Page 16 of Christa's Obsession

She didn’t look at him, not with her skin flushing hot at being so frank, despite the darkness.

“They’ll wait until you can. As will your demon.”

Wanda glanced towards the large man standing motionless at her side. “How do you know?”

He chuckled. “I know a great many things, lass. You need to have faith in that bravery and daring that you think you don’t have. You do, and when you are ready, you will allow them to reveal themselves.”

Hope flared to life, much like the plants at the touch of a hand to encourage them to find the light. “Do you think so?”

“I do.” He pressed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Do you wish me to walk you to Silas’s for a visit? I can stay outside and wait to walk you home.”

She hesitated, a buzz of excitement running through her at the thought of seeing Christa.I can do this.“Would you mind?”

His shoulders moved under his large coat of many pockets. “Of course not.”

They walked side by side, Dougal offering her a small flask that held his homemade cider. “A little courage.”

Wanda took it and had more than a sip, feeling a warmth spread from her stomach to her limbs and finally her head. With it came a relaxed feeling that she had been lacking, except after she found release with her trees. She nodded her thanks to Dougal.

“Careful, lass.” Dougal’s chuckle was a rumble as he took the flask back when she went to take another sip.

Silas’s door opened before Wanda could knock and there stood Christa.

Long, flowing black hair gleamed in the moonlight. Lush curves covered in silk that clung to firm breasts left Wanda’s body reacting much as it did at the touch of her trees. Christa wasso much taller than Wanda, she had to tilt her head back to look into her eyes. Emotions, too many to consider what they all meant, flitted over her beautiful face. But there were stains on her cheeks that looked like tears. The cider made Wanda loose-limbed and maybe just a little braver.

“Hello,” she whispered shyly, dipping her gaze when her nipples budded at the slow, sultry smile that appeared on Christa’s face. The fear, for now, didn’t come. Wanda wondered if her body had other things to focus on, like Christa’s alluring presence.

“Hello Wanda, this is a lovely surprise… did you come…” Christa sighed and said no more, making Wanda want to ask her to finish as she searched her gaze.

Behind Christa, Silas appeared, concern clear in his furrowed brow. “Wanda,” Silas murmured, slipping past Christa to kiss her warm cheek. “Are you well?”

She got up onto her tiptoes to kiss Silas’s cheek, feeling the weight of Christa’s gaze. “I am. I thought I’d pay you a visit, as it is such a lovely night.” She glanced at Dougal, who stood silently watching, and gave him a warm smile. “And I have such a wonderful escort to keep me safe.”

She knew the moment the words left her lips they were a mistake, because she had allowed some of the fear to come through.

“It was wonderful to see you again, Wanda.” Christa’s smile held pain before she could remove it. “I’ve taken up enough of yourtime.” Christa nodded at everyone and, a moment later, was gone. Only her scent lingered in the air.

Wanda’s shoulders slumped. “Why did I have to say that?” she moaned.

“Do you want to tell me what you mean by that?” Silas asked, but Wanda knew her brother.

“You know.”

He stroked a gentle hand down her arm and took her hand. “Come inside. It seems it’s a night for visitors. I’ll make you a pot of tea. Then you can tell me all about what’s on your mind.”

Chapter Nine

Wanda

It was easier to watch Silas move around his home in a flowing robe than think about Christa. The familiarity of it helped lessen the weight of anxiety that came with the presence of the largedemon who had, moments ago, sat on the couch with a laptop on his thighs, looking resigned.

There were other distractions, too. The scent Christa wore lingered in the room, along with her own distinct fragrance. Nothing like Wanda’s delicate, sweet smell, this held sensual undertones…sexy. It awakened desires that Wanda did her best to keep hidden in her dreams. Christa’s scent perfectly matched the demon—woman who held an air of confidence that Wanda had no hope of ever carrying off.

She was simple. Liked the simple things in life. She didn’t want or need much. The clothing Christa wore was clearly expensive, much like her brothers’. Wanda could only imagine that her home had all those modern amenities that her trees lacked.

How would Christa fit into Wanda’s world? Because Wanda would never fit in Christa’s and that, along with the fear of threat, ran through her mind. Her gaze moved back to Dakata, who appeared unaware of her. Nothing about his presence screamed that he fitted in. And yet, here he sat, looking right at home.

Content?

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