Page 17 of Deck the Skulls
Chapter 6
Anatoly
Unlike the two-bedroom, third-floor apartment that he and Zan shared, the second floor was an open studio space. There was a queen-sized bed at one end and a kitchen at the other. There wasn’t much furniture because Zan had given most of it away last week, and Anatoly hadn’t gotten around to shopping for more. Not that it was important. Usually, only Zan’s parents used the place when they visited.
Still, it would've been nice to provide Rissa with a fully furnished apartment to stay in even if it was only for the night.
If he had his way, she’d stay with them upstairs every night after this one.
She mumbled something indecipherable as he laid her out on the bed.
“You’re safe,” he murmured as he untied her shoes and tugged them off. Tossing them in a far corner, he made a note to take her shopping soon. He could purchase some things online, but she’d probably want to choose for herself.
He certainly didn’t want her wearing any more of the outfit she had on tonight. Black pants, black polo, and black shoes didn’t match her vibrant personality. She should be dressed in royal colors, like purple. She was a queen, and everyone should see it.
“I want to strip you out of these clothes,” he grumped. “But I don’t think you’d appreciate waking up naked. Taking off those ugly shoes will have to do for now.”
But wait, he needed to do something about her hair. It was up in a high bun held with a large claw clip. If she rolled on her back, it would stab at her.
Kneeling on the bed next to her, he worked the clip out of her hair. Then he tugged at the bun until it unraveled. He marveled at the mass of thick, wavy, chestnut hair that had been held captive with the clip.
“Hiding all this should be labeled a crime,” he murmured, running his fingers through the hair until it fanned out across the pillow. She let out a soft sigh and curled up a little. One of her hands seemed to be searching for something. Taking a spare pillow, he placed it close. She grabbed it and tucked it close to her body, nuzzling it a little.
He wanted so badly to put his chest where the pillow was.
Although he wanted to stretch out next to her, he knew that wasn’t acceptable. Instead, he crossed the room and retrieved the single chair left in the apartment. Setting it next to the bed, he made himself comfortable and watched over his future flock member.
He didn’t know how much time passed. He didn’t count the seconds or minutes as he watched Rissa’s chest move with each breath. It made him feel centered to know both his flock were safe in the building with him. He couldn’t hear any noise from outside or downstairs. He’d paid top dollar for some very expensive spells to not only keep outside noise from disturbing the apartments, but to also protect the apartments from thenoisy Sanguine. Although the bar was small, it could get noisy as the night progressed.
It was good that Rissa fell asleep before any of the supernaturals managed to get drunk. Bar fights were rare, but he would've had to rip arms off if anyone even thought of being violent around his precious human.
He noticed a slight bruise on her hand. How had she done that? Was it from punching him? It was going to be hard to have a human flock member. They were so much more fragile than shifters, gargoyles, or even pixies.
He felt Zan getting close through their link, then the front door of the apartment opened.
Zan walked up to stand next to him and regard Rissa. “Has she been sleeping the whole time?”
Anatoly nodded. “She must’ve been truly exhausted.” He turned accusing eyes on Zan. “Why did you let her work herself into this state?”
Zan snorted. “You try telling her what to do, see how it goes.”
“Sorry,” Anatoly murmured, wrapping an arm around Zan’s waist. “I’m being unreasonable. Our Rissa is used to being independent. It’ll take time and coaxing to get her to obey us.”
“If you want to survive this relationship, don’t ever use the word obey when Rissa’s awake,” Zan stated dryly, then let out a tired sigh. “Damn, tonight was busy. My feet hurt. It was actually pretty nice having Rissa there to help. And I think she enjoyed herself, especially after Suliandra showed up.”
Suliandra was a small, feisty woman and a skilled bruja. Anatoly could picture Suliandra entertaining Rissa with stories of her wild youth. The petite bruja could weave a compelling tale.
“Besides,” Zan continued, “it’s better for her to work with me than anywhere else.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Anatoly agreed, although he still didn’t like it.
“It’s a bonus that she’s sleeping here tonight and not at that shithole apartment,” Zan said, then yawned. His poor cat was tired. “I really didn’t want to spend the night in the car again watching over her building.”
“You should go upstairs and get some sleep,” Anatoly urged, even though he didn’t let go of Zan.
The mountain lion shook his head. “I don’t want to leave either of you.”
Sinking down to the floor, Zan settled next to Anatoly. The chair was low enough that Zan was able to rest his shoulders against Anatoly’s legs and put his head on Anatoly’s lap.