Those In The Forest

Part 84: Iris

Reagan cried when she had to say goodbye to Bryce. It hurt to see her cry, but for some reason, her tears weren't her being sad. They were... relieved. I can't for the life of me understand why she felt that way, but I'm hoping she'll tell us. Especially if she commits to the idea I proposed.

          Celia waved off her mate and walked into the house, looking at Reagan. "She can come see you often," Celia grinned. "She could especially do it if you started shifting?" It was more of a question than a suggestion. She was trying to give Reagan the option.

          Celia was the only one in the house who truly knew what Reagan went through, so we had to trust that she could make her do what was best for her.

          Reagan shifted in place, pilling her long sleeves further down. It was like a tick. "In due time. And that's a hard maybe," she said in a tone that made it clear she didn't want to talk about shifting anymore.

          Celia nodded her head. "I get that," she said dismissively, then walked back out of the cabin—to where I have no idea.

          The house was somewhat empty. Lennox and Avah were upstairs attempting to be quiet while they fucked, Karina was gone taking Bryce home, and Celia was doing whatever else. That left us all staring at each other awkwardly in the living room.

          "Do you miss me when you sleep in the guest room?" she asked abruptly.

           It left us all shocked.

          Ivy was the one to answer for us. "Of course. We spend many hours listening to your heart beating. It's different now. Stronger."

          She nodded her head.

          "Who will go first?" she asked. Her eyes were glossed over and slightly swollen from her tears.

          I was even more shocked. I didn't think she would want to get such a head start on things. I figured she would have wanted some time to recuperate after having to say goodbye to her best friend.

          Celia said her feelings toward everything are heightened now, so we have to approach this appropriately.

          "Me." I stepped up. "My idea, anyway. Only fair." I grinned.

          I could practically feel my mate's mouth dropping open in shock.

          "I would have maybe suggested rock, paper, scissors to settle this, but okay," Rose grumbled.

          That little comment made Reagan chuckle, and I had never been so happy to hear it.

          She walked upstairs, confusing me. "Alright then, let's go."

          I stayed put, not sure why we weren't doing this in the kitchen like the last time. When she made it halfway up, she turned around to look at me. "Coming?" she asked, just as confused as I was.

          "Where are we having the conversation?" I asked breathlessly.

           She raised a curious brow. "In our room, of course. It's the only one in this house that smells the most like you all, and it... brings me a lot of comfort."

          Us sleeping in the same room with her would bring her more comfort, but I did say that.

          Hazel, Ivy, and Rose whined behind me jealously.

          "Could we perhaps do this all together?" Ivy offered, clearly wanting us to be together. It would be the first time since she got taken.

          Reagan looked down at them from the stairs. With her being above us like this, she looked magnificent, like a queen ready for worship.