Page 117 of Omega Sanctuary

Red-hot aching settled inside my body, making even breathing painful. By ten in the morning I felt like I'd been up all night. I was measuring out some orange scones, Nikki's favorite, when someone knocked on the door.

It was Rayth. He poked his head in and held up a large box.

"That was quick," I said, perking up. The box was overflowing.

"I assure you, I'm not quick in all things." He winked at me.

"Set it over here, please." I showed him the kitchen, and he set the box on the small table.

He paused, studying me. "What's wrong?"

I shook my head. "Sorry, I would have dressed nicer if I knew..." I was wearing loose robe and didn't have the energy to brush my hair.

"No apologies." He cocked his head. "Heat coming soon?"

"Apparently." I rolled my eyes. "I just wish it would take the sleepless nights with it."

"I came to drop these off." He gestured at the overflowing box. There was far more than what I put on the list.

"You can stay." I sat down. "What did you bring?"

Rayth grinned. "Too much. Asano thinks it looks like I'm being insincere."

I laughed. "No, I'm greedy enough for the supplies."

"In addition to your list, I spoke to the vendors," Rayth said briskly. "So I've added several different types of flour, more baking soda, and a large assortment of fruits and vegetables."

I watched as he pulled item after item out of the box.

"I also saw these gadgets and thought they would come in handy."

A peeler, a special zester, several types of bowls and spoons. My small table soon filled up.

He stopped when the box was empty. "Okay. Maybe I got carried away, but you're a baker without her tools."

I beamed at him. "Thank you."

"My pleasure." He looked at me, and heat followed his gaze.

I lifted my hands up. “Help me up, please?”

He pulled me up. I pressed my face into his chest, the movement as natural as breathing. The spicy, woodsy scent of him filled me.

He moved his hands down my back. "You should come have dinner, pet." His voice was soft. "I brought some wine from Porto Vino, and it's delicious. We could have pasta, and good crusty bread."

"That sounds nice." My voice was muffled, but I didn't care. I could have let him hold me forever.

"You need a good, long bath. I'll bring you some good bath salts next time, but I'm sure they have something here."

He sounded so doubtful, I laughed.

Rayth took my hand and led me into the bathing room. He looked around. "This is nice, but they really need to step up the nesting accommodations."

"This is nicer than any bathroom at my old town."

Rayth snorted. "Still." He worked the levers, starting a tub and pouring some lavender oils. I sighed, some of my headache going away.

"I'll let you bathe," he said. "Come out when you're ready, and there will be food."

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