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“It will feel good to soak for a while.”

Adriel’s breath caught as she lowered into the water and breathed out a quiet thank you. The water sloshed and stilled, only the occasional drip from the spigot disrupting the overwhelming silence.

“While you’re in there, I can call Danny?—”

“No.”

Juniper tried to understand her rejection. Was this it? Was she just going to starve herself? There was no way that was happening. Without feeding, her injuries would take forever to heal.

Juniper kneeled on a towel, deciding to face one obstacle at a time. “Let’s start with your hair.”

She filled a cup to rinse the grime from her copper waves. As she poured clean water over Adriel’s head and down her shoulders, she lathered her fingers with shampoo.

“Just try to relax.”

Juniper took great care to gently massage her scalp and wash behind her ears. This should have improved the situation, but the longer she gently washed her hair, the more Adriel wept.

Just as Juniper was about to ask if she wanted her to stop, Adriel stilled her hand and looked up at her with tear-filled eyes. “I’m sorry I didn’t help you.”

“What?”

“On the farm. I could have helped you. There would have been consequences, but I should have helped you anyway.”

The blood rushed from Juniper’s face. If she was going to stay strong, she couldn’t entertain those memories of weakness right now. She wanted to be the rock, the one Adriel could lean on in her time of need.

“It’s over. I’m free. And soon, you will be too.” She couldn’t go back there, mentally or otherwise. “Lean forward.” But Adriel’s apology struck a nerve that needed to sing. “Thank you for admitting that.”

Adriel sat up, each vertebra of her spine slightly protruding beneath a spattering of bruises. Juniper washed her back. To an outsider, no one would ever assume this docile beauty was immortal. Her body might be battered at the moment, but once she fed, she’d heal, and then her beauty would be flawless again.

She dragged the washcloth over her shoulders and between her breasts. Soft peach flesh darkened with raspberry tips. As she carefully washed her delicate curves, her gaze followed the long length of her legs.

“You have adorable toes,” she said, trying to lighten the mood.

She flushed, and her smile was worth everything.

“I want to bite them.” Juniper teased, playfully snapping her jaw.

Adriel squeaked, pulling her foot underwater. When she looked up at Juniper, the laughter stopped. She felt it. They both did. It was there, heavy and impossible to ignore. Juniper closed her hand over hers and gently squeezed. Silently promising to take care of her once more.

As if hearing her unspoken vow, Adriel dropped her gaze.

“You need to feed, Ade.” She couldn’t bear to watch her wither away in pain. If she nourished her body and felt better, her optimism would return. She’d realize they still have a fighting chance. “Maybe I should clarify. I’m offering.”

At that, Adriel looked up. “You’re still weak?—”

“I’m strong enough. Besides, the thought of you taking someone else’s vein right now makes me want to break something.” She wasn’t taking no for an answer. Standing, she bent to pull the plug and refreshed the bath with warm water. “Soak a while longer. I’ll find fresh sheets, and then I’ll be back.”

She needed a moment to clear her head. Adriel was confused and in pain. Getting her right was number one. But Juniper knew what feeding did. They would be close. It would be intimate. Her body would catch fire. She needed to keep a lock on her own personal desires. What Adriel needed right now was blood and a friend.

After making the bed, she returned to the bathroom. Adriel was wrapped in a towel, and facing the mirror.

“I would have helped you.”

“I managed.” She handed Juniper a folded towel and a fresh washcloth. “You’re so worried about me that you forget to care for yourself.”

When their hands touched, Adriel slowly dragged her fingers over Juniper’s. She self-consciously glanced down at her dirty feet. “I should shower.”

“I’ll wait for you.” Her stare hid promise and intent, enough to disarm Juniper’s confidence. “Come to the bedroom when you're finished.”