8. Odette

odette

. . .

"Shiatsu?" Valek's dark eyebrows furrow in confusion at the mention of the unfamiliar word. His expression is a mix of curiosity and apprehension, as if he's unsure whether to trust this unknown form of healing after what he has just endured. He stands tall and tries to walk away with poise, but his slight limp gives away his true state.

I can see that he's hurting, and I can't let a powerful demon leave my spa with such an obvious injury. That would be bad for business.

With a confident smile, I explain the benefits of the massage technique. "Shiatsu is specifically designed to ease the deep-seated pain in your lower back and tightness in your hamstrings. I have complete faith in my masseuse's skilled hands. I guarantee he will offer you relief," I state, as a matter of fact, certain my expert masseuse will succeed.

Valek's voice is filled with disdain as he scoffs at the idea. "A male?" His eyes narrow in disapproval. "I have no interest in having a strange male lay his hands on my body in such an intimate manner. Call me old-fashioned, but it's simply a matter of personal preference. Besides, I'm sure any lingering pains will dissipate by the end of the day." He brushes off the suggestion and begins to walk away.

Rolling my eyes, I step in front of Valek and spread my arms to block his escape. "If you are uncomfortable with a male masseuse, I can arrange for a female to assist you," I offer, gesturing toward the reception area behind us. "Please take a seat, and I will see who is available."

Valek shakes his head as he grows visibly annoyed. "That would be completely inappropriate," he snaps. "As a mated male, only my female may touch me in such a way." The tension between us thickens as he refuses to budge from his stance.

"You don't technically have a female, Valek," I counter, trying hard to remain professional when his overgrown male child rejects all reason. "But if you're referring to me," I meet his gaze with a tilt of my chin, "I'll have to confess that my skills in that particular technique are not nearly as adept as Janus's." My arms cross protectively over my chest, the fabric of my dress bunching beneath my fingers. The tension between us grows thick, but I stand defiantly in front of him, my feet planted firmly on the ground. I can feel the heat rising on my cheeks as he continues to challenge me, hoping to get his way.

"Your skills matter little to me. If you want to help me and or prevent others from seeing what your establishment has done to me, I suggest you handle this situation yourself." Valek's sharp gaze bores into mine as he leans forward, his intense presence filling the hallway. "Or I can simply leave and handle things my own way. The choice is yours to make…" His words hang in the air, heavy with unspoken consequences and a sense of danger lurking just beneath the surface.

"I don't like being threatened," I grumble, my hands balling into fists at my sides. I turn my back to him, trying to push away the frustrated feelings that have been building up inside of me.

His insistence and the underlying scent of pheromones only heighten my agitation, making me feel weak and on edge. The idea that I've encouraged such a deeply personal encounter with this male is both tempting and terrifying. Part of me wants to give in to fate and spend an intimate hour alone with him, but another part fears the potential consequences. The increasing warmth between my legs is an uncomfortable reminder of my vulnerability. It's a shame there isn't a spell to rein it in.

"I would never dream of threatening my mate," Valek declares, his expression seemingly offended by my accusation. "If you recall, it was you who suggested this treatment. But if you are not willing to follow through, then I will simply take my leave." His eyes hold a glimmer of disappointment but also an unwavering determination to do what he believes is best for both of us. At least, that's how it feels.

With a shaking voice, I acquiesce to Valek's request. "You're right," I say, gesturing for him to follow me down the hallway. We reach room number two and I step aside, giving him a moment of privacy to prepare. "I'll give you a few minutes to disrobe." My calm facade begins to crumble with the instructions that could potentially lead to his nudity. Praying for some semblance of modesty, I stammer out one final directive as I walk away. "Please leave your underwear on and let me know when you're ready."

"I don't wear underwear," Valek grunts and effectively obliterates the last shred of my confidence.

My cheeks flush red, and my heart races at the thought of this handsome demon standing before me, completely exposed and aroused. As much as I'd like to believe that my powers can keep me from falling prey to the primal pull toward my fated mate, there are limits to my abilities.

My heart pounds as I struggle to regain my composure, but it's no use. Valek's gruff voice calls out from the other side of the closed door, and my stomach churns with anxiety. With trembling hands, I reach for the doorknob, my mind racing with all sorts of possibilities about what could be waiting for me on the other side. As I slowly twist the knob and push open the door, I am greeted with a scene that nearly takes my breath away.