Blood

Chapter Seven: The Packlands

I wake up safely curled in Zev's arms. I wriggle myself around in his arms until I am able to reach my phone. Checking the time, it's almost six. Letting out a breath of relief. I hadn't even dreamt, so I am likely in the clear. I lay there thinking as I wait for Zev to wake. As I start to see sunlight filtering in through the windows, Zev's breathing shifts and slowly he wakes up.

Once he's fully awake he pulls his arms away from me. It's clear from how careful he's being, he doesn't realize I'm already awake. I resist the urge to laugh and let him continue believing that I'm asleep. He goes into the bathroom and I hear the shower start. Bored from lying there for so long, I sit up and stretch. Then I go over to my suitcases. I rummage through one, looking for something to wear for the day.

I stink of a car still so I sit on the edge of the bed, waiting my turn to take a shower. He does not take quick showers. When Zev finally emerges from the bathroom, he seems mildly shocked to find that I'm awake. I lightly chuckle, he must have been listening to my breathing the entire time. I cast him a smile and then slip past him, into the bathroom.

As I'm closing the door I take a moment to admire his back. Sure abs are nice, but most all wolves have them. Backs, though, now they are eye candy. I shake my head at myself and close the door. I hop into the shower. As I'm reaching to turn the water off when I'm done, suddenly I cough. There's a smattering of blood so I make sure to wash it away, covering the smell up with soap before getting out.

"Are you okay?" I hear Zev call out.

He's right up to the door apparently, so naturally, he heard my cough. I respond, forcing my voice to be level and calm, "I'm fine, just coughed on air for some reason."

I wonder how long I can lie to him about my condition. The farce is all over once he marks me, I need to push that off for as long as I can. I dress slowly, allowing my mind to wander. Once I'm done I realize I forgot my makeup in my bag. I growl lightly and then debate. Do I answer why I look like I don't sleep half the time, or do I risk Zev looking into my bag with my medications?

After a long moment of indecision I call out, "Can you grab my small luggage bag? I forgot something in it."

I hear movement and pray that he doesn't smell the meds and that he doesn't look inside. When he opens the door I recognize an expression of conflict on his face. I seize the bag from him and gently close the door on him. I probably made the wrong choice.

I apply the makeup to my eyes and then spritz the tiniest amount of perfume into the bag. I should have done that beforehand, might be too late now. I slump my posture and allow myself a moment of dread. Then I straighten up, perking up, and head out of the bathroom.

When I come out Zev is standing there, still looking conflicted. I walk past him and return my bag to where the others are. Then Zev states, "I'm not going to ask about why your bag smells like an apothecary."

"So, in other words, you want me to tell you anyway?" I question defensively.

I clench my hand and Zev comes over to me. He sniffs me. His eyes are instantly glowing and he looks like he's ready to destroy something. "Why do you smell like blood?"

I back away from him and divert my eyes. I can feel my wolf fighting me for control. My eyes are glowing and I stutter, "I-I'm not telling."

Zev growls at me and then leaves, slamming the door behind him. I sink to the floor, as I feel the tension releasing from my shoulders. I slowly put my clothes away in the closet, hoping Zev won't send me to another room for my continued defiance. I may be part of his pack and weaker than he, but I am still his mate. I can allow myself to disobey and keep my secret to myself.