"You’ll have the ability to get a job if you want. Eventually secure your own housing. Open bank accounts in your own na."
Put that way, it was very hard to dismiss. Though I kind of hate that she is learning how to handle so quickly.
> The draw of the term ’my own’. I guess soone that manages people professionally knows how to find their weaknesses... <
Vrika stares at when I float above him, not silly enough to even land on the ground in the ntal space and let it try to pressure into being reasonable. It can just keep waiting!
"I’ll think about it."
My face raises up to the darkened sky as my tongue betrays ... just to help end these monts of torture. I’m even starting to want to touch her hand just to see if that feeling is still there after the day has passed.
There is a feeling in the air that tells rain is coming. Twilight was not too long ago, so clouds must have moved overhead to make it darker while I was distracted with this.
So distracted by her I didn’t even notice the light was fading. That ti was passing.
Isn’t that really just... a problem...
"I should get back to my motel. It’s getting late and the weather might turn soon."
When I stepped back away from her, her expression grew serious. Sowhat... unwilling, even.
"That place isn’t exactly in the best neighborhood. If you let , I could-"
"No."
I cut her off quickly. I really can’t let myself be swayed by her offers to let decide things like this.
Whether it’s guile or just her trying to accommodate my willfulness, I’ll probably stop noticing when the choices stop being choices. When I just begin to do as she pleases without much thought.
Because that’s what everyone does when they are enamored with soone. My parents - the king and queen - are very much like that.
Helene was like that. The harem of wives my eldest brother has behaved like that, when they weren’t backstabbing each other.
Even if so people may not be such doormats as soone like Kyle...
"I can manage lodging myself. You’re already paying for it. I don’t... I don’t want more."
She nodded to accept the boundary I set. However, a lot of concern was still evident in her eyes.
Annoying. How it makes feel.
"Can you at least let walk you there? I promise I’ll make no more offers or suggestions. Just... for my peace of mind."
My wolf practically howled its approval. Probably wanted more ti for to relax and bask in her presence.
> Fine. <
"Just to the edge of the premises. And we walk side by side. I neither want you following behind where I can’t see you nor do I wish to follow after you like I am being led again."
I relented with plenty of instructions, starting to be too tired to argue further when I am being ganged up on. She fell into step beside when I started walking down the street.
So compliant. It almost makes wonder... if anyone else can simply give her an order like that.
> No, quit thinking! Don’t smile. I don’t like this at all! <
Barks of encouragent co from below as my fox form rolls and kicks its legs in midair. I wish it would just shush...
"May I ask you sothing?"
We had walked in silence for a block before she spoke again. Her tone was slightly casual, but still with that sa carefulness that she has had ever since I resisted her in the pawnshop.
"You may."
She glanced sideways at , her chin lowering just a bit to aim her gaze toward mine.
"The na you gave . Citra Lomdi. Is that really your na?"
The question caught off guard. When we t, I’d given my true na rather defiantly.
I needed to, because everything else in this world and about this body was not .
"Yes. It is."
And because even in those early monts, there was sothing about this woman that I needed to ’match up’ to. Not the silly mate nonsense, but just as a person.
Or two forces of personality.
"And the ’princess’ part?"
That question is more troubleso, but after only a mont of letting my chin dip down, it is raised that much higher.
"Also true, for all the good it is worth here."
Kyrie Voss only nodded, surprisingly satisfied with my cryptic answer.
"Alright. Thank you for telling , Citra."
We reached underneath the garish neon sign of the [Starlight Suites] before I could think of what to say. The parking lot was mostly empty save for so of the sa beat-up cars that had been there when I left.
Only a glossy white SUV looked distinctly out of place. Suspicious enough of a new and expensive looking vehicle that I’m certain she will have to break her promise.
"Well, I’ve been walked. Are you satisfied?"
The arrogance I employ is sowhat unnecessary when I stop firmly at the edge of the property. But I can’t help it, since I’m already anticipating her changing her mind about things.
Kyrie panned her gaze over the motel as I watched her. Even with a neutral enough expression, I can already tell what she is thinking and seeing.
Obvious dilapidation. Peeling paint, cracked windows patched with tape, and a vending machine with half its lights burned out.
And that’s just what can be seen from this position.
"I suppose this is where I’d have to turn my back on my words. I’m supposed to offer and insist you take better accommodations."
She said with a small smile forming nearly as fast as my disappointnt.
"But I won’t. And you won’t have to refuse again. Not tonight."
The intense relief I felt was surprising. Maybe it shouldn’t be, but it was.
> Stop looking smug, you weren’t the one who kept your promise... <
"Thank you. For returning the phone."
While I speak, I take a few steps off of the sidewalk and onto the parking lot. Wondering if she will keep following.
"Thank you for not throwing it at my head when you saw I’d followed you. I’ve been streaming a drama recently with a scene like that, and I was sort of worried."
She countered with her tired eyes crinkling at the corners. Despite myself, I found I could do nothing but smile back.
> That was a joke, right? <
"Goodnight, Ms. Voss. Go get so rest."
"Kyrie. If you don’t mind. And goodnight... Citra."
After correcting, then requesting of gently, the farewell she spoke with my na voiced in that... that way sent an unexpected shiver jolting down my spine. No different than if our hands had touched.
I turned chanically and walked swiftly toward the stairwell up to my room. Resisting the urge to look back for all of four seconds.
The SUV I had seen remained where it was. But instead of waiting for to get out of sight and then sneak into it... she simply has already started to walk away?
Could I have been wrong about who owned it... or...
> No... she’s really not... refusing to take her vehicle back because of the rule I said? <
My ears strain against the sounds around . Picking up a familiar voice talking in that commanding, corporate tone.
"Claire. Send a driver to... yes, my location. No, there’s nothing wrong with my car. I’ll pick it up tomorrow or... whenever I’m allowed to."
Whether the last part of her sentence sounded different only because she was getting out of range of my hearing or so other reason...
"Stupid wolf..."
All I knew for sure was that this eting had been no less tense and no less unexpected throughout.
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