Resigned to be a good passenger, my eyes remained closed for the rest of the journey. As the lights become brighter and traffic is louder, I can tell we've returned to civilization. Instead of looking around, I focus on Levi's scent, his breaths and the slight chill of his skin on my cheek. I memorize how he feels under me, the bunch and release of his muscles and the ever-constant rise and fall of his chest.

Impressively, the long distance or my constant weight doesn't bother him at all. Though I know we aren't sticking to streets alone, he travels without stopping to question our direction.

I want to hear his voice, but I don't know what to say.

I want to repay him properly. Money isn't an issue for him, and while I still feel indebted for what he's spent, there's so much more I owe him. Most importantly of which, is a second chance. I know I saved his life, but it doesn't feel the same. He gave me hope and purpose, didn't hide who—or what, he is.

But it was wise for him to not share too much. After all, I'm just another human he's had to save. I may not feel like a burden to him, but in the back of my mind I know what I am.

When the air stills and his footfalls quiet, I know we've come to a halt. I peek through leaden eyelashes at the sign of Hilltop, a well-known and very nice hotel. I'll really have to pull in the tips at Transylvania to repay this one.

"Would you like to take my card, or have me check you in?" Levi asks.

"Not sure my legs will work right now," I mutter back. It's mostly true. I prefer using his legs over my own.

The receptionist might have other opinions about that, but right now I don't care. Each step he takes is precious, each one leading to our end.

I ignore the improper contractions of my heart as he walks at a normal pace into the foyer. I ignore how my thoughts wander to my lonely apartment, to cold white walls and an empty bed. To a night without crimson eyes, or worse, to a nightmare where those eyes turn against me.

I hope Levi ignores how my arms have tightened around him.

He pays and gets a room key, then takes the stairwell up to the third floor. "You don't use elevators?" I ask.

A chuckle, his breath teasing my neck. "Still not a fan of technology."

I smile. Of course, I'm sure it all feels like magic to him, despite the fact his very existence defies science.

Once inside the room, he lays me on the bed. The motion feels so familiar. The touch so tender.

My back falls into the mattress and I bring a pillow to my chest, reminded of scars on my heart. I was never sure if anyone around me cared—my parents went through the motions, taking care of obligations and not much else. I had no time for friends, and all my coworkers did was compete for promotions—aside from Mags and Kristi— but with Levi, it's always there. The warm spot in my chest.

He covers me with the blanket and I look up, one last time.

"Sleep well," he whispers, brushing his fingertips over my brow.

I clench my jaw, forcing back a sudden wave of emotion.

"Thank you," I whisper back.

He walks to the door and switches off the light.

I lie to myself and fall asleep, thinking he'll still be here in the morning.

—

I wake up to an envelope on the nightstand and an empty room.

As soon as I notice, my arm flies out from under the covers and I bring it close to my face. There's no writing. I flip it over and open the seal. A few crisp bills and a credit card.

Bile rises in my throat. I toss the envelope, money and all, in the general direction of the door and roll over.

It's no good. He won't come back.

And I can't fall back asleep.

I take in a deep breath and cross my arms, hugging my chest. Salty tears run down my cheek into the pillow. My hands grab my forearms, closing around each cut. Then I feel something.

The strip of fabric Levi ripped off his jacket to wrap my arm last night. Sniveling, I sit up and inspect my skin, peeking under the fabric. The cut isn't as pretty now, but the wound is sealed again.

I take care to tighten the black fabric, wearing it like an arm band instead of a bandage, and wipe off my face. I may not be able to repay Levi now, but I can repay someone else. Mags and Kristi were nice people, and I can see us being friends if I can get rid of Lucien.

I'd want that, too.

I'd want to save them the same way he saved me.

So for now, I push Levi to the back of my mind and find my duffel bag on the chair next to the bed. Everything is as I left it, the bare necessities to get me through.

I run a comb through my hair and wash my face, swiping some of the complimentary soap and shampoo to take with me. I'm never above saving what's offered for free. Last, I pick up the envelope Levi left and leave the room.

Knowing Levi, he booked the room for a whole month if not more, so I head to the front desk to get a refund. The hotel has polished marble floors—white, unlike those in Transylvania—but carries a similar air of superiority.

It's nice, I guess.

The receptionist smiles as I approach. "Good morning Ma'am, how may I help you?"

"Hi, I'd like to check out of room 302." I place my key card on the counter and her smile falters. "I won't be staying as long as I planned, so could you refund any extra costs?"

"Of course." She takes the card and types on her computer. "Did you have any issues with your room or the services provided?"

"No, not at all. I had a change of plans."

She continues to type. "Alright, you're all set. The first week's payment of $840.72 has been refunded to the card ending in 5384. It usually takes a few days to process."

"Thank you." I nod, grabbing a business card off the counter just in case, and turn to the exit.

"It's none of my business, but I hope all is well with you," she adds. "The man you came in with last night, he seemed to really care for you."

My head drops, a wall of hair covering my face from her view. "He's a good man."

I hurry and make my exit through the revolving doors. If I'm going to be strong, I need to leave my feelings for Levi behind. I need to become invulnerable and focus solely on my next move. That's how Levi must do it, night after night and year after year.

Cool morning air carries the scent of the sea, not yet chased away by the heat of the day. All I can see are buildings and cars and people.

I miss trees. Grass in place of the pavement. Flowers instead of trash.

Signs for the nearest bus stop are easy enough to follow. As I make my way along the sidewalk I approach a group of pigeons. They're crowded around a fast-food wrapper, balking and fighting for a share of the crumbs. When I draw close their cries become louder. One jumps at the bird in the prime position, pecking it until the wrapper is dropped and then moves in to take over.

They aren't threatened in the least by my presence. All they care about is taking what the other has. Here, even nature has adopted man's way of life.

I wonder if I, too will adopt the same life as before once I return to the city. 

Anyone else take all the complimentary goodies at hotels?

❤️‍🩹 Siberia