Ouachita Mated(24)

And it was some crazy shit, too.

Shifters. Clans, tribes, packs. Rules and regulations. Bonds and marks.

And the no-mating pact that only the Ouachita clan followed.

Yeah, her and Magic had a lot to talk about, but first, the bathroom.

Josie pushed the heavy quilt aside and struggled to sit. Her body felt odd. Weak, like she needed to be plugged in to the nearest outlet. But also, there were things she’d never noticed before. The sensation of the crisp sheet against her legs. It was almost… abrasive. The scents in the room, they swirled in the air and she felt like if she tried hard enough, she could pick each one out and name it.

She dropped back to the bed, breathing hard from the effort of moving.

Suddenly Magic was there, his frowning face hovering over her.

“What are you doing?”

“Trying to sit.”

His gaze softened a touch. “You need to rest.”

“I need to use the big girl potty.”

His eyebrows shot up and the result made her want to giggle. He was easy to surprise, and she got a kick out of doing it.

She bit her cheek.

He was in for some nasty surprises. Those wouldn’t be nearly as fun.

“Let me help you,” he murmured, unsure.

His questioning gaze was so sweet, she tried to smile, but it took too much energy. Magic, unsure. Big bad Magic who no one could break. Grumpy Cat extraordinaire. Who relentlessly glared and snapped like an injured animal. He was exactly that, she realized. He’d had a chip on his shoulder for so long he wouldn’t know what to do when it fell off.

“No, it’s fine. I can handle it,” she said, giving it another go. But still, she struggled.

With a growl, Magic held out his hand.

Lifting her eyes to his, she saw his chocolate brown had lightened. His brows were drawn tight and his jaw ticked.

“I don’t like you telling me no,” he said, darkly.

And like that, his words did something to her. Of course she was aware their whole dynamic had changed. Sorting out what had happened and what they were now would take some getting used to, but his dominant words made that instinct inside her, the force that had always been drawn to him, jerk to attention. It turned her body warm and melty. Made her want to… purr?

Well, hell. She was a cat. Guess she’d have to get used to that at some point. Was the urge to purr normal?

She quirked an eyebrow at Magic. “You might as well get used to the word no. Sir.” But her insubordination had a limit since she really did need to get to a toilet quicklike. Taking his hand, she let him pull her up.

He moved slowly, taking care to be gentle with her aching body. It reminded her of how Eagan was with Clara. How Renner was with Beth. It made the hole in her chest clench with longing. To have someone care for her like that seemed an impossibility. Her distrust of men made even more sense now, with what she knew about herself.

But here he was caring for her even though he was so reluctant to mate, so bitter about the past.

Mandi was her name. The beast from the storm. Although she wasn’t a beast at all. Just a sad person full of remorse, and now, full of hope.

On shaking legs, and with Magic’s arm secure around her waist, Josie made it to the bathroom. The small room was mostly taken up by the jacuzzi tub, and with the two of them, there was no extra space to move. When he let go, Josie used the counter to support herself.

“I got it now. Thanks.”

“I’ll stand right here. In case you need me.”

She looked over, expecting him to go outside the door, but he remained no more than a foot away.

“Oh, hell no,” she argued. “I can pee on my own, thank you very much.”

He crossed his arms over his chest and she realized he was still shirtless. “I’m not taking any chances with you. Woman.” He raised an eyebrow in challenge.

“Wait, seriously? You’re going to stand there while I pee?”

“That’s right.”

Josie nearly whimpered. She didn’t have time to argue. Her bladder was on hands and knees begging.

“God. This is a low moment, right here, Josie,” she grumbled, squeezing her thighs together. “Will you at least turn around?”

With an annoyed sigh, he gave her his back.

“And maybe move toward the door a little?”

He took a half step.

It would have to do.

She let out a frustrated sound and shoved her shorts down, squatting on the stool just before the dam burst. She tried to close her eyes and ignore him, but it was just too damn embarrassing.

When she was done, she stood, her legs trembling with the effort, flushed, and leaned against the sink to wash her hands.

“Finished?” Magic asked.

“Obviously.” She barely got the word past her throat as she dried her hands on the towel hanging next to the sink.