21. Amethyst
Twenty-One
Amethyst
T he chill of midnight hangs in the air as we head into the hotel. We probably spent a little too much time at the local burger joint. I can’t find any regret for it, though. The food was delicious, with even better company.
Skyler traces circles on the small of my back as we walk, carrying both of our bags over his other shoulder. Reaching out for the door, my hand freezes, barely having touched the handle when he gasps. Over my shoulder I find him clutching his chest looking positively offended.
“Clearly, you’re unaware of the rules of this relationship.
Doors will absolutely not feel the pleasure of your touch.
” Arguably the most delightful laugh of my life fills the air.
It rattles in my chest reviving some of the innocence I’d lost over the years.
Nearly doubling over, I brace myself on his shoulder.
“Semi-professional relationship,” I remind him, “and are you jealous of a door?”
He pulls it open with a devious smirk. “ Very jealous, love.” With a smile that hurts my cheeks, I enter the lobby with Skyler close behind. An older woman sits behind the desk with her glasses falling down her nose as she appears to be dozing off with a book in hand.
Her head dips and a small snore escapes startling her awake.
She jumps up, pushing her glasses back in place.
“Welcome in, how may I help you?” Skyler briefs a message on his phone.
“Seems we have two rooms booked. Under Maeve Monroe.” He curls his lip at Maeve’s name like it leaves a bad taste in his mouth.
“Ah, yes. I’ve got it, dear.” She taps a few keys on the laptop then hands Skyler two key cards. She waves us off and returns to her book. “Have a good stay.”
Staring at the door numbered 136, I can’t help biting a fingernail as anxious thoughts invade my mind. “Amethyst, what’s wrong?”
Shit, am I that obvious? I try to think of a not as childish way to say I’m scared of the dark but come up short.
“Just...” I draw in a defeated breath. “I’m nervous.
Monsters in the closet?” I shrug humorously but the joke falls flat.
Probably because it isn’t a joke at all.
Every time I’m alone, I’m afraid. I wish we didn’t have to stay apart.
If anyone found out, though, I can guarantee Skyler would be jobless.
He taps the key and turns the knob, stepping inside and gesturing for me to follow. “What are you doing?” I ask, entering the room. A few steps ahead of me he flicks on the lights. “Checking for monsters, of course.”
My steps falter; heart beating faster at the sight of this man checking the room without hesitation. I’ve never been offered such fierce dedication, soft protection. Creators... Goddess, please let this be real.
We still have a lot to learn about each other but I’m not sure I can picture a future without him anymore. Standing in the middle of the room, mere inches from the bed, he asks, “Do you need me to stay?”
Yes! My subconscious screams at me. Begs me to say it. Instead I force out, “It’s okay, Angel. I truly couldn’t stand being the reason you lose your job.” He opens his mouth but I quickly add, “Even if you don’t care, I do.”
“All I care about is you. Your well-being comes before anything.” He takes my hand in his and brushes a kiss across my knuckles. “Please, Amethyst,” the desperation in his voice cracks my resolve, “if you need me, the rooms are connected. Please come to me, okay? Promise me.”
Steadying myself with a deep breath, I nod. “I promise.” Skyler brushes his thumb across my bottom lip gently lifting my chin. Placing a soft kiss against my lips he whispers, “You are safe, Sunlight.”
The second he leaves the room the emptiness slams into me. Several minutes pass as I simply stand frozen to the spot where he kissed me. Like maybe if I relive it in my mind enough, I’ll somehow gain the courage to call him back. I rub my fingers across my temples to pull myself out of the trance.
I beeline for the shower while tugging my sweater over my head. With a little bit of hot water therapy, surely sleep will take me. Stopping in front of the mirror I unclasp my bra. Biting my bottom lip in preparation to see the litany of bite marks.
Instead I’m met with clear, unmarred skin. I really need to do some research on wolves and witches. The knowledge I have is very limited. I’m unsure if the paranormal blood running through my veins is to thank for the lack of scars.
My phone buzzes in the pocket of my leggings.
Mom
Stopped by you weren’t home. Please talk to me Amethyst
I’m not sure if things will ever be the same between us. How could we go back to normal knowing she hid such vital information from me? Still, I know I don’t want to lose her completely. I type out a half-hearted response.
Amethyst
Working out of town.
Steam already clings to the mirror as the hot water beckons me.