Chapter 17 #2
“Stepping into my dreams.”
My hands curled into fists, fury officially poked again. “You’ve got this all figured out, haven’t you?”
“No. That’s why I’m asking you.”
Make that two Vodka Flowers for an alpha drenching. “I’m leaving.”
“Haven?”
“This flat.”
“I see.”
“Not because I’m hiding something, but because I’m done. You have an agenda you’re trying to serve. Well, turn off the…”
“Blinkers?”
I mirrored his stance, folding my arms, a lot more flustered compared to his lack of emotion. Seriously, that face was steel.
“I’m not hiding anything, Miko. I give you my word. If you know anything about fae, you’ll know—”
“Their word is their bond.”
I huffed. “And they don’t like to be interrupted.”
He sat down. “I believe you.”
Dumbfounded, I stared at him.
“You can leave or sit back down. It’s up to you. I’d rather you stayed.”
Instantly defused, as if by magic, I parked my backside on the sofa.
“I took it badly,” I said. “Sorry.”
Miko propped his elbow on the chair’s arm, resting his chin on his knuckles, gazing into the corner of the room. “Don’t worry about it.”
I opened my mouth, ready to speak, usure of what to say, before my mind landed on something.
I’d rather you stayed.
Hmmm. Of all the things my brain could focus on, it latched onto sweetness not delivered sweetly or with even a sprinkle of sugar.
“Whatever is happening in my head, you’re connected to it.” Eyes back to me. “You are meant to be in my life at this exact moment, Orion. And I will figure out why.”
“We will,” I countered. “I offered you my help to find a cure to Dawn. I’m reaffirming that offer with extras.”
“Thank you.”
“I mean it, Miko.”
In that moment, I kind of wanted to hug him. He wasn’t the alpha of yesterday, a man hiding many tales behind many layers. At least, that’s how I’d read him in the moment.
Weren’t we all onions waiting to be peeled, some more enticing than others?
“I’m like the rest of you, trying to survive. If I knew anything about a cure, I’d be utilizing the information to the fullest. I really would.”
“You gave me your word,” he answered. “We’re good.”
I slumped back, his revelation beginning to sink in properly. “I’m in your dreams.”
The corners of his mouth twitched. “Potentially.”
“When did you last have the dream?”
“Last night.”
“Do any of the others know?”
“Only James. I’m telling everyone else today.”
“And Trev?”
“Him, too. He might know something. Please keep this to yourself until I’ve spoken to them.”
“How?”
“By not saying anything.”
Hilarious. “I mean, what do I say if they ask me?”
“My pack respects me. They won’t interrogate you behind my back.”
“And Trev?”
“Tell him we were discussing the weather.”
I snorted, humiliating myself. “Seriously?”
“Why not?”
“I suppose it will work.”
“I’m holding the meeting shortly.”
“It’s been nice weather.”
“It has. There. You won’t be lying.”
“That was hardly a discussion.”
“We’ve still chatted about it.”
I chuckled. “You’re not who I thought you were.”
“Who did you think I was?”
“Completely free of humor.”
“I see.”
“Not that you’re a comedic genius, but you’re quite funny.”
“Is that a compliment?”
“An olive branch.”
“That’s good.”
“I’m sorry for getting drunk and yelling at you.”
“Try not to do it again.”
“Funny.”
He shrugged. “Your words, not mine.”
I relaxed in his presence. “So, what now? Immediate future, not the meeting stuff.”
Another long pause. “You can enjoy your tea and croissant. Use my shower before the water is cut off.”
“I can go back and use mine.”
“You have four minutes left.”
I shot up in panic. “I do?”
Another surprise landed. He actually smiled. Nothing big, nothing to light up a night sky, but enough to change his features. To melt the ice, soften his steely edges.
It disappeared seconds later. “Go. Get clean.”
“What about you?”
“There’s three minutes left now.”
“Point taken. I’m off.”
“Enjoy it. I’ll be here.”
Miko liked coal tar soap, which I never smelled on him. Strange. Coal soap packed a weighty aroma, yet the alpha’s body offered no hint.
Maybe I needed to be closer to his skin.
I stripped and got under the hot spray, quickly washing with the orange bar, lathering up, using it on my hair. Scrub, scrub, scrubbing yesterday away.
Miko. What a shock. Smiling? Somewhat warm? Talk about a complete turnaround.
Why was he dreaming of me? Was I connected to the oracle? Were my oracle powers latent and ready to be unleashed?
Once the water turned cold, I let it hit my face for hangover aiding purposes. Done, I dried off and dressed, returning to a fresh cup of tea and a packet of ready salted crisps waiting on the sofa.
“What’s this?” I asked.
“More sustenance.” Miko still occupied the armchair, now with the same omens and signs book in his lap, something in his right hand. He squeezed it repeatedly.
“What is that?” I pointed at what appeared to be a swollen unicorn.
“Stress ball. Helps me think,” he answered.
“Oh. It’s a unicorn?”
“A gift. Not my choice of design.”
“What’s its name?”
“Name?”
“I take it there’s no name?”
“No.”
“How about Belle?”
“Belle?”
“She looks like a Belle?”
“She looks squashed.”
“For the moment,” I countered.
“Why not a he?”
“I just went with she. They can be anything you want.”
He opened his hand, letting me see Belle properly.
“Yes. Definitely a Belle,” I said.
“Belle it is.”
“Really?”
A curt nod. “Now eat. Drink.”
Kind of giddy, I picked up the tea and sat down. “Anything helpful in those pages?”
“Scarlet-haired men are yet to feature.”
“Funny again.”
“Clearly, I can’t help myself.”
Indeed, Mr. Robot. “Are you really okay with me sitting here?”
He nodded, opening his book. “For as long as you like.”
“I’m not in your way?”
“No.”
“And you want the company?”
He closed the book. “If I wanted you gone, I’d tell you to leave.”
“Right. I’m confused is all.”
“By what?”
“By you actually wanting company.”
“Surprise.”
After my crisps and tea, I fell asleep on Miko’s sofa. By the time I woke at sunset, the sky alight with pretty fire, my hangover had faded to a slight irritation.
I stretched, bathed in the incredible dusk light streaming through the open blinds. Alone.
“Miko?”
No response.
I forgot to ask him about the shooter. A terrible thing to forget, though I’d been too busy being surprised.
“Miko?” I tried one more time.
Nope. Definitely not home.
Getting up and taking a closer look at his perfume bottles, I decided to head back to my flat. It felt invasive to be here without him.
He liked my company?
What was going on here?
Whatever it was, I liked it. And my forgiveness was sincere. I could tell he truly was sorry for putting me in danger.
I smiled on my route back to my flat, settling on my bed to play with Wendy.
“Sorry for neglecting you all day.”
Wow. There were so many digital poops on the screen, her mood meter unhealthy. I soon rectified it, switching her on to bleep.
“All better,” I said.
Someone knocked on my door.
Putting Wendy back on silent, I answered it to find Trev there.
“Mate, your head must be pounding.”
“Not anymore.”
“You’re a ninja to have snuck past me like that.”
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be. How you feeling?”
“Much better. Hungry. Have I missed dinner?”
“That’s what I’m here for. Miko’s making Spam and chips. Cate found some potatoes on her run today. Actual, not rotting potatoes in a basement.”
“He is? She did?”
“Awesome, right? Come on. Let’s go.”