half.” I reached for her chin and thumbed her bottom lip. Her fangs had retracted with her sated hunger, but I knew the taste of Chayton’s blood was still lingering on her tongue. “You’ve leveled up.”
A genuine smile graced Lorn’s pretty lips. “Stop.” She almost laughed, and I grinned, feeling happier than I had in… fuck… years.
A light blush worked its way onto her cheeks, and it reminded me of the color she wore when she came. The memory of Lorn’s body clenching around my fingers had something stirring in my chest… and my fucking pants.
She lowered her head, looking up at me from under her lashes as though she could read the direction of my dirty thoughts.
It was then that I knew she and I were going to be okay, and I swore to myself I wouldn’t stand in my own fucking way anymore.
A knock on the bathroom door infiltrated our moment, breaking the heated spell.
Dason was bleary eyed, still healing and resting from the ordeal he and Lorn had been through.
