Page 73 of Feral Possession

“How are you, my darling?”

“Well. Um. It’s difficult to say. Good, I think.” She strolled to the stone bench, ripped a blossom from its stem, and sat. With the phone tucked on her shoulder, she picked at the petals.

“And Marcus?” Vivian prompted.

Pluck. He loves me. Pluck. Loves me not. “Well…” How could Dove explain something she didn’t understand herself?

“Ah, so it’s like that,” Vivian purred. “He is a most virile male, no?”

“He’s just… He’s so…” Confusing, infuriating, passionate, distant. Pluck. Loves me. Pluck. Loves me not.

“Say no more. I understand completely. I have often believed there is much more to Marcus Steele than he shares with the world.”

“He’s a man of many hidden talents.” Understatement of the year. Still, his secrets were her own. She wouldn’t betray his trust, not even to Vivian.

“You can say it.” Vivian sighed. “You want to stay with him. It is what I expected when you became his Chosen.”

Dove’s shoulders sank. Did she? Did Vivian pair her with Marcus, believing they had a future together? She must have seen something Dove didn’t. “I don’t know. We’re kind of in the middle of something, and I’d like to see it through.” An image of that kiss came to mind. Yes, there were a number of things she’d like to see through to their conclusion. Pluck. Pluck. Pluck. Loves me.

“But this is très bonne.” Vivian didn’t hide her delight. She knew Dove wasn’t one to commit to, well… pretty much anything. “And yet I sense you are hesitant. What is the problem?”

“Problem is, I’m not sure if he wants me to stay.” Plucky pluck. Petals fell from her fingertips. Loves me not.

“Of course he wants you.” Vivian was quick to respond as only her best friend and mentor could. “Marcus Steele is many things, but a fool is not one of them.”

As per their original agreement, Dove was to remain with him until Vivian was safe and Dove had helped him overcome his affliction. Check and check. Staying beyond the terms of the contract made things personal. Was Marcus willing to let her in? Did she want to be a part of his life? “Can I think about it?”

“Take all the time you need. You know I only desire to see you happy. You will always have a place with me anytime you want.”

Dove’s heart warmed, tears gathering in her eyes. How could she have ever believed that Vivian had abandoned her? As promised, the moment Vivian was safe, she’d welcomed Dove home with open arms. Problem was, she wasn’t so sure Vivian’s mansion was where she belonged anymore. “Thank you. That means the world to me. But enough about me. What about you and your hunky bodyguard?”

“Liam and I have reconciled,” Vivian said, a giddy lilt to her voice that only starstruck lovers used.

“That’s wonderful.” Vivian and her bodyguard had a long history. Apparently, they’d worked things out. If only Dove and Marcus could do the same. “I had a feeling about the two of you. I’m happy for you.”

“Now that the threat has passed, we plan to focus on completing the women’s shelter as quickly as possible.”

“The shelter has been your dream. It’s good you haven’t given up on it.”

“Remember, we only fail when we stop trying. Talk to Marcus and decide together. Regardless, I will see you soon and we will catch up. Armond plans to return in a few days. Apparently, he is enjoying his little vacation. Once he returns, we can make plans.”

“I can’t wait. I miss you both so much.”

“Miss you too, mon coeur.”

Dove ended her call, holding up her decimated flower. One petal remained. Darn. She’d lost track of whether he loved her or not. Guess there was only one way to find out.

Marcus stood outside on the balcony of his bedroom, overlooking the rose garden.

“Make her stay,” snarled the voice in his head.

Dove hurled the spent blossom to the ground and stormed through the garden, headed for the servants’ entrance. Determination darkened the flawless angles of her face. What did that mean? Was she coming to tell him she was leaving? He studied her for some indication of what she was thinking and came up empty. The faerie never behaved as he expected.

“She’s fulfilled her obligation. I have enough control to continue on my own.”

“Liar,” said the demon.

Shadows stirred the surrounding air, buffeting his body. Marcus gritted his teeth, trying to tamp them down. They resisted. A dark chuckle sounded. “I do as you request, not as you command. You are host. Vessel. Only she commands me.”

---