Page 37 of Bound By Blood
At his request and because the night gryphons weren't out, he took Buttons out to play again. She peered out from time to time, touched by how sweet he was with the little dog.
The mushroom leek soup had nearly finished cooking when she looked out once more. Ryul had unfurled his wings and was crouched beside the dog.
Had there ever been anything sweeter?
She covered her mouth, her heart swelling with warmth and happiness.
His wings had spread broad and full, the top portions slightly more visible, especially along the frame. Faint hues of lavender and blue caught in their lines. One wing did not seem to catch the air quite so well, and depending on the angle, large sections of the lower wings went invisible.
As he coaxed Buttons, he remained on the grass. He flexed his shoulders and wings, hopped, and thrust the wings down to show the movements.
Like Ryul, Buttons struggled to catch the air or do more than flutter for a beat or so. Each time he landed, he yipped and then jumped at Ryul's face. All the while, he wagged his tail. Sometimes, that almost seemed to help. If he ever did fly, it was probably going to be more like a bumblebee than a dragon.
Another perfect moment. She shook her head. Was this how all blood fae trained their flying beasts? Somehow, she doubted it, though this did seem more natural than when he had been attempting to teach Buttons without his wings unfurled. That made her heart warm all the more.
The moon had well reached its zenith by the time the soup was finished, and Buttons eagerly lapped up the water she had set out for him. Ryul likewise drained half a pitcher of water.
"I can't say I was expecting you to give him such intense flying lessons tonight. He seems to be making good progress," she said.
Ryul wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "He's a long way from knowing much about it. More importantly, we're going to have to work with him if he's going to be even a halfway decent watch dog. When that person barged in last night, Buttons didn't do anything except try to hide."
"Well, with a name like Buttons, what do you expect?"
"He can learn, and he should protect you. Maybe he can't track and fight, but he can learn to protect at least a little."
She dished the soup into the bowls, hoping he wouldn't see her smile. The thin slices of mushroom bobbed in the creamy broth. "He protects me from loneliness. That's all he needs to do."
"He can do better than that." He took the bowls from her, his hand grazing hers before he placed the bowls on the table.
Her heart thudded faster. She swallowed hard as she pulled down two of the mugs, tucked them in her arm, and picked up the pitcher. At least once they were eating, she'd have something to do with her mouth.
He groused further about Buttons needing to train and learn. Sometimes, though, his gaze fixed on her, soft and warm, his words slowing. Her insides twisted. Using words became more challenging.
She didn't fall in love easily. Not anymore. At least, that was what she had wanted to believe, but regardless of her intent, she was slipping.
Buttons didn't seem aware that he was the subject of the conversation. He came to lay between their feet as they ate the mushroom leek soup.
"It's just going to take time," Ryul said, "but that would seem to be the one thing we actually do have."
She nodded in agreement, her insides still fluttering. Buttons would learn to be a strong guard dog and a watch dog if Ryul had anything to do with it.
Cleanup took even less time than usual. He helped her wash and dry dishes, prepared some of the onions and celery for tomorrow's soup, and swept. Then, before he left, he pulled her into a hug with both arms.
"Have a good night, Erryn." His lips brushed her ear before he pulled away.
She barely suppressed the shiver that spiraled through her. "You too, Ryul," she said, steadying her voice. She scooped Buttons up and held him close to give her something to hold. "We'll see you tomorrow."
He nodded and crossed over the threshold. She followed him to the edge and watched as he strode out into the night. He was halfway to the tree when he turned. Her heart leaped into her throat.
"It won't be night again soon enough," he said.
"No one can stop the night," she responded. She pressed her chin to Buttons' head, holding the little dog tighter.
His grin became a crooked slash of white. His purple eyes sparkled. "I'll be here as soon as the night returns."
Oh, Creator save her.
Traelan was right. Ryul had fallen for her because he didn't know the truth about her. This had to be stopped, even if she didn't it want to. This could go nowhere good.
