Ethereal by Stein Willard

Author:Stein Willard [Willard, Stein]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Amazon: B0CHQWC69Z
Goodreads: 198906675
Published: 2023-09-22T22:00:00+00:00

XVII

The bedroom was empty when Laird exited the bathroom and she went in search of her lover. Aritica was stretched out on the sofa, watching TV. She looked over to the island to see the untouched dinner plate she had prepared for her mate.

“You didn’t eat.”

“I’m not hungry.”

Laird considered her options before she went to sit next to her lover, tapping Aritica’s feet so she would make space for her. She glanced at the screen and saw that a game show was on. Aritica hated game shows.

“Since when do you watch this?”

Aritica shrugged. “I wasn’t following it.”

“Would you like to talk instead?”

The brunette appeared reluctant, but she nodded, prompting Laird to place her hand on Aritica’s thigh.

“Are you angry?”

“Angry?” Aritica asked, surprised.

“With me?”

Aritica immediately switched off the TV to turn to her, her dark eyes were somber as she searched Laird’s face.

“Why would I be angry with you?” She was genuinely bewildered.

Laird thought of Pharah’s words. Had she abandoned Aritica in her most challenging moment?

“I wasn’t there by your side when you needed me to be there.” Aritica frowned. “I was hiding in the woods, crying.”

“Oh, my darling.” Aritica’s voice broke a little as she spoke. “I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about, but I can tell you that I don’t like the idea of you crying alone in the woods.”

The emotion on Aritica’s face and the hurt in her eyes made Laird’s eyes well up with tears. She was so incredibly relieved to know that Aritica wasn’t angry with her. As the brunette pulled her over and lifted her onto her lap, Laird opened up about her fears and the reason why she was hiding in the woods.

“I will admit that when I sensed you were in danger, I teleported over there, determined to skin Morris alive.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Because I knew you would think that it was your fault that I came back to kill Morris.” Laird's eyes were wide. That was exactly what she had thought but how would Aritica know that? “My mother literally sold her soul to the devil in an attempt to protect me. The very same could’ve happened tonight.” She cupped Laird’s face. “But you know what?”

“No,” Laird croaked, as she leaned into the touch.

“I found that I love you more than I wanted revenge. I wasn’t willing to risk what we have for a worthless ass like Morris Bradshaw.” She kissed her softly. “So no, you didn’t desert me.” She took Laird’s hand and placed it over her chest. “You’re with me always, my heart, and tonight was no exception.”

Laird curled her arms around Aritica’s neck and held her tightly.

“Then what’s bothering you?”

“The vampire in the Shroud.”

That was not what she had expected. When Aritica had interrogated Morris, she had thought it simply a ploy for Aritica to hurt him back for the pain he had cost her family. Morris had admitted that he had helped the Dark Elves abduct a vampire and that a friend had helped them sneak the vampire across the Shroud.

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