Page 61 of Sprite Wedding
“Don’t worry, we’ll be back on schedule in the morning, and I’ll feed you a hearty breakfast.” I couldn’t wait to return to my routine again. What I needed right now was a long, hot shower. I yearned to rinse off the elements, shampoo my hair, and wash my body with soap.
Once in there, I moaned as the hot water soothed my skin. Had a shower ever felt so good? Shadow insisted on joining me in the bathroom as if afraid to let me out of his sight. I stayed in there until we started to run out of hot water.
When I returned downstairs to the living room with Shadow, Zoe, Nova, and Diego were sitting there. They all turned to me.
“Feeling better?” Zoe asked.
“Like a new man.” I sat beside her, placing my hand on her thigh.
Nova chewed her bottom lip. “Lucas, we want to ask you something but feel free to say no.”
“O-kay.” Where was she going with this?
“The sprites returned, all but Marty. They apologized about what he did again, saying they meant no harm. They asked if they could stay here for the night and then they’ll figure out their next plan.”
My eyes bugged out of my skull. “Are you kidding me?”
“That’s why we’re talking to you, man,” Diego said. “I’m not crazy about it myself after what they did to you, but they seemed genuine and apologetic.”
“It took me some convincing as well,” Zoe added. “It sounds like a big misunderstanding with Marty being defensive.”
“I feel for them,” Nova added. “They came here looking for a new start. We’re all familiar with that. I’m not excusing what he did, but they weren’t involved. I don’t think there’s any harm in letting them stay a little longer.”
I pointed to my chest. “That’s my garden out there.Margaret’sgarden.” I gritted my teeth. “How can I work out there, growing for the Network, when I have to worry about pulling a weed and those little buggers coming after me?”
“They won’t be near those gardens,” Nova said. “They prefer the cover with foliage, especially those weeping Japanese maples.”
I ran my hands through my hair and groaned. “After spending a forced stint as a bird poop magnet, I don’t know about this.” Technically, I’d avoided being crapped on but still. I turned to Zoe. “You think this is a good idea?”
She searched my eyes before replying. “I understand how you’d be wary; I was at first, too. But they’re new here. That can be a confusing and lonely experience. We work for a Network that helps in these exact matters. The sprites can talk to them about where they can relocate in the morning. It doesn’t seem right to turn them away tonight.”
She had a point.
“I don’t think they pose any harm,” she added. She placed her hand on my biceps. “It’s been a rough few days. I’m sure you’re looking forward to sleeping in your own bed.”
Good advice from my mate.
With you in it,I communicated to her so Nova and Diego didn’t hear.I’ve missed holding you.
Her slight smile answered before she did.Absolutely.
My dragon rumbled with contentment. I was itching with anticipation to be alone with her again. When that finally happened later that night, she faced me inside my room.
“I’m sorry that I suspected anything with you and Linda, Lucas. You didn’t deserve that.”
“I’m sorry, too,” I replied. “Your reaction was entirely understandable by the way I acted sketchy. And then I got overly sensitive when you asked me about it. I promise not to keep things from you in the future.”
“I’d like that. And I understand how you were thinking of me.”
“I always think of you, Zoe.” I caressed her cheek. “You’re the only one for me.”
She turned away with a sheepish expression. “I thought you might be getting bored with me and seeking the excitement you had in your life at the club.”
“No way. I don’t want that.”
She searched my eyes. “But you seemed so happy when you were there on stage, reveling in the attention. Don’t you miss that?”
“Hell no. I was under some weird sprite magic. Why would I miss that when my life is so much better now?”
