Mated in Mist (Talon Pack #3)(41)

Walker shook his head. “I’m almost done. I’ll head home and get some protein before crashing. No need to worry about me, Leah. I’ve been at this for a long while. I can take care of myself.”

From the strain in his eyes, she wasn’t sure that was exactly the case. She couldn’t get a bead on the Healer. One minute he was the laid-back triplet with a nice drawl, the next, he barked orders and hid secrets within his gaze. He wasn’t the Brentwood she should be trying to figure out, however. That honor went to the other wolf in the room.

“If you change your mind, let me know. I don’t want you passing out on the way to your house.” She picked up her glass and took a deep drink, missing the taste. She’d already had three glasses since being saved, and yet, she couldn’t get enough. Her magic was almost at full capacity—where she would do her best to keep it. She wouldn’t be caught unawares again. She wasn’t some helpless damsel, and she’d be damned if she acted like it once more.

She watched in silence as Walker finished his work. She’d seen her own healing at work, of course, but seeing a true Healer help those in need was a thing of beauty. By the time Walker was through, she was ready for a long bath…and perhaps a bit more with Ryder. She knew she was an idiot to want him like she did, knowing there was no future for them, but not every intimate moment had to lead to mating and children. It could just lead to emotional healing.

Again, if she kept telling herself that, it would be true. It had to be.

When Walker left, she closed the door behind him and locked it. The keypad and hand scanner would allow him back in since Ryder had programmed his whole family with the right protocols, but they also had a mechanical lock in case the former became corrupted.

“You need to take a bath,” Ryder said from behind her. She turned and let out a little sigh. She loved the way he looked without a shirt. She loved the way he looked period. Walker had Healed his wounds, but the new skin was still a tad pink. Plus, he still had dried blood on him that would need to be washed off.

“Bathe with me?”

His eyes glowed gold for a moment before he regained control of his wolf. “Let me shower while you start your soak. You already washed off the dirt and blood on your skin, but I haven’t.” He paused, and she held her breath. “Then I’ll join you.”

He held out a hand, and she took it as they made their way to his large bathroom in silence. His thumb brushed along her skin, and she leaned in to him when they reached the glory that was his bathroom. Seriously, she could have easily—and happily—lived in his bathroom alone.

“I can get the bath ready myself if you want to shower,” she said, as he bent down over the taps.

He stood again and took her face in his hands. “Okay, little witch.” He let out a shuddered breath. “I almost lost you, Leah.”

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then opened them again. When she leaned toward him and pressed her lips to his, he shook.

“Shower, Ryder. I’m okay. You’re okay. We’re alive. Remember that.”

He kissed her a little harder then let her go. She had to take a few moments to compose herself so she didn’t break down in tears, or worse, strip off his jeans herself and make love to him hard against the wall.

When she felt steady enough, she turned on the taps to as hot as they both could take it and added a few bath salts. While she normally liked her water pure and simple, both of them had been through a lot and a little bit of pampering couldn’t hurt. Plus, she liked the scent of the salts. So much better than burnt wood and smoke.

The shower started behind her and she had to force herself not to turn around and look at Ryder through the clear glass door. She’d ogled him enough for the day. Leah quickly stripped out of her clothes, aware that Ryder was staring at her. She couldn’t help but feel his intense gaze on her. It was almost palpable. She wasn’t self-conscious about her body, especially with Ryder, so she slowly eased herself into the extra-large claw foot tub. The thing could easily fit three or four people, and it achieved the amazing feat of covering her knees and breasts at the same time. It was seriously her most favorite thing in the house.

As soon as she let the water lap over her skin, she let her magic ease through her pores. Her small cuts and burns healed quickly, the bruising taking a bit longer as they were deeper. Soon, she was healed, and the water was at a decent level. She reached up to turn it off, but Ryder beat her. She hadn’t even heard the shower turn off since she’d been focusing on each bruise on her body.

“Lean forward,” Ryder said. She did, bringing her knees to her chest so he would have space to maneuver around.

He slid into the tub right behind her, his legs encasing her on each side. He wrapped an arm around her waist and brought her back to his front. His rock-hard erection pressed into the small of her back, and she had to bite her lip to stop from moaning. She let her head rest on his shoulder and sighed, finally finding some semblance of peace for the first time since she’d felt that pinprick at her neck.

They lay there in silence, their breathing easing into soothing inhalations and exhalations in sync with one another. His hand gently ran up her stomach and to the space between her breasts before going back down again. It was an easy movement, one of comfort and familiarity. She had her fingers on his other arm, letting them dance softly along his skin so she could feel his touch, feel him.