Page 56 of Hungry Like the Wolf

“Banished?” Robbie’s voice was louder than he’d meant it to be, alarmed.

“I didn’t hurt anyone. That’s the whole point, actually. I didn’t reap a soul that I could have, I didn’t harm a human that I could have. I mean, it would have been like kicking a baby bunny, and I don’t like hurting things.”

“So… you’re a terrible demon, is what you’re saying.”

She smiled. “The worst.”

“So what then?”

“Well, I was banished to a human body. But my punishment was that I still had the same needs. The High Commissioner knew what he was about when it came to punishment. I couldn’t dream-walk, so I had to…”

Around her body and over her shoulder, Robbie made a crude gesture with his hands, inserting his forefinger into the closed ring of the opposite thumb and forefinger. She slapped his chest.

“A fair amount of that. And then phone sex lines became a thing. And then talk roulette. And then, finally, Voyours. That’s been the best so far. It gives me the most control over the situation, and I can pick who I work with.”

“So how does it work?”

“What do you mean? Camming?”

“No. Feeding.”

“Well, whenever another person is aroused by me, I get energy from that exchange.”

“But only when they’re aroused by you? What about you? Where do you factor in?”

“I haven’t,” she said flatly. “Not often, anyway.”

Robbie’s heart sank to hear her say that.

“With JJ?”

She bit her lip. “Are you jealous?”

“No, I’m not. I promise. I’m just…”

“Curious,” she said with a sigh.

“Yeah.”

“JJ and I helped each other out at a time when we both needed it. He fed me, and I gave him a place to land for a while. We’ve only ever been friends. But he made sure I enjoyed it, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Good,” Robbie said, and he meant it. JJ had taken care of her when nobody else could.

“But it’s never been like it was today. With you,” she said hesitantly.

That sinking feeling was gone, replaced with a high so bright, so expansive, that he felt like his heart might burst out of his chest and fly around the room.

“It’s never been like it was today for me either,” he said quietly, kissing her forehead. She sighed again, nestling closer to him.

“You’re so brave, Doc.”

“You’re so brave, Robbie,” she replied.

They lay there in the quiet of the cabin, in the pitch dark of the bedroom, in the warmth of the bed, and the safety of one another’s arms. Nadja’s breathing slowed and deepened, and her body relaxed against his in sleep.

He kissed the top of her head gently, careful not to wake her.

“You won’t have to be brave like that ever again,” he whispered into the darkness before succumbing to his own sleep.