This was proving more difficult.
“Animals are simple creatures,” I began. “Their souls are not as delicate as a human thus I can manipulate his soul and give him my shadows while I am in the Underworld. When I leave the Underworld, my shadows must follow me, so he will return as nothing but a soul, a spirit and cannot be touched.”
Juniper frowns and pets Fluffy. “That’s so sad.”
I hummed in agreement. “He has nobody. He sacrificed himself for his masters and received the highest level of rest in the Underworld, living amongst the heroes, yet he wandered and discovered my cave and refused to leave.”
Fluffy moved closer to me so my boned hand laid on top of his head.
“Sounds like he wanted to be attached to someone that needed some extra care.” Juniper gave me a soft smile and ran her fingers through Fluffy’s fur.
After dinner, I led Juniper back to my bed chambers. She yawned frequently, her weary body still recovering from her wounds. I knew little about the human body, but I knew that mortals needed sleep, and much of it.
As we walked, Juniper continued to fill the silence. She continued to ask questions. Her shyness was lacking, and I didn’t know if that was a blessing or a curse. The more she talked, the more I stared at her lips, the column of her neck and the more I cursed how I’d had Athena place her in a long white gown that covered every part of her body.
But I thought it would be for the best. She was mostly naked when I found her and spent most of the past years working in an area where she was naked.
My shadows whipped around me as we made it through to the bedroom. Her voice finally quieted when she noticed my irritation and short, one-worded answers. I did not know how to convey my answers, how to tell her I wasn’t angry at her but at her past.
I wanted to rectify what happened to her. I was furious. I had done nothing to calm my anger because I did not want to leave her alone while she recovered.
Now that she was well, I could hunt the men that used to watch her in lust and bring them back here. Let her watch and see what I can really do.
Moreover, I could ask her about Fuzzy Bunnies, but even that task deemed too great. I didn’t want her to relive those memories.
“Where do you sleep?” Juniper fiddled with her fingers glancing toward the bed and back to me.
“I don’t,” I replied. “Now that I know you are well, I will be tending to work that I have neglected.”
One of those tasks being visiting the soul that touched what is mine.
As I stood there, I watched her fidget nervously with her fingers, a part of me wanted to take her in my arms and assure her she was safe now. But I knew better than to act on those instincts. I wouldn’t let her see the extent of possessiveness just yet. Not until she had fully recovered from the traumas of her past.
She glanced into the main living room, her gaze lingering for a moment before she looked back at me. “Is it because you are a god? Gods do not sleep?” Her voice held a hint of curiosity.
I tilted my head. “More so, being the God of Death grants me certain immunities. Sleep is not something I require, but I could certainly do so if I wanted. Death never sleeps, dearest Juniper.”
Her brow furrowed slightly, and I could tell she wanted to say something but held back.
“Please.” I opened the curtain to the bedroom and led her inside. I showed her the washroom where she could prepare herself for her sleep and new clothes in the closet for her to wear.
Fluffy jumped on top of the bed, and turned his body around several times, finding a comfortable spot on the large king size bed. I was about to command him to come off, but Juniper sat beside him, scratching his ears.
“Can he stay?” she asked softly. It was the softest I’ve heard her speak since waking from her slumber. I could sense a radiating sadness emanating from her soul.
I couldn’t deny her. I would bring her the fiery coals of Tartarus to heat the room if she wanted.
“Of course he can.” I stood straighter. “Is there anything else that you require?”
She shook her head and leaned on Fluffy’s body. I never thought I would be jealous of a pet before, but now I have become increasingly so.
I ruffled my wings and turned to the curtain that separated the living quarters from the bedroom and she called out to me one more time. “Thank you again, Thanatos. For saving me. I’ll help you as best I can.”
I didn’t look back when I let the curtain go. For I knew if I did, I would return to her and pull her into my arms and bask in the warmth of her soul and let it warm my bones.
Juniper had already helped me more than she realized. I just hope I don’t put out the light that is still bright inside her with my darkness.
Chapter Twelve
