NOVEL NEXT 1.21. Growing Pains
James whistled for the flock as dozens of bodies littered the area. Luna was dazed as she rested in his arms. Her soul was finally more than an ember yet was still a very small flame. She would need to fight and gain new skills.
Moving back to the house they used, he set her down. "There are still more Forsaken in the town," he said.
Her eyes snapped to him as if seeing him for the first time. "Really? Oh! I got a new skill!"
"Soul Strike?" he questioned.
"No. Soul Rend. I don't know what it does."
"I'm not sure either," he admitted. "But I can't keep carrying you around. You need to fight the Forsaken without me. That's the only way to gain resistances and increase Regeneration. I'll stay close in case you die."
"If I die?" she nearly screamed.
"You'll come back. Once your timer is up on your reserves, you'll come back to life if you die. It'll also heal fatal wounds, but keep in mind you'll be starving again afterwards so make sure you have plenty of food."
"Is that what happened to you?"
Nodding, he sat down by her. "We are both cursed with it. It'll keep us alive, but we are a danger to those around us. I attacked you without control when it happened. You'll do the same to others if not to me."
Wincing, she scooted over to him and rested her head on his shoulder. "Thank you. People won't know I have this power and will be less likely to kill me if they think I'm mortal. How much time can we spend hunting each day?"
"As much as you want," he answered. "You'll be staying outside at night as well. You'll gain resistance to the heat and Regeneration will level like crazy."
"And I'll be able to watch the stars with you?"
"Yes." Smiling, he wrapped his arm around her. "We are in this together now. Together we'll figure out what is happening to us. You're my wife after all."
Laughing, she patted his chest. "We better consummate our relationship then."
He could feel his cheeks heat as he struggled to find words.
Smirking, she poked his cheek. "That's a good look for you. But I really do need to go hunting so no sex for you, Mister."
Rolling his eyes, he stood and helped her up. "I'm going to let you take damage until I think you are going to die," he stated. "We are going to push you as hard as we can to grow stronger. Hopefully the Forsaken in this town will push you to the next level."
"I hope so too." Turning, she jogged out of the house. Sniffing the air, she smiled as she headed north to the waiting souls.
She's going to be a better hunter than me.
He knew it was true, but he still didn't know how to feel about changing her on such a fundamental level. It had taken him months of fighting every day to reach his level. They wouldn't be in the wastelands for that long and he only hoped she increased enough to put up a decent fight if needed.
Hours passed as he watched her hunt down monster after monster. Her body was torn to shreds more than once as the beasts ripped into her. Every time she would heal and push on. The vultures feasted well as Nebra's group showed up and settled into a basement to wait out the rest of the day.
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
James took pride in Luna reaching the second level of her growth and building her flame. If they hurried to another town the next day, she could reach the third level and possibly gain a new skill. The pattern would continue as he watched over her and helped her grow.
She wouldn't gain resistances as quickly, but her Soul Strength was more important. He didn't have to argue the point before she agreed. She wanted to reach his level as quickly as possible and wasn't going to stop until she did. Something in her had changed, bringing out a primal drive to grow stronger. She also kept rubbing against him every time she needed a break. He watched as her soul touched his, sharing its warmth as they mingled.
"I'm done for the day."
Coming out of his thoughts, he turned and found her standing next to him. Once again, her tail was wrapped around him as she yawned.
"The vultures are happy," he commented.
"They better be." Slipping her fingers into his, she turned them towards the basement. "Let's not bother them tonight. I want to avoid their questions until I'm stronger. At least level three or four."
"Understood."
Pulling on his hand, she led the way. "Ready to fill my holes?"
Missing his next step, he nearly fell. "Luna!"
Laughing, she let him go. "I'm sorry! The look on your face was worth it!"
Grumbling, he caught up to her and crossed his arms. "I'm not taking care of your tail tonight."
"What?" she shouted. "But it's covered in blood!"
"Don't care." Walking off, he smiled to himself.
"Dear husband," she said sweetly. "I'll do anything to feel you wash my tail. Plus, if Nebra or the others came out and didn't see you doing it, we would be breaking character."
Glaring at her, he asked, "you love the story you've created, don't you?"
"Yes!" she chirped. "You're my husband after all. I think you should bathe tonight as well. I can help wash you."
Rolling his eyes, he finished walking to the house. Taking out the tub, he plugged it and started filling it with water. "I have a feeling you are starting to believe our false lives are the truth."
Pulling off her chest wrap, she threw it at him. "I would never. But if I did…"
Turning his back to her, he didn't know what to think.
Is she attracted to me? Am I being dense about this? Why does my day always fill up with more questions and no answers? No. I'll wait for her to make a move. I wish I understood women.
A small splash filled the air as Luna slipped into the bath. Moaning, she closed her eyes as she lifted her tail to the surface. "It awaits you, Honey."
Setting her clothes to the side, he started scrubbing her tail. "What do I get out of this?"
"Besides your fetish for my tail?" she questioned.
Glaring at her, he didn't respond.
Giggling, she opened her eyes and turned to him. "You get my help bathing after this. We really do need to get you out of your armor. I can smell you."
Sighing, he gave in and worked his fingers through her tail. He worked quickly but carefully as he neared the base of her tail and felt her squirm. Taking it as she was uncomfortable, he finished and stepped back.
"All done," he announced.
Whimpering, she looked up at him with pleading eyes.
"What?" he asked.
"You have my hair still…"
Frowning, he walked away and picked up her clothes. "I'm not spoiling you that much. We have an uneven trade right now."
Flowing water over her clothes, he started scrubbing as Nebra of all people stepped out of the basement.
Glancing at Luna, he found her smirking something fierce. "I don't believe we are uneven, Honey. You have my handle after all and if we find that honey again, I know you'll enjoy me licking it off you."
Glaring at the wolf, he turned to Nebra. "Did you need something?"
The woman held up her hands. "The sun will be setting soon. We didn't know if you would be joining us."
"We won't be. Not tonight," he answered.
"I'm going to stargaze!" Luna chirped. "How romantic!"
Sighing, he ignored her. "Tomorrow we'll push to another ruined town if we can find one. We'll keep heading east until we reach the forest. When we do, we'll stay together."
"Understood." Nebra turned to Luna. "What happened to you today?"
Humming, Luna beamed. "My husband filled me nice and good. I feel like a new lady."
Blushing, Nebra turned and left. "Weirdoes…" she whispered.
Luna waited until the woman was gone before laughing. "She is too easy to mess with. But seriously, you need to get in the water and clean yourself. I'll help you wash your armor. You are wrecking my nose right now."
Pulling off his armored shirt, he set it aside. "Your clothes are clean, so get dressed. You'll dry off soon enough."
"Yeah, yeah. No peeking, Mister. I don't want your nose to bleed for staring. Not unless you want to take responsibility."
Closing his eyes, he turned away for good measure. What is with her? I feel like she's taking this façade a little far. Maybe this is who she really is and I didn't know.
"Take off your pants," she ordered. "Get in the tub. I'll wash your hair before the sun sets. I'm going to be in so much pain…"
That was something he could agree with.