Page 28 of Dark Witch: Twin Destinies

As he began to climb the hill, Marina couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. "I'm so glad that no one can see us. It's like a scene from a romantic comedy or The Twilight Zone."

"I get the romantic comedy, but why The Twilight Zone?"

"It's just creepy that this entire resort section is unoccupied. It's so quiet and dark out here."

"Perhaps, but it works perfectly for us." Peter kept climbing the hill. "We can sleep in a different bungalow every night until your transfer request is approved."

When he reached the top, he set her down, pulled out his phone, and checked the photo of Eleanor's list with all the lock numbers. After a moment, he found the right one and entered the combination.

Peter reached inside and flipped on the lights as the door swung open. When Marina made a move to step in, he blocked the doorway with his body. "Isn't carrying the lady over the threshold a human tradition?" He swung her into his arms.

"It used to be, and only for brides."

"Well, I like it." He walked in and deposited her on the couch. "Don't move. I'll just get the luggage and close the door."

The bungalow was small, but it had everything, and it was perfect. There was a little kitchenette with a stretch counter that held a stove, a sink, and a coffee maker. The refrigerator was tall and narrow, and there was a microwave oven.

Peter brought in their luggage, closed the door behind him, and purposefully strode toward the couch. "Ready to see the bedroom?"

"Yes." She started to push to her feet but found herself in his arms instead.

"Another threshold," Peter explained as he dipped his head and kissed her lips.

The bedroom door was nestled between the kitchen and a dining nook, and as Peter pushed it open, Marina saw the large bed in the middle. There was also a dresser, two narrow nightstands, and a desk under the window.

"This is amazing." She looked up at him with a happy smile. "It looks so small from the outside, but it has everything we need, and it's so cozy and pretty."

Peter grinned. "I love it too, and we didn't check out the bathroom yet."

He put her down, took her hand, and led her into the bathroom.

Flipping on the light, Marina felt her jaw drop as she took in the glass-enclosed shower and the deep, inviting bathtub. "Oh, wow." She ran her fingers along the cool porcelain. "I love having a tub. I only indulged in one at your cabin on the ship."

Peter wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. "I'm glad you approve."

"Approve?" Marina backed against him. "I more than approve." She turned in his arms, looking up at him with a smile. "You know, this is the first time in my life that I've had a place of my own. I could see myself living here with you, and I don't even mind my boring maid job. We could just stay here. Can you ask to be permanently stationed in Safe Haven?"

Peter cupped her face in his hands. "I could, but I won't unless Kian doesn't approve your request for some reason." He kissed her forehead, then pulled back to look into her eyes. "My house in the village is much bigger, and there are so many more opportunities for you there. You could study while interpreting for the Kra-ell or just babysitting here and there. You don't want to spend the rest of your life changing sheets and cleaning bathrooms. Nothing is wrong with that, but you are so talented with languages that it would be a waste. You will be happier in the village. I promise."

Marina bit on her lip. She had been so excited about moving to the village with Peter, but now that she was here, in this perfect little bungalow, she wasn't so sure. After all, Larissa and her other friends were here, and although she wasn't particularly close to any of them, she would miss them.

On the other hand, she wasn't so thrilled about the other humans in Safe Haven. It wasn't nice to think negatively about the community members who had welcomed her people with open arms, but she wasn't a fan of their chosen lifestyle.

Then again, living in a village of immortals where she was at the bottom of the food chain wasn't so great either.

"What's the matter?" Peter asked. "Are you having second thoughts?"

She nodded. "There are advantages and disadvantages to both places, but all I care about is being with you. I'll be happy wherever you are."

He brushed his thumb across her cheekbone. "If you want to stay here, in Safe Haven, then I will put in a request to transfer here permanently. We can keep this bungalow and make it our little paradise, but I suggest that you sleep on it. You shouldn't make any decision while you are so bone tired."

21

JASMINE

Half an hour later, when Jasmine and Edgar walked into the other penthouse, holding hands and with the map of Tibet tucked under Edgar's arm, the afterglow of their lovemaking was still thrumming through her veins. Still, she did her best to erase the stupid smile from her face and assume an impassive expression.

From her experience, people took those who talked calmly and rationally more seriously. Given that she was about to provide them with information that would determine where they were going, and that said information was based on an unproven method that they all questioned, she needed to appear level-headed.

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