Page 40 of Falling for Ash
“Stay,” she whimpered, the only word that came to mind.
She closed her eyes, trying to breathe through the worst of it. She heard that same strange voice inside her head, pleading and begging to be let out. Only Gabby could not relinquish control of herself. Certainly not to some mythical being. Heck. She didn’t even know how.
“Boss?” Ernie’s voice penetrated through her haze, and she vaguely heard Ash give the Imp some curt instructions.
“Shouldn’t be harsh on him,” she scolded, but it was hardly effective, as her whisper was fragile.
“This is not going how it should, Gabriella. I sent Ernie for help.”
“I’m sorry I?—”
“No! I didn’t mean it to sound as if it is your fault?—”
Footsteps brought her head up, and she saw Eve and someone else next to her, a strange woman.
Not a woman, her inner voice said.
Wolf.
“Hello, Ash,” the woman said, walking into the room. “Eve tells me your name is Gabby, is it? I’m Chloe, and I think I can help.”
Gabby tried to smile, but it came out a snarl. Oops. The lovely woman simply raised her eyebrow before stealing a glance at Ash, whose sole focus remained on her. Thank goodness. It was the only thing keeping her from freaking the heck out.
“Alright, listen up, Gabby. Your Wolf was dormant for quite some time, but with the new changes in the supernatural world after the fall of the Curse, she is looking to be freed from that metaphysical plane where she dwells until you call. Now, that’s the supernatural science of it. Anyone could’ve told you that. What I am going to tell you is more personal. Listening?”
Gabby growled, nodding her head. Beads of sweat rolled down the sides of her face, and she arched as another wave of staggering pain struck.
“It’s like my insides are being squeezed with vices,” she grunted.
“I know,” Chloe frowned, turning to Ash. Gabby was unsure what they were whispering, but she heard a few phrases about something between mates and bonds and giving her strength.
“I would give her everything,” Ash replied with a Demonic hiss.
“Good,” Chloe said, turning back to Gabby. “She might need it.”
“Gabriella, look at me,” Ash instructed, and she turned her head, gaze landing on his.
“Good, Gabby. I want you to use Ash as your focal point,” Chloe said, her voice had an oddly calming effect that Gabby really, really liked.
“Keep looking at him, Gabby. See him there. He will protect you with his life. Not let anything bad happen. Now close your eyes, see your Wolf? She is part of you. She will protect you too. Trust her. Let her out, Gabby. Your Wolf is part of who you are and, like Ash, she will never lead you astray.”
The woman’s words were like magic. Or maybe that was the steady assurance she felt flowing from Ash. Either way, Gabby felt the heat inside of her flame to volcanic temperatures, her body arched and a scream tore from her throat. The sound changing midway through to something she’d heard only in nature documentaries.
“Agggghhhhhwwwwooooooooooo!”
Some remnants of cloth stuck to her as she panted in place, but most were torn in the process. Hysteria gone, Gabby glanced around, noting her slightly askew vision. Everything seemed more in focus, and she could see more than just who was there and the room. It was like she could see smells and heat signatures. Her new Wolf’s eyes searched for Ash and found him, looking grim but relieved when she walked over to where he stood and nudged him with her lupine nose.
“Gabriella?” he murmured, dropping to his knees, his black eyes glowing obsidian as he raised a hand tentatively.
Warmth rushed through her as his fingertips skimmed her fur. Looking down, she realized her fur was brown with golden tips, and her paws were massive, with huge claws that clicked on the stone flooring of Ash’s home. Oh no, her head snapped, and she saw the damage she’d done to his bed.
“Don’t worry, Gabby, Ernie is already on it,” Chloe said, smiling down at her. “And I apologize for barging in since we weren’t properly introduced, but it is nice to meet you. Take care.”
With that, the woman left, and Gabriella’s focus was back on Ash. Feelings she’d been too afraid to acknowledge as a human seemed so simple, now. It was as if her soul was laid bare, stark and naked for him to see, and for some reason, she wasn’t worried or embarrassed.
Mine.
Her Wolfish thoughts were clear and definite. The Demon Ash was hers, and she wanted him in every way. Gabby was too awestruck to be shocked by the carnal turn of her thoughts. Her Wolf seemed eager and ready to mark the male as hers. The animal knew without fail that they were destined.
