Moonlight Ridge

33

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She woke slowly to the sound of water running and many different smells. Some of soap and some of mouth watering food. With a groan. She rolled over and sat groggily. She was trying to think why she heard water running in her bathroom when she remembered the events of the night prior.

She looked around with renewed alertness and got out of bed slowly. She grabbed a robe to cover herself and approached the bathroom. She watched with intrigue as Mal shaved in front of a mirror with a knife. Then she tried not to stare at his body as she realized he had only a towel tied around his waist.

" I have gotten a bath ready for you."

His voice brought her out of her thoughts. And she found his eyes on hers through the mirror.

"Thank you." She murmured somewhat shyly.

He flashed her a grin as he wiped his face from leftover soap. He turned to walk out of the bathroom. She could barely hear his thoughts or feel his emotions. Her head tilted to the side as she tried to get a stronger read from him. She looked away as he turned his head to look at her.

"I'll leave you to it. Do not take too long however, I have made the morn meal to break fast with you." He said as he left her in the bathroom.

She shook away the slight sadness that their mental bond was fading, closed the door, and set to washing and dressing quickly. She didn't allow herself to think about what had transpired. She couldn't because she didn't want to fall for him. No matter how her heartbeat quickened at the sight of him. With joy and excitement. That was dangerous thinking. Because no matter how she felt or would come to feel, it would be the bond. Not to mention the fact that Mal hated humans. Lust and love were two different things. She reminded herself sternly.

She had finished dressing and braided her hair into one french braid. She looked at her reflection and noted that her hair had grown from her usual short style and now came past her shoulders. She sighed then went out and into the dining area. She saw Rem gobbling up food that Mal must have given him from a metal bowl. She smiled and patted his shoulder as she passed him and approached the table. She stopped in surprise at what Mal had cooked and took a moment to look at it all. There were different plates filled with different foods. Scrambled eggs, toasted bread, sausages, bacon, slices of ham, oatmeal, fruits, and a pitcher of water with two glasses. She turned to look at him sitting across from the only other empty chair. He had been watching her with an amused smile and waiting for her. She noted that the plate in front of him was empty and there was another empty plate in front of the empty seat. 

"I did not realize you had prepared a banquet." She teased as she went to her seat.

He let out a loud, hearty laugh as he stood and approached her. She sat slowly and watched as he came closer. She was curious, and some small part of her hoped he would kiss her again. He stood next to her and put his hands on her chair, then leaned in a bit. Her breath caught in her throat. She was caught off guard as he pushed her chair in for her. She hummed out a thanks as he went back to his own seat. Disappointment at what didn't happen dampened her mood. He poured them both water and raised his glass. She followed his lead and waited.

"To our alliance and the end of the cold ones!" He declared.

"To our alliance and the end of the vamps." She agreed quietly.

"Please, eat your fill." He told her before reaching out to fill his plate.

She served herself some of the scrambled eggs, a piece of toast, and a couple of pieces of fruit. She looked up at Mal and had to stop her mouth from hanging open. He had piled his plate so high that she could barely see his face. The only sound she heard was the sounds of him taking bites then quietly chewing. She held in a laugh as she ate her own food. She focused on her plate and tried not to look at him. They ate silently for a few moments, but then his voice broke it.

" Was the food to your liking?" His voice came from across the table.

Her eyes darted up to him, and she looked at the table and his plate startled. He had single-handedly almost cleared the table of any scrap of food. His plate was empty, and most of the dishes that held the food were mostly empty. Leo gave him a silent nod and smile.

"Good, I am glad. Word was sent early this morn that you have a few days off from training, but we must make haste if we want to have time." He said as he threw the scraps on the floor for Rem and gathered the dishes quickly.

She frowned slightly in confusion.

"Why must we hurry if I do not have training?" She asked.

"There is a place I would like to show you." He replied secretively.

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