Chapter 14. Caught

On her kitchen perch, Cadence let out a disturb trill. Nisreen wondered if the tiny bird sensed Atticus too? Her yellow feathers were all ruffled up. She cocked her head at Nisreen and trilled again. The bird had been aware. Nisreen shivered and pulled the blanket over her head.

For a while she lay there trying to control the panic that threatened to unleash inside of her. She took slow breaths, thought happy thoughts and listened to the rhythm of Malik’s soft snores. None of it worked. Though the cold of Atticus’ soul had left her, she felt burned inside as if by frost. Anger crashed around in side of her. How dare he invade her mind to set his own soul at peace! She didn’t need or want his damned apology. Would he really leave her alone, or would he haunt her? Being haunted was something she couldn’t protect herself against. Agitated, she move away from Sister and slid onto the wooden floor. On silent feet she crept out of the kitchen. As quietly as she could she opened the front door and stepped into the moonlight. Its silvery glow blotted out the light of many stars. Was Atticus tethered to earth because of his sins. Many believed that could happen. Did she? Until tonight, no, but now…maybe. Only time would tell if he kept his dead words and let her be. Could he right now be up among those stars? Though, in her opinion he didn’t deserve to be, she would rather he be up there than tied to the earth on which she still resided. Would he come back in a different time and age as a different creation? The Bastard! All the sympathy she had felt for his dying body was gone. Beneath her anger was confusion. Had he finally realized he had done wrong? Did realization purchase atonement? If so why bother to be good at all? The regret in his words had been deep, she couldn’t deny that. Nor, could she deny the depth of his sadness as he communicated with her. He had been young, he had not yet mated, or had a life. He would not be with his family physically. What came after a soul released a body was not something she dwelt on much. She was so lost in her own thoughts, she didn’t hear Malik step onto the porch or close the door silently behind him. She did feel his arms wrap around her.

Against her neck, he asked, “Can’t sleep?”

Nisreen shook her head. She told him, “Atticus’ soul visited me.” Malik’s body tensed.

He asked, “Is he still here?”

“Not that I’m aware of.”

Pulling her tighter he said, “If he bothers your again my mother knows a witch who performs rituals to ward off unwanted spirits.”

This was news. Malik’s mother was a tiny female with large eyes and a gentle personality. Nisreen never expected her to be a secret rebel. Carrion Eaters didn’t traffic in magic, nor did they believe in it. Despite that, Nisreen said, “Thank you for telling me. I may have need of her but I pray not.”

When Malik spoke, the warmth of his breath caressed his neck, “I pray not as well.”

He didn’t ask any more questions. He just held her. Deep inside something began to stir. They had never been this close together for any length of time. All thoughts of Atticus and the great beyond faded. All she was aware of was the way her body met and curved into Malik’s. She turned in his arms and looked up at him. The silver light of the moon turned his red skin a soft maroon with hints of blue and purple. It softened the natural wrinkles around his eyes. He was not handsome or beautiful in any normal sense of the word, but he was attractive to her. His lips were so close she stood on tip toe and pressed hers lips against his. She had never kissed any male on the lips and the sensation was one of excitement and terror. His lips softly responded. He pulled her closer and her arms gripped him more tightly. Sister had told her about the kisses she received, but none of her descriptions had prepared her for this. It was a merging of bodies and souls. A hunger as well a satisfaction. Time ceased to exist.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

The front door opened. They jumped apart.

In the door way stood Sister. Her eyes were bright with mischief. She chuckled and said, “Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize you two were—busy.” Shaking her head with amusement, she added, “Do you know how cold it is out here?”

Until the question was out in the air, Nisreen hadn’t even felt the cold.

Sister leaned out the door and hissed, “You two come inside. I will go sleep with Auntie.”

Before Nisreen could protest, Sister closed the door. Sudden embarrassment flooded Nisreen’s mind and body. She felt awkward and unsure of what to do next. Malik was neither embarrassed or awkward. He asked, “Shall we go inside?”

Did he intend to continue their kissing and more once they were inside? The twirling of her emotions was making her dizzy. What if Atticus was watching? Regardless she placed her hand in Malik’s. Nisreen’s heart was thumping fast. To be held and kissed on the porch was one thing, but to do so inside the house, so close to her family…what if Papa caught them?”

When Malik opened the door, there stood Papa in his striped night shirt. With a sharp grunt he said, “You two have the Ritual tomorrow. You need to sleep,” he paused and added, “separately.”

Behind him, Sister mouthed, “Sorry.”

Malik released Nisreen’s hand. “Yes Sir.”

Papa stepped aside, for them to enter. With out looking at him, Nisreen quickly stepped inside, followed by Malik.

Papa close the door and spoke to Malik. “You best go bunk with Uncle Possim.” He jerked his thump in Nirsreen’s direction. “She’s not your mate…yet.”

“Yes, Sir.” Malik gathered his blankets and headed for the back door. Before he opened it , he turned and looked into her eyes. His red eyes were full of dancing light. He was not angry, nor deterred.

With out looking back, Papa said, “Good night Malik.”

“Good night, Sir.” He opened the door and stepped outside.

Papa glared at Nisreen and said, “You best stay put.”

This was a warning and a threat. Potential mates had to have paternal approval. If Malik lost favor in Papa’s eyes, then all was lost. Meekly, Nisreen said, “I will Papa.”

“Good girl.” He came to her, gave her a quick hug and went back to his room.

As Sister and Nisreen snuggled back under their blankets, Sister said, “I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to wake Papa.”

Nisreen asked, “What did you mean to do?”

Sister stifled a giggle and said, “Catch you two of course.”

Nisreen picked up her pillow and hit Sister with it.

With both hands Sister covered her mouth. Her shoulders shook with silent laughter. Nisreen turned her back to her and lay down. She felt Sister’s hand caress her hair. Softly she said, “You really love him, don’t you.”

Aloud, Nisreen didn’t affirm or deny how she felt. Silently she wondered, Is this is love?