Lielit
My body ached, as if every muscle were rebelling against me. The hot water was soothing, but I didn’t have time to stand around in the shower. I scrubbed every inch of myself, inside and out. I only relaxed when I began to wash my hair. The water ran hot over my face and down my chest.
What the fuck, Bouda? Did he expect a kiss and a cuddle? I asked, massaging the rosemary-and-nettle shampoo into my hair.
Her hysterical, hiccupping laughter made me smile.
Maybe a pat on the head like a good dog? she finally added before going off on one again.
I’m famished, I said, rinsing the shampoo from my hair and reaching for the conditioner.
I wondered if he liked the state I’d left his kitchen in.
You should have marked his bed, Bouda murmured, curling up.
I drew the line at peeing on his furniture.
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The massive slab of meat sizzled in the pan as I cracked a few eggs into it. The onions were nicely caramelising, and I added a knob of butter. I went back to the fridge to get another sprig of thyme.
The kitchen was spotless when I came in, and I couldn’t help but feel guilty because it wasn’t the dickhead who would have had to clean up after me.
A touch of cracked black pepper and sea salt, and the food was done. The plate was ready, and I simply slid it all on there. I was too hungry to care what landed where. I used the tongs to scrape out the last of the onions before I sat at the table.
I was halfway finished when I heard the staircase creak and ate a little faster.
His shoes tapped on the wooden floor as he strode into the kitchen, like he expected me to look up.
“I hope you clean up after yourself this time,” he muttered.
I continued eating. The steak had enough fat to keep it nice and juicy, so I didn’t need to chew it much before swallowing. I scooped the last of the egg and onions, shovelling them into my mouth.
The fresh orange juice was next.
I could smell the coffee brewing, but I didn’t look up.
With a satisfied sigh, I placed the empty glass on the plate. I could feel a burp brewing and decided it was better in than out.
The sound ripped through the kitchen more violently than a roar.
“Disgusting,” he snapped.
I wanted to remind him that he polished my asshole with his tongue, but he didn't deserve my words.
I left my dishes on the table and walked out.
I did it more to piss him off. I’d be back to wash up once he’d left. That was my first solid meal after days, so I didn’t care what he thought.
Not after the fucker tried to starve me.
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For the first time, I was rooting for the hyenas over the lions. My hand moved faster as they circled the lion hunched over the carcass. Crisps fell from my mouth onto my lap. I didn’t bother brushing them off before grabbing more from the bag.
“No!” I screamed at the TV when the female lions showed up to defend the stupid lion.
Even Bouda was angry. Not a laugh in sight.
“Can you keep your feet off my furniture?”
I glanced up. Blaidd stood in the doorway, arms crossed over his chest. He wore his usual shirt, tie, and trousers, laptop open and balanced in one hand.
I fisted a handful of crisps and shoved them into my mouth, chomping loudly.
I kept my feet on the table and went back to my nature programme.
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It wasn’t until I lay in bed that I allowed myself to think about what had taken place during the heat. Some of it was a haze. Some of it replayed out like a porno right in front of my eyes. But the only thing that truly stood out was that none of it had been by choice.
My choice.
Both males were as bad as each other.
This is why we are matriarchal beasts. Our descendants come from queens—because I am one. The hyena part of me. We choose who we mate with, but the lineage comes from the mother. Wolves are our opposite. But at least I’m not a dog, Bouda added, ending on a chuckle.
So he did infect me?
In a way. His powers… they are not like other beings I am aware of.
Hmm. It doesn’t really matter what he is. He’s attached to a nasty piece of work.
What did the wolf do to you? she asked curiously.
Bite me.
No—apart from that.
I winced, thinking of Adam, and explained what had happened.
So he lost control due to a jealous rage and turned into a giant wolf to bite a man’s head off?
I sighed heavily. I guess so.
Then once he ate the head, he offered you his prey?
My head jerked up. What?
I think they both have difficulty controlling themselves around you, she said softly.
I frowned at her hypothesis.
So… he wasn’t trying to terrorise me? I asked hesitantly.
Nope. He simply couldn’t contain his nature. Males are strange beings. They don’t think things through the way we do.
“So he wasn’t trying to harm me or scare me,” I whispered into the silent night.
Fuck. That changed everything.
Wait—Bouda, does that mean he won’t hurt me, or that he can’t?
I held my breath, waiting for her response.
His whole nature is built around pack life. If that wolf bit you and chose us as his mate, he is prepared to go to any length to preserve our life force.
My mind drifted back to the heat. To my flippant comment about his wolf.
The wolf that had tried to tear free of Blaidd because I’d asked for him.
I exhaled slowly.
Oh my.
This did not bode well for Blaidd.
Bouda began to laugh—the one I loved.
I lay there grinning in the dark like a lunatic.
We needed to get the wolf on our side.