by Harper Wylde
Are you okay, Nix? His voice was worried and guilt gnawed at me.
I'm fine, I just wanted to ask you something.
His laughter danced across our connection. Then why didn't you come ask me?
I'm in the shower, I admitted, blaming the blush staining my cheeks and neck on the heat of the water pounding against my skin.
Oh, well that's a pretty image. Damien's voice roughened and my heart beat faster within my chest.
I just wanted to ask while the question was on my mind, I rushed to add.
Ask away.
Ryder's been so distant lately and I wanted to cheer him up. He asked me on a date the other day, but we haven’t made any plans yet. I didn't know if it’d be weird if I, well, took the initiative to plan something and surprised him. Truthfully, I’d never really dated before and I didn’t want to make a faux pas by taking the date planning out of Ryder’s hands.
Amusement was clear in Damien's tone as he replied, Sweetheart, you never have to worry about it being weird. We all love our time with you, and it wouldn’t matter to any of us which one of us chooses the activities. We just want to spend that one-on-one time together. Besides, it's about time something was done about Ryder—I was debating having Theo take him out and toss him in the ocean to shake off this funk. I think a date with you may be just what he needs.
I hesitated, thinking it over. Do you think you can get the others out of the house for the day? I requested, considering my options. I wanted to be alone with Ryder, not spend our time in the middle of a crowded mall or restaurant, not that I really knew any good places to take him on a date anyhow.
Of course. Damien's answer was immediate, no hesitation at all, and it helped relieve some of my nerves about there being resentment amongst the guys in regard to my one-on-one time. We've been meaning to go see Angela anyway, so this would be the perfect time. I'll grab the other guys and we'll slip out so that you can surprise Ryder.
Thanks, Damien.
Of course. Anything for you, although I do hope I can sweep you away for a date sometime soon myself. His voice sent goosebumps over my skin when he added, I so enjoyed our time in the kitchen. I'd love to see what we could do with a little time alone. My nipples pebbled, my skin suddenly tender under the heat of the spray as I groaned. He chuckled as my arousal flowed through our connection, and he teased me in return with his own. Have fun, sweetheart.
I took my time getting ready after the shower, dressing in a purple tank top and a flowing white skirt, which I was sure Rini had snuck into my closet on one of her visits. I wouldn't be warm, but with the plan I was sketching out it wouldn't really matter. Curious to see if I could, I let my Phoenix radiate her heat, helping me dry my hair faster than I would normally be able to. I debated taking the time to put on makeup before deciding against it. It wasn't something I normally wore or was very comfortable with. As much as I wanted to impress Ryder, I figured that being myself was a bit more important. Besides, I wasn't sure that makeup would last through what I had planned.
I listened intently on the staircase landing, the quietness of the house around me indicating that the others had all made themselves scarce, as promised. I took a deep breath, adjusting how my top lay on me, before knocking on Ryder's door.
“What?” he barked.
“It's me,” I responded, tentative now after his brusque reply.
“Nix?” I heard a ruffling sound before he appeared at the door. His hair was disheveled and his shirt was rumpled as though he'd been napping. Except from the light emanating from his desk, and the chaos of papers and maps spread around his room, I highly doubted that sleep had been on his agenda.
“Hey, Ry.” I smiled at the way his eyes widened, taking in my outfit.
“Did I forget something?” He rubbed at his ruffled hair with a grimace.
“No, I just… I'm hijacking you tonight.”
He blinked at me in confusion, shaking his head. “Huh?”
“I want you all to myself for that date you asked me on.” I beamed at him, indicating my clothing with a wave.
“A date?” A smile teased at the corners of his mouth. “Really?” His eyes widened, glancing down at his own attire. “I'm not exactly dressed for going out.”
“That's okay. I thought we'd stay in.”
He chuckled. “Then it's not exactly having me all to yourself, now is it?” He cocked his head to the side, considering. “Did you want to ask the others to play board games?”
“Nope.” I bounced on my toes. “I sent all of them out of the house. It really is just the two of us.”
“You did?”
“Yep. A date. Just you and me. I figured it's long overdue. I'm sorry for staying at home, but I don't really know the area well enough for me to take you out, so I wanted to do something here instead.”
“Wow.” He glanced behind himself again, hesitating for a moment. “Alright, just, let me get changed real quick.” I nodded, threading my hands together as I stepped away, letting him close the door. My Phoenix chirped at me, confused by my anxiety, but it wasn't exactly possible to explain to her that I wanted to cheer him up and was unsure if I could. Still, I attempted to soothe her before Ry reappeared.
“You ready?”
“Shouldn't I be asking you that?” I teased, taking his hand in mine. “I'm the one who knows what's coming.” I led him downstairs, heading for the back door.
“We're going outside?” he inquired hesitantly, his eyes focused on the snowflakes falling steadily.
“Follow along and you'll find out,” I winked at him, tugging him out of the sliding back door. I pushed hard on my powers, testing the new skills I’d been practicing, and let a wall of heat surround us, evaporating the snowflakes as they fell so we'd both stay warm. I remembered he didn't like the cold and I wasn’t fully acclimated to it myself, but my plans had to take place outside, since I didn't think Damien—or Theo for that matter—would approve of hoof prints or burn marks on the floors inside. I tugged him into the clearing with warmth still radiating around us. “My Phoenix doesn't really get a chance to play with you, and I thought maybe we could use today to help remedy that.” My Phoenix chirped her approval of my plan. “Besides, I'd like to see you shifted again while I'm in human form. It's not every day a girl gets to see a unicorn, you know.”
Ryder scowled at me. “Ceraptor. Why is it so hard to remember the word Ceraptor?”
I laughed, enjoying the way his eyes crinkled when he scowled. “It must just be your sparkling personality. All that glitter, Twilight Sparkle, and all I can think of are unicorns.” I teased a finger down his chest as he continued to force a frown. “But if you shift for me, you may be able to change my mind.”
His features relaxed and he chuckled. “Well you could have just asked me to shift without the unicorn comments.”
“And what fun would that be?” I retorted. “I do want to stay unshifted and meet him again, if you're okay with that? Then I'll shift too so they can play.”
“Fine with me.” He kept his eyes on mine, then grasped his t-shirt at the neck and pulled it over his head, leaving his tanned muscular skin bare to my sight. He unhooked his jeans, sliding them down his legs as well, as heat crawled over my skin. I pushed the warmth toward him, unwilling to let him grow cold as he showed off for me. He arched a brow as he put a hand on the edge of his boxers, and I wasn't sure if it was a dare or a warning.
“You're gorgeous,” I admitted, having to swallow hard before I could get the words out. It was true too. If I hadn't been intent on shifting together, I would have been tempted to touch him here and now, the snow be damned. His body was lean, but full of taut muscle, and his golden skin contrasted with the stark white snow coating our frozen paradise. My gaze wandered over the hard planes of his chest, and I couldn’t help but stare at the line of golden hair that forged a trail down his lower abdomen and disappeared into the waistband of his Ralph Lauren boxers. Ryder was sheer perfection—a work of art—and I nearly shook
my head at the fact that he was mine. I wondered if it was weird to call a guy gorgeous? Maybe that was a descriptive word limited to females? This was all so complicated, but even if it was the wrong word, it was true.
The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled at me. “You're gorgeous too, mikró pouláki, and sweet as can be.” A wicked grin flashed across his face as he tugged on his boxers and I shot my eyes into the sky, his laughter echoing around us. “You’re going to see it at some point, beautiful, but I’ll let you off the hook for now,” Ryder murmured, just before I felt the surge of his energy when he shifted, and I pulled my eyes back down as it faded away. The large, black Ceraptor pawed the ground, tossing his head and demanding admiration as I moved forward, giving him a wide smile.
“And you're gorgeous too,” I told Ryder’s alter, petting his nose gently. “Your other half is all trouble. Did you know that?” I teased Ryder as I marveled at the velvety soft feeling of the Ceraptor’s coat. He whickered his agreement, tossing his head and extending his wings for my inspection. “May I?” I asked, indicating his horn. He nickered, leaning his head down for me to perform my inspection. I slid my hand along the smooth surface of his horn, marveling at the shifting shades of black and the curves that angled toward the sky. The tip was incredibly sharp, far sharper than I would have expected, and I wondered if he used it as a weapon. I knew he had said he didn't battle much, preferring to be the healer of the group, but with a weapon like that it was a bit surprising. Except, it may hurt him to use it as a weapon. I'd have to ask him about that when he shifted back.
He pulled from my hands, spreading his wings and prancing around me, headbutting me and chuffing in the cold air. I laughed, spreading my heat shield out even farther, trying to keep him inside of it without completely wearing myself out. My Phoenix chirped wanting to play as well and I soothed her, comforting her with the fact it would soon be her turn. He headbutted me again before kneeling next to me, his wings extended as he motioned for me to climb onto his back.
“Oh, no way.” I shook my head. “This isn't Harry Potter, you know. Riding flying things is a very good way to ensure I die again.” He snorted, flicking his wings in derision as my Phoenix encouraged me. Well, if I died again he better be the one taking care of me through all of it—that was all I had to say about it. “Fine. Fine.” I climbed above the wing joint, fisting my hands tightly into his mane. I could see more of his horn at this angle. Leaning forward, I ran my fingertips over it once more, tracing the lines and the barely visible grey starburst mark that was mostly obscured unless you were as close to him as I was. I patted the side of his neck. “Just be careful,” I warned him.
He released a resolute neigh that sounded like a promise, and then his wings flapped hard as he raised us a few feet into the air. I was grateful for his restraint as I squeaked, my hands tightening in his mane and my legs clamping tightly to his side as I slipped on his slick coat, his wings were fluttering behind me and jarring me with every motion. “Down, down, down,” I squealed, leaning forward to bury my face in his neck. I didn't care if he thought I was a coward. I much preferred flying as a Phoenix, with all of the control it provided, than on his back. He complied, bringing us back down, and I slid off shakily. “Not my favorite means of travel, Ry, though I can now say that every dream I had as a little kid about riding a unicorn has been fulfilled.”
He reared, his wings spreading wide, and I chuckled at his antics. Turning my back to him, I removed my tank top and tossed it to the side. I hesitated a moment before removing my skirt and took a deep breath. I knew he'd already seen me naked before, and I decided to be bold. Another look at my butt wasn't going to end our date prematurely, and if the date went well and my plans panned out, he'd be seeing a lot more of my naked body. I folded my skirt and added it to the pile, before calling to my Phoenix. I hoped she'd keep throwing heat into the clearing so we could stay outside for awhile, but I wasn't positive if it was something she could do when I was in shifted form. She squawked her irritation at my doubt, my body tingling as the transformation took over.
My Phoenix chirped her approval of the change, stretching her wings wide to show the red, golds, and yellows off to our mate, and she carefully observed the boundaries of the wards I’d been shown before. He snorted, pawing at the ground again, and we took to the sky together, circling around each other. Her small size allowed her to dart and weave around Ry's bigger form, continually brushing him with her wings or tail. The falling snow didn't seem to hinder her at all, as she tucked and flew, chirping and calling her happiness over the freedom the air provided. I was happy to see she kept the heat barrier up as well, preventing Ry's coat from being covered in the thickly falling flakes.
We played as the sun sank below the horizon, and Ryder's shape was mostly lost in darkness. My Phoenix's eyes were sharp, however, and she could make out his frame even in the shadows as we settled down again. I was growing tired, and there was still more I had planned. I shifted back, the call of my magic causing Ryder to shift as well, and we both panted from exertion as we struggled back into our clothes, giggling and laughing madly.
Eight
Nix
We stumbled back into the house, heading right for the kitchen. I figured we could both use a cup of cocoa to warm up, so I assembled the ingredients, ignoring my windswept hair and rumpled clothes.
“That was fun,” Ryder admitted with a smile. “My Ceraptor hasn't been out in ages, and he loved having time to play with your Phoenix.”
“Well, we should try and do it more often. All of us, really. We rarely shift unless we're training, and I'm sure it's confining for them.”
He barked a laugh. “Well, if we're going to keep shifting this winter, then I vote you're always around. I hate shifting in the snow. He was very pleased that he didn't have to freeze this time.” I chuckled as well, stirring the bar of chocolate into the hot milk and watching it melt, as the scent of chocolate rose around us. “Thanks, Nix.” He stepped up behind me, wrapping his arms tightly around my waist, and burying his face into my hair. “I'm sorry I've been so gloomy.”
“You have every right to be,” I reassured him. “But I wanted some time with you despite that. I wanted to cheer you up.”
“And you have.” Ryder inhaled my scent and I felt him smile into my hair. “You smell like me.”
“Compliments of your shampoo.” I grinned. “We really should put them in different looking bottles.”
“I don’t know…” Ryder nuzzled his nose into the crook of my neck, brushing past my hair to plant a sweet kiss on my skin. “I rather like you smelling like me.”
I hummed my approval and bit my lip as I finished stirring the chocolate beverage.
“So, is there anything else you planned?” He pressed closer and peered over my shoulder, while I filled the mugs I’d set out with the thick, chocolate mixture before tossing a few marshmallows in. “Cinnamon?” he asked, surprised, as I sprinkled it on top.
“It's good,” I said defensively, but hesitated before I put it into the other mug. “Do you want to try it on mine?”
“I'm all for risks. Load me up.”
I did as he requested, shaking cinnamon onto his as well. “You're going to have to let me go so that we can drink this, you know.” Humor laced my tone and I didn't try to break his hold.
“But I like holding you like this,” he replied. “Maybe we can just use straws?”
I laughed at the picture he presented before lifting my cup to my lips for a sip. The cinnamon and chocolate played well off of each other, and I closed my eyes in enjoyment as I sipped again. “You're really missing out,” I warned him, taking another taste.
“Well, I'll wait until mine's not molten anymore. Unlike you, I don't have an immunity to the heat,” he retorted, rocking me back and forth gently so he didn't spill my cocoa.
I pondered that for a moment, wondering if there was a chance it was true, before shrugging it away. If it meant I could drink hot cocoa or coffee b
efore it cooled, it was enough of a superpower for me. “I thought maybe we could cuddle? Watch a movie?” I offered, taking another drink. “I know it's boring.”
“Nothing is boring with you.” He finally released my waist and grabbed his own mug. When he took his first sip, his eyebrows shot up at the taste, before he glanced at me then back down at his mug again. “This is actually really good.”
“You don't have to sound quite so shocked.”
He flushed. “I just wouldn't have thought of putting cinnamon in hot cocoa, that's all.”
“You can put a ton of stuff in it, depending on what you like. Cinnamon’s my favorite, but I've also done mint, ginger, nutmeg, and cayenne.” He choked on that, looking down at his mug again, and I snickered. “No, it's just cinnamon. I didn't sneak anything else into it.”
“Good.” He led the way into the living room, settling down on the couch and patting the seat next to him. “I think cayenne hot cocoa may be just a little bit too far outside of my comfort zone.”
“Don't knock it until you try it,” I quipped. “What do you want to watch?” I turned our attention to the large TV that occupied the other end of the room.
“Anything. I just want to enjoy my time with you.”
I flicked the TV on, scrolled through to a rerun of Supernatural, and at his murmur of assent, let it play as I leaned against him. “Do you ever watch these shows and comment on how wrong they got it?” I asked curiously.
“No.” He drained his mug, set it aside, and took mine from me as I finished. “I just like shows or books to have a good plot. I don't really care about things that don't mesh. Who am I to judge? In the world on this show, there's angels and demons, and who's to say it's not just a different reality where shifters actually do act like that?” He shrugged as I studied him. “I just think it's silly that people complain about little things like that, despite the major improbability of the whole show's premise. I like to just enjoy things. I take them for what they are meant to be—entertaining. It isn't always necessary to pick them apart.” He hesitated, blushing for a moment as I watched him. “Um, unless you want to pick them apart, I mean.”
