Page 89 of Interion

“You don't have to answer today—just think about it and give me an answer by the end of the week,” he said, passing me on his way to the closet. “Just decide quickly. The sooner we start, the better.”

I agreed and looked for another distraction, but apparently there was nothing left to tidy, clean, or organize, which left me a little disappointed. I didn't want to leave him and be alone in my room. I thought about everything Zion had shared with me about his life, his work, and even his tastes.

I could finally say the day had been like a breath of fresh air in our troubled relationship.

“I'll be waiting for an answer,” he said, turning toward the stairs, “and I'd be really happy if you accepted.”

Leaning against the counter, I watched Zion climb the steps silently and disappear down the hallway. I heard his bedroom door close, and then that absurd wave of power started up again. I rolled my eyes and headed upstairs, feeling it crash against my skin—but this time, it felt more like a caress.

Or was it just in my head?

Chapter 23

Someone licked me.

I grumbled and rolled to the other side of the bed. Then someone licked me again, and this time the tongue got my whole face. I opened my eyes, indignant, and found myself staring into Kiara's blue eyes. She was wagging her tail frantically.

“Good morning to you too,” I murmured sleepily.

Kiara watched me for a few more seconds, then trotted out of the room, satisfied that she'd accomplished her mission: waking me up.

The next thing I noticed was the smell of food wafting through the house, and my stomach growled as if I hadn't eaten in two years. When I stood up, though, the world spun. I was probably weak from blood loss, but at least I couldn't smell it anymore—a sign that my period had finally ended.

I went to the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and put on leggings and a loose shirt that I rolled up to my elbows. When I reached the hallway, I heard a soft melody being whistled quietly. I tiptoed to the stairs and spotted Zion lying on the couch with Kiara sprawled on top of him. The humming was coming from him, and the tune—one I'd never heard before—was sweet and cheerful, filling the room with a sense of peace. For a few seconds, I just stood there watching. Golden rays of sunlight streamed through the living room's glass wall, illuminating the two of them. The chimera practically covered Zion's entire body, lying on him with her eyes closed, wagging her scaly tail as if listening attentively. He stroked her ears and seemed relaxed despite her 180 pounds pressing down on him, and she purred softly.

“She never purred for me,” I said as I descended the last step.

He looked up at me, surprised, over the chimera's head, finally noticing my presence. Then he gave the creature a couple of pats on her side, prompting her to get off the couch. When he stood up, his eyes swept over my entire body before focusing on my face.

“I bet you never sang to her,” he replied, picking some fur off his black sweatshirt.

“I have,” I grunted, watching Kiara rub against his hip.

I had sung to her before, but she'd never purred for me. That meant the chimera really liked him—a lot—which made me apprehensive. What if he left and she decided to go with him?

“You look better,” he observed, leading us to the table.

“I feel good, but I'm starving. How long did I sleep?”

“Thirty hours,” he replied, removing the cloth from the table to reveal a full spread.

“Wait, are you sure it was that long?”

“Yes. I tried to wake you so you could eat, but you were out cold. So I let you sleep and recover.”

We sat down, and I smiled at him with relief.

“Finally, it's over. Now things will go back to normal.”

As soon as I spoke, his expression turned serious. Then I understood what those words meant, and my smile faded. I searched my mind, and there it was—the bond. Still weak, not fully restored, but already glowing faintly. I didn't know how to feel about it, but I was definitely sad knowing things would go back to the way they were before. I was afraid Zion would turn back into the cold, distant man I'd first met.

I grabbed a plate and started serving myself. There were two types of salads, rabbit meat, sautéed vegetables, and rice. While we ate, I watched him. He seemed to have returned to his usual serious expression, and even that familiar worry line creased his forehead.

“Thank you for the food,” I said, filling my plate for the second time. “I really was starving.”

He shrugged, and a hint of a smile appeared at the corner of his lips.

“It's the least I could do for you.”