She looks confused. “Why? Can’t you just fly back home and say you picked the wrong human? She was too hungover and stupid? Or try with someone else?”
“No. You are chosen for a reason. I have three days to pass as human, or I will be put to death. And it has to be you who teaches me.” I drop my gaze.
She makes a noise which is halfway between a scream and a laugh.
I look back at her. “Are you in pain?”
“No.” She closes her eyes. “I’ve just had a really weird week. And this is the cherry on top.”
“The cherry?” I don’t understand.
“The final straw. I mean…my week has been bad and this is just… it doesn’t matter. Screw it, I’ll help you.” She shrugs again.
I smile. “Thank you. I did not want to die.”
She wraps the sheet around her and gets out of bed. “I need some more sleep. If this isn’t a dream and you’re still here in the morning, we can discuss what needs to happen. I’m guessing I can’t tell anyone or call the local news station?”
I reach for her arm and grasp her tiny bicep. “You must not.”
She’s staring down at where my hand is touching her. Her skin is cool under mine. I look down and her gaze meets mine.
We stare at each other in silence before she clears her throat.
“Okay, T’zak. Do you sleep?” She walks in front of me. Her hips sway from side to side and I cannot look away.
“I sleep. I can stay awake for a month in battle, but I am bad-tempered afterwards.” I follow her, ducking my head under the doorway.
“Um, okay. Here is the guest room. I’ll see you in the morning. I think?” She yawns and walks back down the hallway.
For some reason, I want to follow her back into her bedroom and lie down beside her. Her big eyes, curvy body and quick mind have me utterly entranced.
If I fail my task and am put to death, at least I will have known Maria.
It will be worth it.