by C Zinnia
“You’re right,” Daren said between his cries. He managed to calm down and wiped his nose on his sleeve. “So, Bill’s out there alive and free. And he knows we exist in this area.”
“Yes, and we don’t know if there are other hunters,” Bruce said. “I was initially concerned Mel was a hunter, but that seems less and less likely. With Bill, we have to proceed with caution. This is the time to strategize our next move because Bill has the upper hand. This isn’t the time to be reckless because that will only make the situation worse. Anger clouds judgment. Bill has probably found an area by now filled with innocent humans to hide among. We can’t risk being exposed.”
“I understand,” Daren said. He slowly stood up and took a deep breath. He glanced at each one of them and then he looked around the living room. He wasn’t sure what to do with himself.
“Would you like something to eat or drink?” Bruce offered. “I have some bourbon in the office.”
Daren shook his head. “Thank you, but I think I’m going to go lie down for a little while if it’s all right with all of you,” he said softly. Tears filled his eyes again because he knew his room was gone.
Silvia walked over to him and gave him a huge hug. “Of course, it’s okay, honey,” she said. “I’ll show you to your room.” She walked upstairs with Daren.
Once Viola was alone with Bruce, Viola asked; “So, Mel knows about werewolves?”
“Yes,” Bruce answered. “How do you know about Mel?”
“Daren told me on the way over here,” Viola said.
Bruce growled. “I’m going to have to have a talk with him about bringing a human to the fight,” he said.
“I’m pretty sure he’s got enough going on after today,” Viola said softly.
Bruce grumbled in agreement. “Still, that can’t happen again,” he said. “As for Mel, you need to proceed . . . delicately. Silvia told me Mel is your mate. Mel knows as well, but we don’t think she truly understands the concept. Mel had a very traumatic experience today and I think she’s still processing everything.”
“How did Silvia find out?” Viola asked.
Bruce grinned. “Silvia was getting clothes out of your room for Mel. And that’s when Mel decided that she liked the way your room smelled. She said it made her feel safe,” he said.
Viola was ecstatic. “Is she in there?” she asked.
“She requested to stay there,” Bruce said.
She liked that Mel specifically requested her room. “I’ll be gentle,” she said.
He stared at her for a long time. “All right,” he said. “Go on then.”
Viola nervously went upstairs. Her pulse increased as she moved towards her room. She stood at the door. She could smell Mel from outside the door and it drove her crazy. She opened the door.
The afternoon light peeked through the blinds in the room. It illuminated a form curled up under the covers. Viola enjoyed the sight.
She neared the bed and slowly lifted the blankets. Mel’s honey hair curled across the sheets. Her back was to Viola. Viola noted Mel was taller and heavier than any woman Viola had dated before. Viola wasn’t sure how she felt about that.
Viola could see that Mel was agitated even though she was asleep. She would randomly twitch and her shoulders were so tense they were practically at her ears.
At first, Viola just stood there. She wasn’t sure what to do next. I didn’t think this through. Should I even stay in the room with Mel? Viola didn’t want to overwhelm Mel. The whole situation might freak Mel out. You only get one first impression , Viola thought. She didn’t count the fight because it wasn’t a formal introduction. Maybe I shouldn’t have come in here.
Viola wanted to kiss Mel awake. She wanted to see how Mel would react to her.
Viola heard stories about what mates typically do when they first meet, but she was sure Mel wouldn’t be able to handle that sort of first meeting.
Mel shivered. Instinctually, Viola got under the covers and wrapped her arms around Mel and pulled her close. Mel’s body immediately relaxed and moved closer to Viola.
Viola happily sighed and nuzzled Mel’s neck. At that moment, she knew taking things slow would be more than worth it. I’ll just hold her for a moment and then I’ll stay in one of the guest bedrooms, she thought. She silently thanked God that her mate was finally in her arms.
End Book 1