Page 23 of Jade Lion and the Witch Boy
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
I gaze down at myself and recall that by human standards, I am nude. The fur covers most of my groin area, but if I were to get aroused…
I clear my throat and stand up straight. With a flick of my wrist, I summon my floor bed, this time closer to Seb’s bed. Seb sits on his mattress while I curl on my cot, my furry back facing his bed. After a few moments, Seb settles into going back to sleep, and I notice his body is much closer to mine.
My inner lion finds peace with him so close.
“Where did you go this evening?” he asks quietly.
“I needed to allow my lion side to freely roam. To run through the woods.”
“Ah. Blow off some steam. I get it.”
I do not know what steam he is referring to, but I do not question it. Instead, in the quiet of the night, I listen to Seb breathe again.
“You had to let your beast free. It makes sense.”
“Yes.” His words remind me of how violent I was tonight. I clear my throat, and my cheeks warm with shame. “Listen, Sebastian, about earlier…I am sorry.”
“What? Why?”
“I was…reckless and vicious with my magic.”
“Dude, you saved me.” He chuckles and continues, “Kevin almost assaulted me, but you did a number on him. I ought to thank you.”
He laughs, but I suppress a growl. If I ever see Kevin again, I might not refrain from clawing at his body. My amnesia spell should have worked, but still, he is a monster masquerading as a man.
“But I’m fine. And I’m not freaked out by you.”
“You are not?” I ask.
“No.” I feel him get close to the edge of his bed. If I turned over, I would be able to put my paw on his arm. “You protected me. And even if you hadn’t, Kai. You’re…my friend.”
My spine prickles when I feel a hand on my head. Seb is carding his hands through my mane. “Jade Lion or not, I trust you, Kai,” he says in an almost whisper.
Between his words and his comforting scratches on my scalp, I shut my eyes, overwhelmed with emotion. I purr in his hold and relax even further. My inner lion feels a comfort I have never known.
Perhaps I don’t need my memories. Maybe I will be okay forgetting the past as long as Sebastian Suarez is part of my future.
CHAPTER 10- SEB
I YAWN ASI whip up the ingredients in the bowl. It’s early, but the sweet scent of butterscotch always lifts my spirits. With my muffin mix done, I proceed to spoon it into the large plastic zipper bag.
“You are up early.”
I turn to see Kai walking into the kitchen. He’s wearing pajama pants and a white t-shirt that fits his muscles in all the right ways. My eyes only wander up and down for a moment before I return to the task at hand.
“Yeah. I actually enjoy baking, even though it’s my morning off, go figure.” I snicker, and Kai leans on the counter. Without saying a word, he holds open the baggie, making my task easier. Working with Kai in silence doesn’t feel weird at all, just like rubbing his lion body last night.
“Is that why you took the job at Brew-Ha?”
“Kind of.” I seal up the bag and look at him. “I’ve always had the propensity for putting ingredients together. I thought I just liked baking and cooking, but…”
“You are actually a potions witch,” he says with a smile.
“Bingo.” I tap the counter. “But to answer your question, it’s because Lisbeth owns the place. Tips are good, and I get to spend time with my coven. Between that and living here rent-free, it makes sense for now.”
