The Monster In Me

Chapter Twenty-Six

Nalea

I don't remember half of yesterday and I get the feeling it was because of that migraine yesterday. Thankfully I feel lighter today, but still a little dizzy.

I remember finding Zaiden in the woods, only it wasn't exactly him, but his wolf, then I drew a blank but still remembered leaving with Grayson. That's how I ended up spending the night at his place, but it's getting weird I think.

He'll want some sort of explanation but, there's only so much I can give him.

Let me rephrase that, it's starting to get weird for me. I keep overthinking everything and wondering what to do. I haven't seen Gray since last night.

As if he knew I was thinking of him, he appeared from the closed door that I'd been staring at, hair wet and sticking to his face from showering. I told him that I wasn't feeling well last night and the last thing I wanted was to be cuddled and like the gentleman he is, he understood and gave me space.

"You're awake," he said before asking, "feeling any better?" I nod, patting the empty space beside me for him to join me.

He sat next to me, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek. "Morning," he followed up, carefully studying me.

"Hi," I replied, pressing a kiss to his cheek in return. "Good morning," I leaned my head on his shoulder, feeling better just being near him. "I should probably explain what happened yesterday, to–you know—fill in the gaps."

He held on to me, running his hand through my hair, humming, patiently waiting for me to continue.

"Zaiden and I had a... disagreement yesterday."

"A disagreement?" he questioned, signalling for me to explain.

That's exactly what I do, I told him everything that happened between Zaiden and me yesterday.

"Before you say anything, yes I know I was stupid and yes I know that he's allowed to feel that, it just kinda sucked..."

"It does suck," he agreed.

"Speaking from experience, Gray?"

"You tell me," he says giving me a sad smile. I stand up, giving him a puzzled look and putting distance between us. I'm definitely starting to feel that headache again. He's talking about me.

"You think that I regretted sleeping with you the first time?" I asked, half embarrassed. I could feel my cheeks heating and tilt my head, letting my hair hide my face. "I don't."

I paused, gauging his reaction and I realized exactly what he was doing. Grayson looks at me with a kind of patience delicately dancing in his eyes, waiting for me to see what he sees.

"Yes I know I took it personally, I take everything personally, but I really didn't and still don't regret anything we did that night."

"Yeah, I know, besides, I think I figured out why you were in such a hurry to get away from me," he teased, sparking my curiosity.

"Oh yeah? Care to share this theory of yours?" I asked, trying my best not to laugh.

"You're an extreme cuddler the morning after and you were afraid to scare me off," he answered, unserious. I started laughing at his attempt to tell me that I'm clingy as hell. Oh god, he's adorable and annoying at the same time.

"Nice try," I said, getting up and positioning myself on his lap before kissing him on the neck. Just a small teasing peck, enough to feel his body temperature rise. "One, I'm not clingy and I have to ask, where'd you get that idea from?"