it was all in a positive light, but I did worry what type of focus this would yield. I knew there were people out there that would do anything to get their hands on someone like Maya, and that wasn’t even including the supernatural influence of her aura.
When we came back from the Dreki realm, we would need to increase security, especially around the house. I think we had been assuming that there was some level of rationale here at play, but I had a feeling that once she disappeared again for a few days, especially with time passing faster on Earth than on Dreki, the humans would become only that much more captivated and interested in her story. My jaw clenched, knowing that if it was bad here, it would be absolutely nothing compared to how this shit would play out in the Dreki realm. Were we ready for that? I suppose we had to be. We didn’t have much of an option.
“Marco?” Maya’s soft voice brought my eyes back down to the woman looking up at me with a pair of sleepy golden eyes. There was something different about them than normal, though. Ever since shifting, it was like I could feel her creature underneath her skin. My dragon let out a rumble, responding to the energy as I smoothed my fingers over her face gently, loving the way she seemed to lean into my touch.
“Do you want to move to the bedroom?” I asked, keeping my voice soft and relaxed despite feeling very much the opposite.
Maya rolled on her back, reaching her fingers up to brush my jaw. “No.”
“No?” I mused quietly.
“You will end up just coming back out here and staying awake by yourself,” she pointed out softly, and I chuckled. She wasn’t wrong.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight,” I admitted. “I’m…”
“Worried about tomorrow?” she filled in after I hesitated, that flash of wisdom and innate knowledge going through her golden gaze. She also made it ten times easier for me to admit my insecurity.
“Yes,” I breathed out. “I am a bit worried.”
Maya let out a soft hum from her throat as she nodded. “Then I will sleep out here. I don’t want you to be alone.”
“Okay.” I couldn’t argue with her.
Her words were muffled by a yawn as she murmured, “Remember, whatever it is, Marco, we can handle it together.”
I couldn’t help but smile, my chest tightening with so much emotion that it was overwhelming, as she closed her eyes again, curling the blanket in her hands as she pulled her feet up. I watched with fascination as she easily fell back into a state of peace. Good. I had absolutely no idea how she managed it, but I was fucking thrilled that she was able to. I knew I could give Maya almost everything, but this? The ability for her to feel safe and loved enough to fall asleep? That meant more to me than anything. I just hoped that I could continue to make her feel this way, even with everything to come.
1
Maya
“Bella, no more.” I scolded her lightly, unable to stop myself from smiling because I wasn’t actually mad at her. Although she was being a bit rude. Adorable, but a bit disruptive. Freaking perfect but causing problems. Yeah, I was clearly terrible at staying mad at her, because I was already reaching out to run my fingers under her chin as she let out a soft, happy purr. But could you blame me?!
The kitten in question blinked her large blue eyes up at me, her little paws curled up underneath herself like a mini loaf of bread. The sunlight that burst through the open balcony doors of our hotel living room suite highlighted her black and white fur, along with the diamond collar I’d purchased for her while in France. I hadn’t been positive she would like the purchase, but ever since putting it on her, she had yet to scratch at it, and it didn’t seem to be bothering her. Rather the opposite. It had turned into somewhat of a toy, because when the sunlight hit it and it cast little rays of light across the couch, she would spend her time chasing after it.
I frowned slightly, wishing I’d purchased something for my mates as well. It had been a thought that had been roaming through my head lately, and I hadn’t been able to shake the concept. Although they didn’t strike me as the diamond type.