“Evangeline!”
My eyes fly open as the bathroom door slams open, and it takes me a few seconds to realise I’m in the bathtub, which is now ice cold. Zedkiel is standing there, naked, as he looks me over before he crouches by the bath, gripping my arms as he pulls me from the water.
I yelp as he holds me two feet off the ground, looking me over as if checking if I’m okay.
“W-what are you doing?” I ask, feeling my cheeks burn, my soaking hair sticking to my face.
He frowns and exhales deeply before he pulls me against his chest and slips one arm under my thighs, turning and carrying me back to the bedroom. There’s a deep frown on his face as he places me on the bed before he goes to the wardrobe and takes out a towel.
I shiver, thanks to the cold, as he comes back and towels my hair. I stare at him, watching him as he brushes the towel over my arms and breasts, drying me swiftly.
“Why were you in a cold bath?" he asks coldly, pulling the duvet up and around me.
I clutch it, wrapping it around me, trying not to look down since he’s completely naked.
“I fell asleep… I didn’t realise it turned cold,” I say, watching him with concern. “But what happened to you?”
He looks at his hand and clenches his fist. “I tried to inject myself when I felt my control slipping,” he says quietly.
A silence falls between us, and I can hear the distant sound of the occasional car passing outside and the light patter of rain on the window.
“Is that why you collapsed?” I ask.
He looks up sharply and frowns, “Did I collapse? Your scent has changed… meaning I came…”
I blush and nod. “Yeah… but right after that, you fainted,” I mumble, feeling embarrassed at his bluntness. “Was one round too much for you?” I blurt, trying to divert the topic. I want to giggle at the expression on his face.
His eyes narrow, and he glares at me. “Not at all. You’re the one who looks like she was beaten black and blue,” he growls.
“I didn’t faint, though,” I mumble meekly, hiding my smile under the blankets, only my eyes visible as I peek at him.
“I assure you I’m far more capable,” he growls.
“How would you know? Don’t you always blackout?” I ask innocently.
He clenches his jaw, and I look away, smiling smugly.
Hehe, see? I made a valid point.“So, how long was I awake before I fainted?" he asks through gritted teeth.
A part of me tells me to tell him the truth, but I don’t know… what if he loses control and his Lycan loses his temper at me for telling him?
“Just after… you know…”
He nods slowly. “At least you’re not dead, just a shame I don’t remember it,” he says more to himself, dropping onto his back onto the bed, his arms behind his head.
My eyes fly open as I find my attention going to the monster between his legs. My cheeks flush as I yelp.
“Cover yourself!” I scold, shoving the blanket over him.
His eyebrow shoots up, and my heart thumps as he slowly sits up.
Is he mad that I shouted?“S-sorry, I just-”
He places a finger on my lips and smirks coldly. “Don’t apologise for showing a little spine. I like it. The only time I want you submissive is in the bedroom.”
I find myself nodding, my cheeks burning hot. “Th-then can you cover yourself?” I ask bravely.
“No.”
My eyes widen as I stare at him. He instead gets up and gets into the bed, yanking me down next to him.
“But you just said you liked me speaking-”
“I do, doesn’t mean I’ll listen. Now sleep before I fuck you again,” he commands. I blink at his reply and slowly nod.
I had to obey him… but at the same time… there was something pleasant about being in his arms.
At least the duvet is between us.I think I spoke too soon as he yanks it off and slips it over us both. I freeze as I remain there, and I can’t look him in the eyes, remaining stiff in his hold, but it’s only for a few moments because he suddenly lets go and turns his back on me.
I look at his broad chiselled back, wondering if I upset him. I’m about to reach over to touch him, but I pause. Maybe it’s better I just sleep, too… It’s been a long day.
Turning my back to him, I snuggle down under the duvet, hoping that tomorrow, the throbbing between my legs eases up.
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“Evangeline... You’re here.”
I look around. I’m in a snowy forest; the ground is covered in snow, as are the bare trees, and there seems to be a blizzard coming. I frown, trying to look for the owner of the voice. It’s the same one I’ve heard before…
I look around as the snow begins to fall faster.
“Ah, it’s been so long, right?” The sing-song voice comes.
“Where are you?” I ask, turning and scanning the darkness behind me, trying not to shiver due to the cold.
There’s no one there.I frown, turn back and gasp as I see myself standing there, or someone identical to me, just a few mere inches in front of me, and I stumble back. My-her smile widens, and she tilts her head.
“Miss me?" she asks in that same tone.
My heart thumps as she steps closer, and I step back.
“Who are you?” I ask.
“You. And I’m almost free." She chuckles, but it’s the sinister look in her eyes that makes my heart pound violently, fear clawing at me as our eyes remain locked, unblinking. Every fibre of my body is screaming at me, telling me to run.
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