Chapter 7
VALEN
The smell of old books and the crisp fluttering of pages turning calms me. Prior to my imprisonment, I thoroughly enjoyed reading. It’s nice to be in a familiar space amongst the unfamiliar world I am now in.
I’ve made a quiet corner in the library my own. There’s so much to learn about this place. Edith from the front desk even gave me a small plant to keep here, claiming that it would liven up the space. Humans are funny.
Stroking a finger down the cover of my last read, I think of the task at hand.
Ava used something called a database at her workplace to source the last names of her biological parents.
From there I’ve tried to research what I can through books regarding witchcraft.
Most of it seems to be glorified lies and gimmicks created by humans, but I’ve found a few dated prints that are accurate.
While I’ve been around a while, that doesn’t mean I’ve concerned myself with other supernatural matters.
Truthfully, I knew little about the witch who cursed me aside from her identical aura to Ava’s.
Witches in general keep to themselves in fear of being extorted by other species.
There’s a misconception that witches and warlocks are some sort of genies who grant wishes, but their magic doesn’t work that way.
Needing a change of scenery, I decide to head outside and stroll around the city. My long legs unfold from beneath me and I tilt my neck from side to side to loosen my muscles.
My footsteps echo as I head to the front of the library. Edith sits behind the front desk with a book of her own, and I nod farewell when she sends a small smile my way.
The crisp air dances along my skin when I push the heavy front doors open.
Leaves swirl in front of me, and I’m met with the hustle and bustle of Chicago.
For a second, I simply stand and observe the expanse of the city before me.
A humming noise catches my attention, and I watch, enraptured, as a man atop a funny-looking car zooms by.
I’m not sure car is the correct word for it, considering it’s open.
His jacket, ruffled by the wind, flows behind him, and a big, shiny hat covers his whole head.
It’s much faster than a normal car, and I find myself wanting to experience a ride.
A woman is positioned behind him with her arms wrapped around his midsection.
How interesting. It’s almost like a modern-day horse.
Without prompting, my mind flashes to an image of me driving this machine with Ava sitting behind in the same way. Her delicate arms would be wrapped around my torso, chin resting on my shoulder, and her beautiful pink hair flowing around her.
I shake my head to dispel the thought and start walking. I wander aimlessly, observing the humans around me and how they communicate—usually rudely.
The sheer number of people I watch brings on a headache.
It’s also slightly panic inducing. Auras in a space this vast can wear on my body, and this has been one of my longest stretches out in public with so many humans.
It’s why I prefer to stargaze from the roof.
I get to feel the open air and watch them twinkle without the head pain.
In the shadow of twilight, I head home. I almost head up via the balcony but remember Ava’s scolding when I frightened her. She’s like a petite bird, both curious and flighty.
The elevator dings as I ascend, and I fight to stay calm in the small space.
I have been trying to condition myself to feel more comfortable with the odd contraption.
Finally making it to the floor, I silently move down the hall and knock on our door because I forgot the key Ava always tells me to take.
Before long, she opens the door, looking positively radiant.
Long, wavy hair falls to her waist, and her pink dress matches it perfectly. Floral boots adorn her feet, and a touch of the stuff she told me is called makeup graces her skin and eyes.
“Oh, Valen, how are you?” Ava tilts her head in question and holds the door open so I can walk by. Her floral scent fills my nose, and I feel my eyes flutter closed at the tempting smell.
“Good,” I reply softly.
Right then, a particularly harsh pain strikes my skull, and I can’t hide my wince. Rubbing my head, I wish away the sting.
“Are you okay?” Ava asks in her delicate voice.
“Too many auras can hurt my eyes,” I admit. “I was walking through the city for fresh air and may have overdone it.”
Ava gently directs me to the bathroom, and I turn to her in question.
“Strip down, Vampy,” she states as I continue to stare. “Sorry, that was probably a little blunt.” Pink stains her cheeks. “I’m going to run you a bath. It’s what helps me when everything gets to be too much and I’m overstimulated.”
Her rambling is adorable, and I hide my smirk. Grabbing the fluffy pink towel off her rack, I step away to undress. She hums to herself as she likes to do, letting the bath fill with water.
“Do you prefer vanilla or rose scented salts?” Ava calls from the bathroom.
“Rose.” I don’t have to second-guess myself. It’s the obvious choice because it smells like her.
Tucking the towel around my waist, I walk back to the bathroom. She’s filled the tub with both fragrant salts and bubbles. Candles litter the room and flicker, casting shadows on the walls. There’s even soft music playing, though I wish it was her humming instead.
“Wow.” I marvel at the small corner of comfort she’s created for me.
“Is it okay? I was hop—” Ava stops in her tracks, and I glance at her to find her gaze glued to my torso.
Ah, scars.
Her delicate hand reaches toward me with undisguised curiosity. I flinch away. “Do not touch please,” I whisper. “After being held, I find contact … difficult. It is nothing personal.”
Crossing my arms over my chest, I attempt to hide them from her and clear my throat, hating that is how I feel even around my mate. “I know they are ugly to look at.” Not being able to bear the weight of her gaze, I glance off to the side.
It’s true, the number of scars that litter my skin are infinite, and yet I forget they are there. I find it hard to remember a time without them.
A soft brush of skin against one of the raised scars brings goose bumps to my flesh, and I jump.
It’s an unfamiliar feeling as a vampire who typically isn’t affected by temperature, and my eyes shoot to hers.
Ava’s blue orbs glitter with unshed tears and a fierceness that takes me aback.
She seems to stare straight into my soul.
“Don’t ever say that to me again. Every part of you is beautiful, and it tears me up that you’d think differently.” She continues to stroke the bumps, and I slowly step back, not used to the sensation or emotion radiating from her.
“Thank you for the bath. I will treasure it,” I say and make my way over to the tub. I hear her shuffle awkwardly behind me and head for the living room.
“No problem. I’ll just close this for your privacy.” Hinges squeak as she pulls the door shut.
“Wait!” I shout suddenly. Peeking at her over my shoulder, I see her frozen to the spot. This might be the first time I’ve raised my voice. “Please leave it open. I don’t want to be alone.” Enclosed spaces are still hard for me.
“Okay,” Ava whispers. “I’ll sit here and keep you company, then. If that’s what you want.”
I nod. “It is.”
I feel bad asking that of her, we might be mates, but there’s still so much we have to learn about each other.
I know something like this is extremely intimate, but I don’t want to be alone.
Her presence calms me. Makes me feel safe.
I suppose that could be the bond itself, but something tells me it is just Ava.
She slides down to the floor and makes herself comfortable. “Feel free to get in. I’ll look away.”
Making sure she’s indeed looking away, I drop my towel and step into the warm water.
It feels wonderful against my skin, and the scent of Ava surrounds me, both from the water and from her sitting mere feet away.
Once I’m settled in, I take a deep breath and lean my head against the back of the tub.
The tension drains from my bunched muscles and my headache has already begun to go away.
A gasp to my right sounds, and I glance at Ava to see bright pink cheeks and a dumbfounded look on her face before she quickly drops her gaze and looks at the wall.
I fear she did not do as she was told and got an eyeful of my bare buttocks.