Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 25792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
“It took some time,” she murmured as she laid her head on my chest and played with her hair. “But I have figured out how to be normal, or at least do most normal things.”
I set her on her feet and grabbed her shoulders, forcing her to face me, then took her chin between my thumb and forefinger. Raising her face, I waited until our eyes locked before grunting, “You are not normal, baby. And you shouldn’t want to be. Normal is overrated and boring. I’ve never seen anyone more beautiful than you. Inside and out.”
Isla’s cheeks burned bright, and she smiled. “Thank you.”
After kissing the tip of her nose, I released her chin. “Any time, baby. Whenever you question who or what you are, I’ll remind you.”
I helped Isla step into the warm water and watched in fascination as she folded her wings behind her back, then grabbed the ends and pulled them apart so she could sit comfortably with them cradling her.
She glanced up at me through her lashes, smiling seductively. Shaking my head, I backed up a few steps. “There’s not enough room for both of us in there, baby. So stop trying to tempt me. Besides, your pussy needs to heal. Remember what I said about walking?”
Isla laughed, and the musical sound spread something warm through my chest. “That’s all right. I’ll just fly.”
I tossed my head back and laughed, loving that she was comfortable enough with me to talk about her abilities without seeming ashamed.
When my laughter faded away, I contemplated whether or not to voice the request bouncing around in my mind.
Then I decided, why not?
“Would you take me flying?” I asked.
Isla’s brow rose, but her lips curled up, and her eyes sparkled with happiness. “You want to fly with me?”
My reply was instantaneous and enthusiastic. “Absolutely.”
“I’d love to.”
I grinned and moved closer to lean over the tub and kiss her forehead before jumping away again, barely making it far enough to evade her reach. An adorable pout formed on her lips, and I couldn’t help chuckling. I wanted to kiss her again but forced myself not to move any closer.
“I’m going to make us some breakfast,” I muttered as I spun around and beat a hasty retreat.
8
COOPER
While Isla bathed, I heard a soft knock on the door. When I answered it, the lavender-haired woman from the day before—Juniper—waved as she and Silas walked back into the woods. I stepped out and kicked something on the ground. Glancing down, I saw an overnight bag. A wide grin split my face, and I said a silent thank you to the couple who’d already disappeared.
I tossed the bag on the bed and dug through my meager groceries. Luckily, I came up with the ingredients to whip up some omelets once she was out of the bath. While I waited, I spotted the bag from Something Wicked on the kitchen counter. Still a little skeptical but a lot curious, I emptied the contents into my hand. There was a small vial of liquid and a note.
Cooper,
Don’t ask what’s in it. Just drink. “See” you later.
–M
I chuckled and raised the little glass bottle to study what was inside. It was red…and I just hoped the ingredients didn’t involve blood of any kind. Maggie was right. I needed not to think about what the stuff was made of and just drink it.
Twisting off the cap, I wrinkled my nose at the pungent smell of herbs wafting from the potion. After taking a deep breath, I tossed back the liquid and was shocked that, despite the scent, it tasted sweet and fruity.
The door to the bathroom opened and Isla walked out, wrapped in a towel, so I tossed the vial and bag into the trash before sauntering over to ogle her.
She rolled her eyes when she clocked my salacious stare. “Do you have something I can wear?”
I was tempted to give her some of my clothing, but she would swim in it, and I wanted her to be comfortable. “Juniper and Silas dropped off a bag for you,” I told her, gesturing to the duffel on the bed.
Isla smiled and padded over to pull out underwear, a shirt, and pants. Once she was dressed, we sat at the table to eat. She asked about my accident, and I filled her in on what happened after I’d woken up in the forest. And what had brought me back to Screaming Woods, besides my hope that she was real and I’d find her.
She told me about the party on All Hallows’ Eve over twenty years ago when she’d taken a sip of something they called Frankenpunch and had been turned into a Valkyrie. I was fascinated by the story, but I could see the sadness in her eyes. I hoped that I would eventually be able to wipe it away.