Mystical Mayhem Read Online Free Page B

thing, if that’s what all of these feeling truly were, was making him a pathetic idiot.
    He saw her shiver as she watched him. Crazy thing was, he’d become conscious of what he was wearing. A ragged sweatshirt that hugged his body now accompanied the same jeans he’d put on when they got there. He’d never had anyone he’d wanted to impress before. You don’t now either. She’ll leave soon. His stomach tightened into a knot. He’d felt the need to explain himself, his appearance, his lifestyle, to say more, when long ago he’d made a vow not only to never care what others thought of him, but to never explain to anyone how he lived his life, how he survived.
    “You’re cold. A few inches of first snow fell overnight. We need to get you clean and dressed. I have some clothes here you can pick from; my mother’s clothes. They will at least provide you modesty and warmth. It’s not freezing, but it’s not warm in here. I brought water in from the spring while you were sleeping. I can heat it so you can wash. I’ll leave… give you some privacy once I get it ready.”
    “I appreciate all of your trouble,” she spoke, her voice soothing him, a balm over his tense muscles.
    When he had the water warm, he helped her up, pulling the blanket around her body. He needed the shield between them, wishing it were more substantial – something like metal, so he couldn’t feel her warmth or the way her soft curves pressed against him.
    “Don’t worry about the blanket. I have another. This one I will wash. Leave it on the floor.”
    He walked her over to where the fire was burning. A tub of sorts, a large metal barrel he’d taken from a factory held water next to the blaze, a constant effort to keep going enough to warm this place in the long winter months. Why he’d never relocated, he didn’t know, or didn’t want to think about it.
    “What was—”
    He cut her off. “Making money is often a problem, remember. My beast has stolen much over the years to give my mother and me – when she was alive – some comforts up here. I’m not proud of it, but it was necessary.” And, there goes that vow again! Is nothing sacred? You can’t seem to shut your mouth, asshole!
    “I don’t blame you. I wouldn’t…”
    “Are you okay?” he asked as her body went limp against his, swaying a bit.
    “I guess I’m just worn out. Probably hungry.” Her voice sounded shaky as she hung her head. “My stomach… never mind. I’ll be fine.”
    “Let me help you.” His chest tightened and his stomach rolled. He had no idea how he would keep himself restrained if he had to bathe her, but what choice did he have? His fierce need to care for her set him off balance.
    “That’s okay. I’m sure I’ll be fine in a minute.”
    “I said I’ll help!” he barked.
    She frowned, and blinked at him.
    “Sorry. Again! You’re… It doesn’t matter. I won’t hurt you. I can help.” Please let me help! No don’t! Shit!
    “But…” She curled up more, and he caught her before she slid to the floor. Scooping her into his arms, he pushed away how right she felt there, her head on his chest, her soft hair and frail breath brushing his neck.
    “Let me get you food first. I went into town for a few things this morning. I got some berries along with some peanut butter and bread. I figured you would need something. I didn’t know what to get you though. My mother, instead of PB&J sandwiches, used to make me a peanut butter sandwich with berries on the side when I was sick as a kid. Guess I was thinking of her and you when I went out.” When he went to the store, he had been thinking of them both because he wondered what his mother would say about this woman if she’d been still alive to ask.
    He’d pulled together his last dimes to go to the store, since it had been months since he’d tried to work. Every job was the same, something about him made humans edgy. He was larger than average even when in his human form. It was