Wolf's Bane

Book Club

Andrew came to visit once more that evening. "You look like you're feeling better."

"I can't remember the last time I just laid around in bed all day," she replied. "It's not something I'd want to do on a regular basis, but it was kind of nice."

He sat beside her on the bed and took her hand, turning it over to examine her wrist. "It doesn't look as bad as I feared."

"I guess Sebastian controlled himself pretty well."

"It would appear so." He looked her over. "I was concerned about you."

"You don't have to be," she assured him. "I'm really fine."

"That's good."

She looked at him. "I have a question for you."

"Alright."

"You picked out all the books in your library, right?"

"Most of them."

"Have you read them all?"

"Yes."

"Every one of them?"

He paused. "I believe so, why?"

"I was just a little surprised. You have some interesting books in there." She wore an amused smile. "You've even read the vampire romance novels?"

"And the werewolf romance novels," he replied without shame. "I think there's a few demon ones, too. Is that a bad thing?"

"No," she admitted. "Most guys would just be a little embarrassed."

"I am not so easily embarrassed," he replied.

"Clearly."

"I've cancelled your lessons for the week, by the way," he said. "I told everyone you need time to properly recover, but it's mostly to decrease the risk of someone seeing your wound by accident. It will create problems if anyone finds out he drank your blood."

"I understand," she assured him. "You two need to stop acting like it's the end of the world, though. It was a little weird, but I've done stranger things."

"Oh, really? Do tell."

"Buy me a drink, first."

He gave a brief chuckle, then lifted her wrist, gently kissing it. Desiree's heart pounded and she could only stare at him. After a moment he released her. "I'll leave you to get some rest."

"Okay," she managed to reply as she watched him walk out the door. She held the wrist to her chest, staring at the door for a minute. She wasn't tired and she knew it would be a while before she fell asleep. After all, she'd been resting all day. She needed to move around at least a little before she could relax properly. Besides, she suddenly felt weirdly energized.

She climbed out of bed and threw on some clothes before heading downstairs. Several staff members asked about her health and she simply explained that she needed some fresh air to help her recover. She was suddenly feeling lightheaded and needed space to breathe.

She had the driver take her to the garden and drop her off. Here, she was away from the staff and the house itself. It was hard to belief such a big house could ever be something she needed space from, but she did. She needed the peace of the large garden. She walked around for a few minutes before making her way to the greenhouse. Inside, she found Sebastian, reading a book once more.

"I had a feeling you'd be here," she commented.

He wasn't as startled as before, but he did stand and face her. "Were you looking for me?"