Page 24 of Elas

I had time.

But knowing he’s covered in my scent makes me feel like he’s more protected.

He often laughs off the idea of how much danger he’s in, under some illusion that being on a military base means my kind will abide by any sort of moral guidelines. The distinction between monsters and humans is a line he so readily blurs, not understanding that to us, rules are meant to be broken. Obstacles easily bypassed.

We may present ourselves in a civil fashion, but there’s always a monster lurking underneath.

And August would make delicious prey.

My eyes roam over his broad shoulders, covered by my t-shirt that hangs halfway down his thighs, then over his defined jaw, where a hint of blonde stubble catches the light behind him. My gaze moves to his mouth, remembering the flick of his tongue while he stared up at me.

“Elas?”

“Hmm?” Distracted, my eyes finally wander back to his as an amused grin forms on those perfect lips.

“Didn’t take you for a daydreamer,” he teases as he walks over, and I stare as a droplet of water rolls from his damp hair down the nape of his neck.

Xeni was too close to him earlier. Too fucking hungry. What would he have done if I hadn’t walked in when I did?

Kissed him?

More?

Ever since I saw his hand around August’s wrist, something has been stirring inside my stomach. It feels an awful lot like jealousy, though I have no reason to be jealous.

August isn’t mine.

I have no claim over him, but suddenly I’m noticing every move he makes.

“Elas!” Loud, carefree laughter snaps me to attention, and I swing my wide eyes to his. “What’s gotten into you tonight?”

“Sorry, it’s been a weird day,” I finally say, shaking my head and trying to rattle some sense into my brain. That pretty smile is so easy on his face as he drops into his chair.

Hischair.

Cue another existential crisis.

“This is your idea of a good Friday night, huh?” He pokes the glass bottle of clear liquor in the center of the table.

“Isn’t it everyone’s idea of a good Friday night?”

He blanches as I grab two small cups from the cabinets. “It’s been a long time since I drank. This might be a disaster.”

“Lightweight,” I tease, and he chuckles again.

“What is that floating in there? Please don’t tell me it’s a worm, because I have hard limits, Elas, and an insect in my drink is definitely one.” He grabs the bottle by its neck and holds it up to his face as he peers inside, the curve ballooning his eye like a magnifying glass.

“Vanilla bean. I thought a weak little human might need something sweet to take the edge off.”

“Talking smack already?” August flashes me another grin and pulls the cups towards him. He works the cork loose with a squeak and a pop, cringing as he takes a whiff. “Oh, dear gods, that is foul.”

A loud laugh comes from deep in my belly as he wrinkles his nose. He tips the bottle up anyway, and clear liquid glugs into the cups. We clink our glasses together after he slides one my way, and I swallow it in a single gulp. When my cup thuds back onto the surface of the table, August follows suit and immediately starts coughing. Tears well in his eyes as his fist pounds on his chest, and I let out another bellowing laugh as he rasps a string of mumbles that might be actual curses.

I’m still laughing when he gets himself under control. “That ishorrid!” His voice is raspy, like histhroat has closed. “That’s poison, Elas! No better than drinking straight rubbing alcohol from the clinic!”

“Got experience with that, doc?” I ask as I pour myself a second shot.

He wipes away his tears with a harsh swipe of his hand as he glares. Dewdrop remnants cling to his lashes, though, and weaken his attempt to be tough. “Does it look like I have experience with drinking straight rubbing alcohol?”

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