Red

Chapter Six

Valentina awoke the next morning in a comfortable embrace. She curled back into the body of her lover, begging sleep to claim her once again. She remembered drifting to sleep in Ellerie's arms, remembered the safety and comfort they offered. It was a new feeling as compared to how she grew with her grandmother. Never once did she feel safe with the old crone.

She wondered how the woman got along before her mother died--if she had another person doing her bidding or she did it herself. And if she had another, what happened to them?

Did everyone in the village hate her? Did they know she was still alive or did they think she dead?

"Hush," Ellerie mumbled, pulling the brunette closer to her body, as if that were even possible. "You think too loud."

A small giggle was pulled out of Val's throat. "As if you could hear. Or does that come with being a wolf?"

"It does not, but I have enough intuition to know that you are thinking of something that has no importance at this moment. So I'll repeat myself--hush, love."

Valentina settled her mind, sighing in contentment. They continued to lay, soaking in the serenity one brought to the other, at least until she spoke again.

"What will your family say when you go home?"

Streams of morning light was beginning to flood in through the window. The slightest sound of chirping birds started the day. A faint breeze snuck past the panes, petrichor lingering in the air. It wouldn't be long before the women had to awaken and start their days--Ellerie traveling back home and Valentina stuck in her cottage-decorated dungeon.

"I'm sure they will be pleased to know I returned."

The younger woman turned to her other side, staring into pools of gold. "Will they not be upset? You have never been here over the night."

Naturally intense eyes softened. "I do not care if they are upset--my only concern for the time being is you."

Val's heart swooned, almost bursting in her chest at the devotion.

"Now may we go back to sleep?"

Soft lips grazed a thinner set. "You are lucky I do not need to go to the bakery today."

Both women laughed, their bodies slack underneath each other and the blankets. Comfortable silence enveloped the room.

Ellerie stilled, her heart slowing to a restful tempo and Val willed her body to react the same way. Though it never came, she laid as still as her lover, watching the way her eyes fluttered and lips parted as she slept.

Never had she been more grateful for one person in her life. She had found so much in Ellerie--more than what she expected to gain from their acquaintanceship. The woman had given herself as a friend, a confidante, a lover. She was certain the hybrid was her soulmate, only having started believing in such a thing when they had developed their friendship.

I've done nothing to deserve you, she thought, her lips pulling into a small smile, but I assure you that I will stay with you as long as you allow me to.

She continued observing until a procession of knocks on the door interrupted them. Ellerie 's eyes flashed open and Valentina sprung from the bed. Her feet hurried around, tiding her room as best as possible while the blonde made the bed and slipped shoes on. The pounding continued. Val shouted her presence, opening the window for her love to leave through.

"You're late!" Her grandmother hollered, aggravation and pure hatred rolling off her tongue.

Ellerie placed a chaste kiss on the pink lips. "What have you to do today?"