35. Scarlett
Scarlett
It’s not long after the Slayer and Iris get home that I realize something has happened between the two of them.
Perfect.
It’s like watching a romantic comedy happen right in front of my very own eyes.
Iris seems shy toward the Slayer, and well, he still seems as smitten as ever, and I need all the juicy details.
“Slayer, I think we should go on a hunt.”
Iris’ back goes ramrod straight as I say it and I give her a look.
“He wants to see how I work. Don’t you, Slayer?”
“Yes. I think this would be good. A hunt while you use your brilliant mind to plan our next move.”
Iris looks between the two of us with an arched brow.
“Fine. But only for an hour. If anything at all seems suspicious, you both teleport home right away,” she says.
The Slayer grins, bending down and placing a kiss on Iris’ cheek. She leans into the kiss instead of cringing, and I can’t help but to bounce around and wag my tail in happiness.
“Come, Slayer. Let me show you my hunting grounds.” I leap into his arms and we’re off, right to my forest where my secret den awaits.
The Slayer glances around, giving me an approving nod.
“This is quite the hideout, little fox.”
“Thank you,” I reply, knowing damn well my den is amazing. I jump on to my favorite rock and give him a pointed look. “So, how did things go?”
The Slayer then tells me in probably too explicit detail of everything that happened, along with the good news that one slayer is dead and that we have the book that could bring him back.
“I think she might return all my affections. She’s afraid of what faces us. It’s clear. How do I comfort her, protect her, but also trust that she can hold her own?”
“Oh Slayer, I think you need to read The Feminine Mystique again.”
He gives me a sharp nod of agreement.
“Affection to someone outside of the coven is a brand new thing for Iris. It’s going to take time. You must continue to be patient and make sure that you don’t act like she’s helpless. She’s incredibly far from it.”
“I know this. She’s the whole reason we’re here today. I just wish she didn’t have to fight a battle that I caused. The thought of her being hurt because of me makes me sick. I want to shield her from all this.”
“Sit down and pet me,” I tell the Slayer, which he does, plopping his ass on the ground as I climb into his lap, and he pets me the way I taught him. “This is comforting to me. Is it comforting to you?”
“Yes,” the Slayer says.
“Then think of what would make you feel easier about all this and give it to Iris. The last thing you should do is pull away right now. Be there for her, show her how much you care, and no more of this macho bullshit. You’re to be partners in everything.”
“You’re so wise,” he tells me.
“Obviously,” I say, hearing the snap of a twig, and my nose twitches with anticipation. “Now watch me hunt.”
The Slayer watches as I hunt, a dark appreciation in his eyes as I swallow down my kill. It’s late and I’m sure Iris is getting worried.
“Don’t tell anyone about my den,” I tell him, scratching his leg to pick me up.
“Best friends keep each other’s secrets,” he assures me.
I’ve trained him right, and as soon as all this messy business with slayers is over, we’re going to be one big happy family—even Adam.