Page 5 of Incu-bliss

“You have an appointment?” I brush off my dress, pretending to smooth out wrinkles that aren’t there, and pivot toward my office. Although I expect him to give me a difficult time, I’m hoping to change the trajectory of our conversation to business. There’s no sense in discussing what may or may not be true. Valek came here to combat his negative emotions and reclaim his center. As a professional, it’s my duty to guide him onto that path.

“I do,” Valek replies with a quick nod, practically leaping before me to open my door. He stands idle and turns to me, seeking direction on what happens next.

“Please take a seat, and we can begin.” I extend my hand, offering him the largest chair in the room, hoping it’s strong enough to hold him.

Valek settles into the plush seat and momentarily fidgets while trying to find a comfortable position. It’s a tight fit but he makes it work. His obsidian eyes flutter closed with a sigh of relief, their intensity softened by long lashes. The dim lighting casts shadows across his sharp features, enhancing the dangerous allure that clings to him like a second skin. He is undeniably beautiful, in a way that seems more suited to causing havoc than sitting quietly in my tranquil office. His presence makes my skin heat with latent desire, but I need to move past my emotions and tend to his needs professionally.

Heat spreads through my body as I pass him on my way to my desk. "I know we’ve had an odd beginning, but it's a pleasure finally meeting you, Valek. Your brother mentioned you needed my services.” I slide my behind onto my desk and sit before him, crossing my legs to keep him from peeking under my dress. I’m not sure what’s gotten into me. I never sit this way.

"What is your current relaxation routine?" I ask, genuinely interested in his response. Leaning forward, my posture reveals a hint of cleavage, and I can't help but feel satisfied when his gaze follows the trail downwards without hesitation. His eyes linger, and I momentarily revel in his attention before refocusing on our conversation.

Valek's lips curl into a playful smile, revealing his sharp, ivory teeth as he tilts his horned head back to meet my gaze. "Relaxation? That concept eludes me," he confesses with a gentle rumble.

Squaring my shoulders, I cautiously approach the side of my desk. My fingers grip the edge of my chair, thankful for the distance it provides between us. "Are you certain this is where you want to be?" I eye him warily. It would be best if he were to leave, his lingering presence only adding to the turmoil within me. My nerves are on edge, like a tightly coiled spring ready to snap at any moment. I can practically feel the weight of his gazeon me, making it impossible for me to relax. Yes, it's definitely better if he leaves soon.

“This is where I want to be. By your side is the only place I’m meant to be.” The words roll off Valek's tongue, dripping with confidence and certainty. His unwavering gaze locks onto mine, sending a jolt of electricity through my body.

I can't deny how he makes my heart flutter and my mind spin. There’s a magnetic pull between us that I couldn't explain, a feeling. No male has ever affected me in this way before. I pride myself on being immune to their charms, but this male seems to unravel every defense I’ve ever built. I’m not thrilled by this sudden turn of events, but something is bubbling up deep inside that demands to learn more.

I gaze deeply into Valek’s ebony eyes, struggling to maintain my composure as his intense stare bores into me. He dominates the room with his presence, and I realize that getting rid of him will not be simple. As I struggle to form words, I feel utterly shocked by the ones that emerge. "You seem tense," I whisper, my voice dripping with seduction.

Valek rolls his shoulders, and a slight smile plays at the corners of his lips. “I could use some relief.”

"I believe I can help you."

valek

. . .

The room is dim,illuminated only by the soft glow of candles placed carefully around us, casting shadows that dance along the walls like ethereal spirits. Odette stands across from me, her hands poised above a small ceramic bowl filled with dried sage leaves. The window is open just a crack, allowing the chill of the morning air to mingle with the warmth inside our makeshift sanctuary.

“Are you attempting to banish me?” The first whiff is sharp, almost acrid, and instinctively, my body tenses. Demons and dark creatures are repelled by sage, and every fiber in me screams to recoil. But then, there's Odette—her calm presence, her unwavering gaze fixed on me with something like determination mixed with care. Besides, if that’s her goal, she’ll need far more than an offensive scent to get rid of me.

She offers a small, knowing smile and nods. "Of course not. It's just sage," she replies gently as if she understands the chaos stirring inside me at that very moment.

I nod, forcing myself to focus on her rather than the instinctual dread that claws at my insides. As the smoke rises in thin wisps, it carries an earthy aroma that gradually softens theinitial harshness. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding and simply watch her.

Odette gracefully moves around the small room, directing smoke into corners with a large feather she handles skillfully. Her actions are elegant, a ritualistic dance that mesmerizes me. She's so absorbed in her task that she seems almost untouchable—yet strangely, it draws me closer.

"Sage cleanses," she explains over her shoulder, her voice laced with reverence for this simple act. "It purifies spaces and clears them of negativity. It can do the same for people."

"Is that what you're doing now? Cleansing me?" I tease lightly, trying to ease the tightness in my chest.

"Perhaps," Odette replies with a playful glint in her eyes. "Or maybe I'm just practicing on an unwilling subject."

When she sits across from me, I lean closer because the short distance feels too much like a barrier now. The scent of sage clings to the air between us, and I breathe it in—less harsh now, more comforting. Closer still, I see flecks of green in her blue eyes that I hadn't noticed before.

"How does it feel?" Odette asks earnestly as she assumes a meditative pose.

"Like starting anew," I admit without really meaning to say it aloud.

Suddenly, Odette reaches out and places her palm against my chest over my heart—a touch so featherlight yet loaded with unspoken questions and possibilities. The contact sends warmth spiraling down to my very core.

"It’s good," I manage to say through a suddenly constricted throat. "It’s cleansing."

Odette smiles and then closes her eyes, perhaps to better capture the essence. The earthy and robust scent envelops me, swirling around and filling up the space within me that I hadn’trealized was void. With each breath, it feels like layers of grime are peeled from my soul, revealing something raw and tender.

Feeling unexpectedly vulnerable, I open my eyes to find Odette watching me closely, her brows pinched in concentration. She’s beautiful like this—caught between caretaker and curious scientist.

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