Chapter 8 #3
"Fine, you're good, Krevan, but mind-blowing?
Please." Ancelin's voice rose to a shout.
"And who made you the authority over me?
Not my doctor, not my keeper." Her foot came down hard against the tile floor, sending a jolt up her leg.
Krevan's head tilted slightly, his expression maddeningly calm as he studied her like some curious specimen.
"Get out of my way. I'm finding those pills myself since you've decided to hide what's rightfully mine.
" The words tumbled out of her mouth faster and faster, her thoughts spinning too quickly to catch, too slippery to hold onto any logic that might have once anchored them.
Krevan's jaw tightened as he studied her, his silver eyes narrowing.
"This particular mood of yours isn't one I enjoy.
" His voice dropped lower. "Your dependency runs deeper than I thought. And yes, in certain matters, I’m in charge, and my medical credentials outrank whoever prescribed that poison.
Those pills won't touch your system again.
Is that clear?" He leaned closer, his breath warm against her face.
"Search all you want. They're gone. Find any others, and they'll disappear too. "
Ancelin drew herself up, meeting those metallic eyes without flinching. "Ex-doctor," she hissed, emphasizing the first syllable. "Your medical license expired with your humanity.”
“I’m not human. Triaxens technically have no humanity. That’s an Earth term.” He shrugged.
“Guess not.” She sighed. “I won't be controlled, not even by you." Her finger stabbed toward the door, trembling slightly. "Pills or sleep someplace else. Choose."
"Then I'll leave you to yourself." His words came quietly, though the muscle in his cheek jumped.
"Alone with your cravings and without me.
When you're ready to apologize for those barbs, I'll be waiting.
" He touched her cheek, so briefly she almost missed it.
"I love you enough to forgive the addiction talking.
I know what you've endured." And then the doorway stood empty, her retort dying unspoken on her lips.
Ancelin bolted into the hallway after him, her bare feet slapping against the cold floor. "Krevan!" Her voice echoed off the walls. "Don't you dare walk away from me!" She followed him to his room, finding it empty, then thundered down the stairs. Her hands trembled, her throat tight with need.
He sat at the kitchen counter, coffee mug between his palms, silver eyes watching her approach with detached interest.
"How could you?" Her voice cracked. "Those pills are mine. Mine! You had no right.” The words dissolved into a sob that tore from her chest. She pounded the counter with her fist, the pain barely registering.
"I heard you the first time," he said, voice level. "Enhanced hearing, remember?"
Her sobs turned to screams, raw and primal. She grabbed a mug from the counter and hurled it against the wall, where it shattered. Krevan didn't flinch, didn't move, just watched her with those unnerving metallic eyes.
The fight drained from her suddenly, leaving her hollow. "Fine," she whispered, turning away. “I’m sorry for breaking the cup. I need help.”
“I’m helping you,” Krevan replied.
Upstairs, she collapsed onto the bed. Tears slid silently down her face as she hugged herself.
"You don't understand," she whispered to the empty room.
"The pills make the memories stop. They make me forget how they looked when they died.
They let me sleep without seeing their faces.
" She pressed her palms against her eyes.
"I'm scared all the time. I wasn't prepared for any of this.
Everyone I loved is gone, and now they're hunting me—hunting us. "
The door creaked open. Krevan stood on the threshold, watching.
"Ancelin, do you regret your harsh words?" Krevan asked, his silver eyes unreadable.
"I suppose," she muttered, not meeting his gaze.
"When you're certain, we can talk." He turned to leave.
"No—wait!" Ancelin lunged from the bed to catch up with him. "How can you compare me calling you names to you stealing my medication?"
Krevan's shoulders dropped. "I'll be in the greenhouse if you need me."
"You need to rest. You're exhausted and still pale."
"So, you care about me after all?" Krevan tapped his own chest.
"Yes, I care about you." Ancelin's voice softened. "And I know I have a problem. I can hear myself." She stared at the floor, shoulders slumping.
"That's progress." He turned to leave.
"Wait—I need..." Her voice trailed off.
Krevan paused, glancing back. "I've been taking those pills for almost a year. Not every night, but after everything that's happened today—please, Krev."
"Don't." His jaw tightened. "Using that nickname to manipulate me? I despise manipulation." He turned away, disgust evident in his expression.
Ancelin caught his arm. "Then let's have sex," she purred, the invitation hollow.
"Trading your body for pills?" He pivoted toward her, backing her against the door frame. His eyes traveled slowly from her face downward; hands planted on his hips. "Is that what this is?"
"No!" She shook her head frantically. "That sounds horrible. You're being cruel."
"Am I?" His voice dropped dangerously low.
"Fine. Undress. I'll take what you're offering—like any female trying to get something from me.
I'm accustomed to it." He flexed, silver eyes cold.
"I'll show you what it means when a Triaxen male uses you without the bond between mates.
I've got aggression to burn, and you've just volunteered to provide an outlet.
" He leaned in, forcing her back against the door jamb, one hand braced above her head.
"I remember how to be rough. It comes easy for me. "
Ancelin struck his cheek as hard as she dared. In the stunned silence, they simply stared at each other.
“I’m sorry. Are you going to hit me?” she squeaked, eyes shut tight as if bracing for another blow.
He shook his head. “No. I’d injure you.”
“I’ve never hit anyone before. I’m so sorry, Krevan. Please forgive me—I must be losing my mind.” She flung her arms around him. He tensed, then relaxed and returned her embrace.
“Let’s lie down and settle ourselves,” he murmured.
“I’m tired and don’t want to argue.” He led her to the bed, lay back, and pulled her onto his chest, wrapping his arms around her.
“It’s okay. We’ll move past this. You’re upset, and I understand.
I would never hurt you. I want to help you, Ancelin. I love you.”
When he brushed a lock of hair from her eyes, she flinched.
“You can hit me if you must. At least, when I deserve it. However, I didn’t deserve it this time.
Nevertheless, it’s forgiven. I’m sure it hurt you more than it did me.
” He kissed her forehead and then the hand that had struck him.
Within minutes she drifted off, and he held her until dawn’s light filled the room.
He stayed awake. When Ancelin stirred and looked into his eyes—which still gleamed silver—she whispered, “Are you still mad at me?”
“No,” he said softly. “I wasn’t angry—just concerned when you reacted like you did over the drugs.
I’m emotional right now, but if I were truly mad, you’d know it.
” He gave her a reassuring wink. “I don’t want to be mad.
You slept through the night without any help, remember?
I promise to help you. I only have your best interest at heart.
How about breakfast—maybe we can get something at Krammer’s soda fountain in Coti?
” His face hovered close. “We need to pick up our vehicle and the furniture you ordered. Your baby shower is tomorrow, right?”
Ancelin nodded.
“Then let’s get the car and head to this beautiful waterfall spot I know. We should enjoy the outdoors before the weather turns. Interested?”
“That sounds wonderful. Can we call Kellie and Derrick to remind them of tomorrow’s party?”
“Of course—but I doubt they forgot. They’re thrilled to attend, and you’ve been so thoughtful to them and their baby.
That kindness is one of the things I love about you.
” He pressed a tender kiss to her cheek.
“I just wish we had more women to invite and to be in your circle of friends. I think that would be good for you.”
“Yes, that would be nice.”
"What about the Krammers? Mrs. Krammer seems to be about your age—she might make a good friend. We could invite them," Krevan suggested.
Ancelin's eyes lit up. "Perfect! I have some decorated paper left over for an invitation. And Mrs. Krammer could bring something for Kellie's baby." She sprang from the bed and darted from the room in her rumpled pajamas. When she reached the bottom of the stairs, Krevan was already waiting.
"How do you do that?" she asked, shaking her head as she slipped past him toward the kitchen.
"Just keeping you guessing." His hand connected playfully with her backside.
She swatted his hand away with a smile. "Behave yourself."
"You know you like it," he murmured, landing another gentle pat before she could dodge. "Now hurry—I'm famished." While Ancelin bustled about, Krevan brewed coffee and settled in to wait. By his third cup, she appeared in the doorway—dressed, coiffed, and clutching a handmade invitation.
"I'll drive us there," Krevan said, jingling the keys, "but you'll need to bring this vehicle back. You can drive, right?"
"I bought a car, didn't I?" Ancelin crossed her arms.
Krevan's eyes narrowed. “Ancelin, I’ve come to realize and suspect that you do a lot of
things that you’re…not really…ready to do.”
"What's that supposed to mean?" Her voice pitched higher.
"Save it for later." He flashed a bright smile. "I'm conserving my energy. We can argue tonight, make up, and..." he winked, "...celebrate properly. How's that sound, Lin?" The nickname rolled off his tongue like he'd been saving it.