Page 43 of Fangs & Fur

The smell of coffee draws me from my sleep. My mouth is dry and my body aches as I sit up. I expect to find my desk sitting across from me, or Pumpkin at my feet. But instead, Xander’s leathery scent bombards me and I soothe my hands across the velvety covers of his coffin.

The lid is open, allowing a faint trickle of morning light to peel into through the window. But the house is still quiet, besides the echoes of footsteps that drone up and down the hallway.

I smile. This is home. Forever.

Pulling myself into a sitting position, I wince at the sudden twang shooting up my spine. My hips are tight and my thighs are tingly but everything still seems to be in working order. Despite the pale red bite marks that decorate my body, I feel rather well rested.

My hand slides along the smooth wooden trim, noticing the redness of the wood and the intricate embellishments carved into the side. Xander’s coffin is beautiful.

I climb onto my knees, feeling myself, and gasp when my fingers brush over my gaping hole. I’m still slippery with lube… or is it ointment? I tentatively sniff my fingers to find a hint of lemon and lavender. So, it is ointment.

My skin is softer than ever and my scalp feels freshly washed. Had Xander cleaned me up in my sleep?

Cutlery clatters downstairs, and a few eager meows ensue. I guess he’s feeding the cats.

I stand on shaky legs, my stomach grumbles to life, and I amble over to Xander’s closet, finding a pair of sleep shorts that are far too large for my hips and a thick jumper that reaches my thighs.

Tapping with bare feet, I make my way from his room and down the stairs, watching him pat Pumpkin between the ears as he eats from his bowl.

Two steaming mugs of coffee sit waiting at the kitchen counter. One in a plain black mug and the other in a bright pink mug decorated with tiny yellow flowers.

“Good morning, sweetheart.” Xander looks up at me from his kneeling spot.

I rush to him, and he stands, enveloping me in a hug. “Hi,” is all I manage, feeling how hot my cheeks grow.

“Are you hungry?” Xander asks, pulling away and opening the fridge. “I can make you an omelet.”

“Yes, thank you.” I slide into the bar stool and take hold of the black mug, leaving the flowery one for Xander.

He moves around the kitchen with practiced ease, pulling out ingredients and starting breakfast. Then his eyes flick to the mug, and something in his expression shifts as he reaches for it. He pauses and gives me an incredulous look. I wink and hide my grin behind my mug as I take a sip.

Shaking his head, his smile broadens and never drops as he picks up the pink mug and takes a drink. His eyes don't leave mine until I squirm. “How are you feeling?”

His question sounds simple but I can see the magnitude of it floating behind his gaze. The way he picks at the skin around his nail and how his chest is now frozen with a held breath.

“Good. A little sore. But I feel like I’m actually well rested,” I respond.

Xander nods. His shoulders relax as he lets out a quiet sigh and turns to the stove to start cooking. “Sore where?”

I blush, grateful his back is turned, and I swallow another mouthful of coffee. “Just my… ass.”

Xander looks over his shoulder and an evil grin slides across his face. “Which part of your ass?”

I nearly growl at him, but seeing his playfulness dart around the room and the light buzz of morning sunshine peeking through the windows, I sit back in my stool and return his grin with a smirk of my own. “The whole thing. I think you’ll have to kiss it better.”

Xander flips the omelet and grabs a plate. “You don’t need to ask me twice, sweetheart. But we will have company soon.”

My brows furrow and I tilt my head, my eyes darting around the living room as if this company is about to pop into existence.

“Who?” I ask.

Xander plates up the omelet, sprinkling it with some salt and pepper as well as some finely chopped spring onion, and slides it over to me. “My colony.”

I pick up the knife and fork and tuck into my meal. The eggs are perfectly cooked and the added bacon, cheese, and tomatoes pair well together. I barely bother to breathe as I hungrily chow down.

Xander watches me closely, his eyes darting across my body as if looking through my clothes. “You’re stiffer than normal. Are you sure you’re okay?”

I chew my mouthful and roll my shoulders, feeling the joints crack. “Maybe a bit tight, but don’t you dare go easy on me next time.”