Page 13 of Rescued By the Beast
Warning?
I frown and pull my mobile phone out of my pocket. Only then do I notice the notification flashing on the Salem underworld app, used by all supernatural beings to follow the city's news.
Great, another headache for my collection.
I'm relieved by his offer, because otherwise I would have to walk back, as usual.
"Thank you. Yes, I'm ready." I put the tips in my bag and walk to the corner where he had parked.
As we get into the car, a floral scent hits me, sweet and cloying, like an overly perfumed field of flowers. I wrinkle my nose, trying to identify where the scent is coming from, as it wasn't there earlier.
"What's that smell?" I ask, unable to hide my discomfort.
Luther hesitates for a moment, making a small grimace before answering.
"It must be the perfume of the human who rubbed herself against me all night. It seems to have transferred to my clothes."
I feel my stomach churn and, without thinking, I open the window, letting the night breeze in to dispel that suffocating scent.
"Sometimes I forget that shape-shifters have more sensitive noses," he comments, by way of observation.
"It may be an advantage, but in cases like this, it's a curse," I mutter.
He starts driving, and the wind through the window alleviates the worst of the smell, although a faint trace remains.
"Tomorrow, I'll pick you up for work again. At the end of the day, I'll drop you off at home."
I look at him, biting my lip.
"Are you sure? You live on the other side of town, and besides, I don't want to bother you. I know that if it weren't for helping me, you would have taken the human to your house."
He turns his face towards me, and for a moment, it seems like he's thinking about what to say.
"You said you'd only believe it if you saw it. I'm just showing you that I can change... for you."
His words take me by surprise. Normally, he would speak in a playful tone, but now he sounds serious, and that unsettles me.
"Luther, I..."
"What?" His eyes seek mine, penetrating my barriers. "You like our flirting, so why keep resisting? I've wanted more than this for so long, and this little game of teasing is wearing me down. I can't pretend I don't feel anything for you anymore."
My stomach tightens, and for a moment, doubt creeps into my mind. Would it really be that bad? But I shake my head, trying to push the thought away.
"Luther, I only see you as a friend, and I don't want this to ruin our friendship."
He is silent for a moment, his eyes darkening, something subtle but visible. A shiver runs down my spine when he touches my face, caressing my cheek.
"I can change your mind, if you let me."
Suddenly, a headache begins to form.
That floral perfume... bothers me again, and I realise it's making me dizzy.
"I need to go," I say, my voice a little weaker than I would like. "We'll talk later."
He slowly lets go of me, frowning, but says nothing to stop me. The silence lasts for a few seconds before he takes a deep breath.
"See you tomorrow, Sandra."
