Chapter 8

I had the strangest dreams last night. They were so vivid I couldn't tell the difference between them and reality. My eyes were heavy and I had a splitting headache. The bedspread was drenched in sweat but my body didn't feel the pain it had before. In fact, it felt sluggish and fatigued, as if I had run a marathon the day before.

I threw the covers off and crawled off the massive bed. The only light in the dark room came from under the door, and the bright fire's glow was lessened by the distance. I felt around as I walked through the room toward the light. I found a switch on the wall but didn't dare flip it, fearing the light would assault my eyes and cause my head to hurt more.

I opened the door quietly and squinted my eyes, preventing any unnecessary light in. I didn't want to disturb James, and I doubted that they had anything like ibuprofen here. Nevertheless, I could search for some on my own.

I quietly tiptoed out and headed toward the bathroom. I turned on the light and rummaged through the cabinets. As my luck would have it, there was no medicine to ease my pounding head. "Maybe it's in the kitchen.", I thought to myself. To my shock, a man was sitting on a stool near the island.

"Who are you?", I asked, startling him. His eyes widened and he apologized profusely: "I'm sorry, ma'am. Is there anything I can assist you with?" "Umm, can you tell me who you are?", I asked again, my head still throbbing away. He stood and bowed, "I'm one of the servants here." 

Perfect. "Is there any Motrin here for a headache?", he looked confused by my question. I guess he was used to serving the undead, it's not as though they needed things like that. "We don't, but I could get you some.", he offered.

I wandered around the kitchen looking for a pen and paper. If he already had to go out; I could have him get some other items as well. Puzzled, he stared in my direction awaiting a response. "Can I help you find something?", he interjected my rummaging. "Pen and paper?", I asked. Upon my request, he hurried out of the room.

He returned a short while later handing me a pen and notepad. I took the items and began compiling a short list, pausing to rub my temples, in an attempt to ease my headache. I was almost finished when I heard the door from the sitting room open.

"Kara, is everything alright?", James asked. Aside from my head splitting in two, everything was peachy. "Yes.", I responded, "I'm just giving my list of necessities to the servant." Ripping the paper from the pad, I handed it to the servant before he quickly scurried away. 

James approached me at the kitchen island. His demeanor had soured since I left him last night. "Are you okay?" I asked, instinctively reaching out my hand to comfort him. He ran his fingers through his hair before responding, "I'll be just fine." Letting out a deep sigh, he asked, "What are you doing up so early? I thought for sure you would be sleeping till at least noon."

"I, uh…" I blushed at the thought of why I had initially woken up. "I have a headache.", I proclaimed. I could tell from the look on his face that he knew I was withholding something. "He must be able to read minds.", I thought to myself. He smirked, "Care to divulge?" 

I grinned sheepishly at his comment, "Absolutely not." He seemed disappointed at my lack of response. He shrugged, walking down the hallway to the master bedroom. "If you need me, you know where I am.", he said. He seemed distant this morning. Had I done something to upset him? My head still hammering, not knowing how long it would take before I got any ibuprofen, I might as well try to sleep it off.

I returned to my room and found a dry spot on the sweat-soaked bed. I laid down on a fresh pillow and closed my eyes. Pulling the comforter up to my shoulders, I snuggled in,, preparing myself for more rest.

Visions flickered in my mind, replaying the scenes from my dreams. My head wasn't the only thing I could feel pulsing anymore. I let out a frustrated groan. This couldn't be a coincidence, and it definitely had something to do with James mixing our blood at the wedding. I sighed deeply and massaged my temples.

Maybe a hot bath would help. I crept back out of my room and across the hall. I turned the hot water all the way up and then quickly undressed myself. I found some toiletries in a cupboard along with a large fluffy towel and some washcloths.

Dipping my foot into the clawfoot tub, I immediately jerked it back out. Covering my mouth, I prevented the yelp from escaping my lips. This water was scalding, much more intense than back at my pack house. I quickly turned the faucet to cold as I tried to salvage my bath.

Dipping my finger in periodically, I turned the water off once the temperature was bearable. I preferred the water to be slightly uncomfortable with its warmth. Beads of sweat protruded from my forehead and I used a dry washcloth to absorb them from my face.

The tub was large enough to cover me entirely. I closed my eyes, submerging my head, allowing only my mouth and nose to be above the surface of the water. I focused on my breathing and listened to my heartbeat through muffled ears.

I wasn't sure how long I had been there, but the water's temperature had started to match my body's. I wasn't nearly done, so I pulled the plug to let out some water. My body's tenseness had almost fully dissipated, and my head only mildly hurt now. I added some more hot water to the tub, and upon replacing the plug, I continued my bath.

The soaps were pleasantly fragrant and left a light scent of honeysuckle on my skin and hair. I relaxed in the tub for a few moments longer, willing myself to leave this sanctuary. After finding the motivation, I removed the plug and wrapped myself in the oversized towel. It was the only thing keeping the heat from rapidly escaping my body and dissipating into the air.

My cheeks blushed. I had just realized that I hadn't brought any clean clothes with me. My head was so clouded by the pain earlier that I wasn't thinking straight. Thank goodness my room was just across the hall. I would be mortified if James or the servant saw me in only a towel. I listened for any sound of life by the door until I felt enough gumption to dash to my room.

After I was sure no one was around to witness my blunder, I flung the bathroom door open and sprinted to my room, clinging onto the towel for dear life. I closed the door quickly, unintentionally causing it to slam loudly. Whoops. I breathed heavily with my back pressed against the door. Letting out a sigh of relief I locked the door behind me and went over to my bag sitting in the chair in the corner of the room.

I pulled out several outfits, none of which looked like they belonged in this place. I sighed, deciding on the pink and turquoise sun dress I had, it was the nicest thing I owned. Slipping it over my head and pulling it down clumsily over my damp body, my towel fell to the floor.

I slipped a pair of cheeky panties on underneath when I noticed the bottle of Motrin and glass of water sitting on my nightstand. I swallowed a handful of capsules and chased it with the water gratefully. I took my towel back to the bathroom to hang it to dry. I was relieved that at least I had clothes on now.

I brushed my hair, allowing it to air dry. I scrunched it briefly so I could enhance my natural waves. I scooped up my clothes pile to return them to my room. My stomach let out a humiliating rumble, it was just after noon. I had lost track of time in the bathtub earlier, noticing the pruning of my fingers.

I hadn't eaten since the night prior. I was used to this sensation at the pack house, but here, I knew I didn't have to fight the hunger pains. Easing myself out of my room, I headed to the kitchen. The servant had brought back more than what was on my short list.

There was no way that I could eat everything before it spoiled. I hated the thought of wasting food, so, I helped myself to a large portion, it wasn't like anyone else was going to eat any of this.