20. Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty

Z oya

The next few days pass in a blur of laughter, stolen kisses, and a growing sense of comfort in each other’s presence. Lash and I settle into a routine, sharing meals, playing with Miska, and talking late into the night about everything and nothing.

Although Max didn’t allow me to call my parents without him standing next to me, wordlessly shaking his head when I got close to telling them the truth, Lash bought me a phone and I talk to them all the time. They’re so supportive and tell me all the time how they wish I’d never moved away from home, never been lured by a man like Max. I haven’t told them everything, but they know about Lash and seem more accepting of him with every passing day.

If I’m lucky enough to stay in America, I’ll work doubly hard so I can buy them tickets to visit me. Of course, there’s a lot that has to fall into place before that can happen.

Bold, who is in charge of Wolven Warriors security, gave Lash a few weeks off as we navigate all these changes. Although every day I wait to hear from Samantha about my legal status, she has nothing to report.

During one of my conversations with Lash, as we sit on opposite ends of the couch while he rubs my feet, Lash brings up the Museum of Jurassic Technology.

“I’ve always wanted to go there.” His eyes light up at the mention of the place. “I hear it’s like no other museum in the world. All kinds of weird and wonderful exhibits.”

“Color me intrigued, although I’ve never exactly been excited about the Jurassic geological era.” I grin. “When do we leave?”

And that’s how we find ourselves standing in front of the unassuming entrance to the museum on a sunny Saturday morning. I’m in one of Marissa’s dresses, which fit me better than they used to because I’ve put on a few pounds.

Lash is in a black sweatshirt, the hood pulled below his brows. He keeps his mouth in a position that makes him look odd and a little vacant, but it hides his fangs. Instead of his usual jeans, that make his ass look amazing, he’s wearing sweats. His tail is tucked down one pant leg; you can’t see it unless you’re looking for it.

“Well, this isn’t quite what I expected,” I remark, taking in the plain facade.

Lash chuckles. “Don’t judge a book by its cover. One Google review said it’s like a cabinet of curiosities. Another said it’s, and I quote, ‘trippy’. I have a feeling this place will be full of surprises.”

He’s right. The moment we step inside, it’s like entering another world. The dimly lit rooms are filled with all manner of curious objects and displays, from intricate dioramas to strange scientific instruments.

“Whoa, check this out!” Lash tugs me over to a glass case containing what looks like a miniature city carved entirely out of lead. “The plaque says it was made by a man who lived in the 16th century and devoted his entire life to creating this masterpiece.”

“That’s incredible,” I murmur, marveling at the detail. “Can you imagine having that kind of dedication to one thing?”

“I don’t know,” Lash muses. “I think when you find something—or someone —that captures your heart, it’s not so hard to imagine.”

Our eyes meet, and the intensity in his gaze makes my breath catch. I’m suddenly very aware of his hand on the small of my back, the warmth of his body next to mine.

I clear my throat, feeling a blush creep up my neck. “So, uh, what’s next on the agenda?”

Lash grins, seeming to sense my flustered state. “Let’s see what other wonders await us, shall we?”

We wander through the museum, marveling at each new oddity we encounter. There’s a room filled with paintings of dogs in spacesuits, an exhibit on the history of the cat’s cradle string game, and a display of ancient dice made from animal bones.

“I can’t decide if this place is brilliant or bonkers,” I laugh as we examine a collection of microscopic sculptures carved into the eyes of needles.

“Can’t it be both?” Lash winks. “The best things in life usually are.”

I nudge him playfully with my hip. “Speaking from experience, are you?”

“Well, I don’t like to brag,” he drawls, “but I have been known to be both brilliant and bonkers on occasion.”

“I don’t doubt it for a second.”

“Said like the true queen of zim-zam.” He raises an eyebrow and takes his mouth out of that silly fang-concealing configuration, ensuring I remember our first mind-blowing kiss.

We’re still laughing when we round the corner and come face to face with a life-size diorama of a wolf pack in a snowy forest. Lash goes still beside me, his eyes wide.

“Lash? You okay?” I lay a hand on his arm, concerned.

He blinks, shaking his head as if to clear it. “Yeah, sorry. It just… caught me off guard. Reminds me of some of the stories I heard growing up, about our ancestors on An’Wa.”

I step closer, slipping my hand into his. “Tell me?”

Lash takes a deep breath. “They say that long ago, before we were brought to Earth, the wolven lived in vast forests like this one. That we ran with the wolves, hunted with them, learned from them. They were our brothers and sisters.”

“That’s beautiful,” I whisper, picturing it in my mind’s eye.

“It was, so I’m told.” Lash’s voice is wistful. “At least until the Rift tore us from our home and brought us here.”

As I squeeze his hand, my heart aches for him, for all the Others who were ripped away from everything they knew. “I’m so sorry, Lash. I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been.”

He turns to me, his expression softening. “I don’t remember it. Earth is all I know. Besides, if it hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t be here now. With you. And that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.”

Emotion wells in my throat as our gazes collide. I have to blink back sudden tears. How is it possible that this beautiful, gentle soul has come into my life after all the darkness I’ve endured?

“I’m grateful too,” I manage, my voice rough. “More than you know.”

Lash cups my face in his hands, his thumb brushing away a single tear.

Then he’s kissing me, soft and sweet, and all the wonders of the museum fade away. Because none of them can compare to the wonder of being here, in this moment, with him.

When we finally come up for air, I’m smiling so hard my cheeks hurt. “Okay, mister. What other marvels do you have to show me?”

Lash grins, lacing his fingers with mine. “Oh, we’re just getting started. Wait until you see…” He pauses to read a sign pointing to a door in the rear, “Garden of Eden on Wheels: Collections From Los Angeles Area Mobile Home Parks.”

I laugh, letting him lead me deeper into the wild and wacky world of the Museum of Jurassic Technology, and feeling so, so lucky to be right where I am, at this moment, with this amazing male.