A Cold Shower - Maya's POV

I breathe out a sigh, but it's not one of relief. There is no telling when he'll be back, and I fear he'll want to pick up where he left off. Though I know I'm never getting out of here, part of me wants to resist until I can't. The other part of me screams to give in. Maybe things will be better if I do. But I can't shake the one side of me that wants to fight this for as long as I can. He wants me, yet he won't tell me the truth. And I know wanting me, and claiming me, is more than just physical. He's not talking about just having my presence here or even keeping me by his side. He wants me to surrender fully, along with my trust. Maybe he even wants me to accept his world and the pack. But I don't know how to do that just yet. It's terrifying, especially when I think about giving into it. It goes against everything I know and have ever known. I shake my head, trying to shove the thoughts away. Evelyn is here and should be enough of a distraction, but it's not working, especially with her looking at me with a knowing glance. 'Your mind is elsewhere, isn't it? You're thinking of him." 'Yes and no," I admit. 'You can't tell me much because it has to be him, but it's hard being here when I know nothing. I wish someone would tell me something, or anything, for that matter." She only chuckles low in her throat and looks at the fireplace. 'While we are waiting for snacks, I guess I can tell you a little." 'Like what? You said most of it has to come from him." Evelyn glances at me, grinning from ear to ear. 'I can't tell you about certain things, but I can tell you what a luna does for the pack." 'Is that what I'll become once he claims me?" She nods gently. 'A luna is the heart and soul of the pack. She helps him where he needs to be softer. A male is rough, aggressive even. The luna is the one who helps him be better. I know it seems like a lot to digest now, but you will be fine." 'So she is his weakness?" 'Not a weakness. A strength he needs," she whispers. 'Without a luna, they never learn how to balance the other side of themselves." A knock on the door interrupts me. Evelyn stands and goes to get our snacks before shutting the door and coming to sit with me again. I don't ask her more about a luna or anything else related to this world. For a few minutes, I need to digest what it means and what I can handle. I barely know him and know this world. It's going to take time before I truly understand it all. So maybe I should learn. Maybe I should satisfy my curiosity and try to figure things out. Damian speaks as if I belong here, so maybe he knows something I don't. Or at least, I hope that is the case. I turn my attention to the tray on the table between us. It's just an assortment of crackers, meats, and cheeses, but it looks good. I don't waste any time getting a few stacked together and eating them while looking at the fireplace. There isn't one lit yet, but I know if I needed it, it could be done. For several minutes, we eat in silence. Evelyn stares at a spot on the wall while nibbling. I just continue eating a few more crackers and trying not to think of things. I need this minute to gather myself. Just one minute. But then I close my eyes and all I see is him. The way his golden eyes lit the darkness. Something primal flashing across his features. The way his teeth lengthen into canines. The sounds his bones make as he shifts. Everything fills my mind, including his naked form when he stood at the end of my bed. His voice fills my mind, telling me to run. My body reacts even though he's not here. I let out a groan as I think about him, causing Evelyn to worry. 'What is it, dear?" 'Do you sometimes hear him in your head?" Evelyn laughs, causing me to open my eyes. 'Sometimes. He barks out orders through our bond, but you don't have to worry about that yet." 'What if I can hear him now? He told me to run." I glance in her direction, only to catch her shaking her head. 'You're human, so the bond doesn't affect you yet unless you mate with him. It is probably from earlier." 'Probably," I admit as I think about him chasing me earlier. He almost had me, too. My body flushes with the thought of what might have been. It's embarrassing and I turn my head to look out the window. 'Would it be okay if I took a shower? The bathroom is attached, so it shouldn't be a problem." 'No, it isn't. I'll wait right out here for you." 'Good," I whisper. 'I'd like to talk more if you have time." I stand without looking back, slinking off toward the bathroom. It doesn't take me long to find everything I need and strip out of my clothes. The shower is easy enough to operate. As I step under the spray, the ice cold water hits me, but I don't care. I stand under the stream, letting it numb the heat curling inside of me. Sadly, it doesn't work. Even after several minutes, I'm only getting hotter. 'What is wrong with me?" Damian's words replay in my mind and no matter how many times I try to ignore them, they cling to my memories and won't let go. 'Run, little one," I whisper to myself. 'You belong to me. Oh, what has my father gotten me into?"