Page 133 of Soulmateless
Ignatia scoffs. “Our version of the story is that an Amarian pulled weapons on us before we were forced to attack. We hadn't done anything to make them think we were going to kill them, but yet, the Amarians already thought so.”
My jaw clenches. “Why would an Amarian do such a thing?”
“Fear.” She grabs my hand. “Godusa made her mistakes when she was a part of Amara's kingdom. She did torture people with her nightmares at some point. Godusa and Amara had failed to make amends. Who knows why the Amarian felt pushed to pull out their weapons all those years ago?”
It makes sense. It all does. It really seems like Grandmother had some sort of misunderstanding. Maybe there's a way to help her realize her mistake.
But what would she think about me being with a dreamscreecher? Would there be any other reasons why she wouldn't want me to be with a dreamscreecher?
“What do I need to know about romance… when it comes to dreamscreechers?” I ask. “Is there anything I should know? Physical needs? Culture wise? Sex wise?”
She snickers. “Now we're doing the fun stuff.”
I puff. “Well I want to know.”
“Well… let's see. I like to scratch the couch, I go into heat every month, and a human sacrifice is required for our mating ritual. Otherwise I think it's pretty normal.”
“Heat? Ahuman sacrifice?”
My jaw drops. What does that even mean? How could I continue this relationship if I need to kill someone every month?
My thoughts scatter in my brain, when I finally hear her laugh snap me out of them. “You should see your face!”
I furrow my brows even though my panic has melted away. “Ignatia!”
“Oh come on. It was funny!”
“I'm serious,” I scold, despite my own snickering. “Isthere anything I should know?”
Ignatia sighs. “It's normal. It's just like how everyone else does it. You just… I don't know, have sex?”
I snort. “So if we were to do anything, it would just be like if you were human.”
“Yes. I mean us dreamscreechers are just humans with a few extra steps.” Then her nose scrunches. “Well… there is one thing…”
“Really?”
“Yes. A mating mark.” She glances me up and down. “When feelings get so passionate, usually right before our first time with each other, sometimes we lose a bit of control.”
“Is this another joke?”
“No, I'm actually serious.” She looks at me, her smirk disappearing.
My body tenses. What does she have in store for me? “So you… lose control…”
“And usually women leave bite marks on the neck or collarbone when they come across a man they feel strongly about.” She rubs her neck, a sudden redness coloring her face. “It usually only happens with one man, as we only have one chance to do it in our lives. Usually hook-ups aren't strong enough to trigger that side of us, and there needs to be strong attraction in both body and mind. And also it's a painful process but in a good way.”
“Painful in a good way?”
“What? A lot of people like a little pain during sex. It's not like I'd kill you.”
“Okay so wait,” I put a hand up as I gather my thoughts. “Are these bite marks permanent? And do theyhaveto be on my neck?”
“Yes. It's like a symbol of love, but also of power which is why it's usually visible. My father had one. Or at least it's supposed to be a symbol of love and power. It was supposed to help when populations were still low and Godusa needed the women to stay alive. The mark was supposed to give power to a man who would continue to protect her and her unborn offspring when she can’t shift.” She shrugs. “Now it's more of an inconvenience.”
I shift my gaze to the floor. “And what does this do to me, outside of the permanent mark?”
“Not much. Just things you probably wouldn't notice.” She shrugs. “It just kind of adjusts your scent to combine with mine and people have said both the men and women tend to get hornier than usual. Maybe you’d get some of my power if I get pregnant, whichbetter not be the case!But that's it.”
