Barre
I sleep better than I ever have with this tiny creature nestled in my arms.
No dreams of the past, no crippling fear of the further. Just peace. Warmth. Security.
I wake with Elodie snuggle up against my check, eyes shut and face calm. She makes little sounds in her sleep. I nestle my face into her neck and thick hair, taking a deep whiff of her
She's so soft. Her skin is without any texture or scars, it's just smooth and creamy and perfect. What lays beneath the skin is even more magnificent.
There's no muscle tone, just fat. It's squishy and malleable and plush beneath my hungry hands, and I want to feel more of it. It unlocks a primitive side of me that I never knew existed.
I want to have her in my nest ever night. I want her in my den every day. In my arms any time I want.
The list of impossible things I desire goes on. I want to keep Elodie, and the thought scares me. I have to keep control of myself. She must be returned to the palace, where she'll be happy, and safe.
I may be able to provide for myself, but I am no rich male. Only the wealthy can afford to pamper a female the way she needs. My Pa constantly spoke of how Mama complained if she wasn't provided with jewels and fine clothes, because she deserved the best.
I was young, but I remember how unhappy my Mama was at times. I couldn't stand to see Elodie that upset. It would bring so much shame, more than I already feel.
The thought of keeping her for myself, having her as a mate, it's so tempting that I consider it over and over. The palace would come looking. They would not simply forget about her. They would not rest until they had her.
Would they take her away if I already mated her? If my kit grew in her womb?
The idea sends a jolt through me, and I don't know what to think of it. The picture of little Elodie with a large belly filled with my offspring, I like it too much.
I realize I need to get out of this nest before I convince myself into abandoning my plan.
Detangling myself from the female, I let myself stare at her for a moment before I leave her. She sleeps so soundly. She's so beautiful. I want to reach out and touch her, stroke her red hair. I hold myself back.
I need to build a fire to keep Elodie warm, and I can't wake her. She needs rest.
I create a fire in my room, trying my best to stay quiet as I fill the fireplace with wood. The warmth spreads as I brush the splinters from my hands.
Standing, I shoot one last glance at the female. She's snuggled up tight in my nest, holding a pillow to her chest. No sign of her frightful self from last night.
My chest aches at the sight, and I rub the skin over my heart, wondering why I am experiencing these feelings.
I slip out of my nesting room silently, into the living space where I build another fire to warm the den. It roars to life, and I nod in satisfaction before moving to the kitchen.
I begin making breakfast, cracking open a few warak eggs and cooking them on the stove. I slice some meat and warm a few pieces of bread. I'm determined to make a good meal for this new little female that has entered my life suddenly.
Although I know I'm going to be trekking to the palace to bring her back, in the back of my mind I hope to impress her. Maybe she will want to stay. Maybe she will want me to provide for her as her mate.
Again, I shake my head at my own thoughts. They are impossible notions. I can never have a mate. I am not worthy of something so wonderful. I am destined to spend the rest of my life alone.
I've always been at peace with the idea of being alone, I enjoy have a quiet and predictable life, don't I? After finding Elodie, I'm not so sure anymore.
The wooden planks that make up the floor creak down the hall as a door opens. I'm just about finished making breakfast when Elodie hobbles into the kitchen.
She looks sleepy, rubbing her eyes and smoothing her very messy red hair. I can tell she just woke, but came straight to me. She's as beautiful as always.
The human looks at the food, and then looks at me.
"Go sit, the food is almost ready." I tell her, pointing at the table with authority. She should not be walking with her injured ankle, but I let it slide. I'm too distracted by her cuteness.
The little thing has the nerve to roll her eyes at me.
"arrant yew misstur bossie pants?" She mumbles, laughing to herself as she sits in the same chair she occupied last night.
Last night. I could not believe that she came to my room. I was shocked. After the thunder persisted, I heard her jump out of bed. It woke me. By the time I opened my own door, she was standing right outside my nesting room sheepishly.
I knew she wanted to sleep with me, but was too shy to ask. She almost went back to her own room, terror still shining in her green eyes. I couldn't have that. So, I took her in and put her in my own nest. I fell asleep with her cradled in my arms.
It was an experience unlike any other.
I dish up the food, coming to the table to serve the female. She stares at it with hungry eyes, watching the plate with interest. I suddenly feel envious of the food.
What is wrong with me?
Once she begins eating, I know I must get started running her a bath. I make sure she will stay put as I go to the bathroom. Elodie chews slowly, watching me as I leave.
I kneel by the large tub, turning the faucet until warm water shoots out, filling the bath. I check to make sure that the water is nice and hot before returning to the female. It makes me nervous to leave her alone for too long.
Even last night. I regretted leaving her by herself in my Pa's room. Not only for her comfort, but for mine. I need to know that she's safe, and when she's in my arms, I'm sure that she is.
Elodie is still in the kitchen when I get back, still eating with measured bites. I make myself a bowl of breakfast as well, eating it as quickly as possible. I don't want to waste a second of time.
"callm dowun. yewrr goin tooo choke." She admonishes me, scowling cutely with her lips pouting out.
I chuckle, slowing my eating as I'm assuming that's what she's going on about. Once she's appeased, she goes back to eating.
We both eat in silence for awhile, and I watch her carefully, hardly focused on my food at all. She's so perfect just sitting there. I could stare at her all day, but she must be bathed. And that is something I will not be watching.
I didn't have time to get her clean last night, too worried about her injuries and getting her to sleep. But, now she needs to be washed up. I don't know how long she was in the woods, but there's bound to be dirt on her.
"Okay, if you're done, it's time for a bath. Come." I say, realizing that she's finished her breakfast. Her orange eyebrows scrunch up, and I know that she doesn't understand me, but I love seeing that lost look on her face.
I reach cautiously for her hand, and she lets me take it. I hold her cold, small fingers in my own, staring at her pale nails.
Leading her away from the kitchen, I take Elodie into the bathroom where hot water continues to fill the bathtub. I let go of her hand, already missing her touch, and go to turn off the faucet. The flood shuts off, drops of excess water still dripping out.
"yew'r sew sweeet! thanck yew!" She remarks in excitement, dipping a hand into the water to test the temperature. She begins hopping up and down in excitement despite her hurt ankle.
I reach for her, trying to hold onto her should so she won't jostle her injury. As soon as I touch her, she pounces, wrapping me up in her thin, soft arms.
For a moment, I am frozen, having no idea what to do. Before I can return her embace, she lets go, red hair flying as she races to get undressed.
My eyes widen as she pulls at her dress, trying to tear it off. Once again I grab her. She looks up at me with questions in her eyes. I point to her bandage, and then her ankle. She nods in understanding.
I go onto one knee, making quick work of her bandage and her wrappings. I need to redress the wound as soon as she's done bathing. With the tips of my fingers, I carefully examine the cut on her arm. It's not as irritated anymore. The ointment seems to be doing it's job.
When I stand to leave, Elodie goes back to taking off her clothing, disinterested in the fact that I might catch a glimpse of her exposed skin.
I want to, oh how I want to see her without that dress in the way, but I will not. She has put her trust in me, and I won't betray it.
For now, I will have to focus on getting her fresh new clothes and a warm towel. It will be enough to keep my mind busy. At least, I hope that it will.
Two more chapters for my lovely readers :)
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Love you all! More chapters coming soon💞