Page 2 of Wounded Mate
I look down.
Normal. Totally normal. I touch myself, dragging fingers over all the sore places, expecting blood, torn flesh, and gristle. But all I get is smooth, healthy skin.
Nothing wrong with me.
“What in the demon’s sweaty ball sac is happening to me, Annais?” I clutch at my skin, trying to solve this riddle. “I swear, I’m not bluffing. It was so bad I thought I might die.”
“And now?”
My body is stiff like it’s trying to protect itself. I ache, but the terrifying rush of pain is gone. In its place, a sense of being injured remains. I feel fragile. “I’m better, but…not well.”
Annais runs his big hands over my shoulders. “May I?” He glances at my ribs.
I nod.
He continues his exploration, gently checking for fractures, tenderness, swelling, anything out of the ordinary, but my body looks like my body.
He drops his arms to his sides, giving up. “I can find nothing wrong with you.”
“Me neither.”
“I don’t think you should work tonight, though. How hungry are you? You could feed from me if you need to.”
“Thank you, but no. I’ll be fine without a meal for one night.”
Though we’re able to feed one another through all sorts of sexual pleasure, Annais and I are friends, and I don’t see him that way. I’m sure he’d be respectful. Discreet. And yet, it’s not him I want.
Not that I wanted the man in the lobby that much either. He was handsome enough but awkward, with his gaze darting all over the room like he expected something bad to happen. Skittish. Must be new. Maybe he’s married. I hope not.
In any case, it’s none of my business. Someone else will take care of him, and I’ll feed tomorrow. I’ll be fine.
“Do you want me to stay?” Annais glances to the chair across from my bed. “I could read while you rest.”
“No, thanks. The sensation is mostly gone already. Maybe all I need is an early night for a change.” And I want only my thoughts for company.
He narrows his gaze and puckers his lips. His thinking face. It’s cute. “All right, if you say so. But do ring for Rizpah or me if you need anything, yes?”
“I will.”
Annais leaves, shutting the door softly behind him. I kick off my shoes, shed the rest of my clothes, and climb into bed naked.
I love this bed. It’s huge, though I’m one of the smaller incubi here. Packed with the loftiest of down feathers, crammed full of pillows, soft blankets, and sheets so silky you’d think you were sleeping in a cloud.
Sinking into its depths, I curl in on myself, protecting the side that still feels oddly vulnerable, even though nothing is wrong.
Behind the darkness of closed lids, I get the feeling that something is missing. Like there’s something I need, or someone, but I don’t know who or what it is.
A yearning builds, starting low in my gut, a warmth that spreads to my extremities until my whole body tingles.
Desire, desperation, emptiness.
What’s wrong with me?
Chapter Two
Bela
My paws poundthe forest floor, claws digging for purchase with every stride. I put on a burst of speed, but it won’t matter. I’m tired, hungry, and dreadfully outnumbered.
