Chapter 22-Small Victory
**~Valentina~**
Hazie is completely naked, legs wide open, and her phone is positioned perfectly for my viewing. I do the same so that we can enjoy each other's bodies while we play with ourselves. She's teasing one of her nipples while her other hand rubs her pussy, and I reach into my nightstand to grab my new vibrator, lube it up, and turn it on.
"Does Tae know about your new friend?" The sight of me rubbing the vibrating toy against my clit gets her excited.
"Nope. I haven't used it yet, but he won't be back until later tonight anyway. You should get one, so I can watch you use it too." I would love to see Hazie fuck herself with a toy, and it would give her more pleasure than her fingers. "I'll put that on my next list for necessities. Slide it inside, Val, and get closer to the camera." I scoot closer and push the toy inside. I slowly pump it in and out at first, then speed up my pace. I need Hazie's lips and tongue on my body, so I picture her here with me. I imagine her scent surrounding me as if someone sprayed a bottle of specially made perfume.
"Whoever cums last is a loser," I challenge. Hazie's laugh almost brings me more pleasure than my vibrator. It's so nice to see her happy despite everything she's going through.
"And if I win?" She dips two fingers into her wetness and strokes deep inside herself.
"If I win, you have to promise to keep yourself safe, even if something happens when you go back to confront past Eden. If you win, I'll get off your ass about the friendship you're forming with her." I always have something to say about her forgiving Eden for what she did, and I can tell she's getting annoyed by it. She says she knows Eden better than we do and she's working hard to earn our trust.
"Deal. Now shut up so I can concentrate." It's nice to see she never lost her sense of humor.
I increase the vibration on my toy and rub my clit simultaneously. I keep my eyes focused on Hazie as she thrusts faster and pinches her nipple. Just the sight of her has me ready to explode. We both knew I was at an advantage with my toy, so the bet was never fair to her. My legs begin to shake as I reach my climax.
"I'm cumming, Hazie. Keep touching yourself." I ride out my orgasm, and she follows close behind me. She's stunning as she comes apart, her wetness dripping from her core. I want to glide my tongue right through her and taste every inch of her body. As soon as I see her, that's exactly what I intend to do.
"Alright, you win. I promise I will make it back home safe and sound. I still want you to lay off Eden though, Val. She could be like Rebeka. She could keep me confined here until I've outlived you and Tae and try to keep me for herself, but she isn't. I get that she's the reason we're in this situation. However, she is the one who is fixing it. She really isn't all that bad once you get to know her. Okay?" Hazie pulls on her camisole and shorts while I redress too.
"Okay, baby. I'm sorry. I know it doesn't help when I talk bad about her. I love you, and I miss you so much it hurts." I try to keep the tears from falling, but I can't.
"Don't cry. Everything is going to work out, I promise. Before long, I'll be back home, and our lives will be back to normal," She comforts me.
"God, I hope it doesn't go back to normal. Our normal has been tragic and worrisome ever since we got together. When you get back, I want no more drama, no more panicking, and no more trouble." Normal will never sound pleasant to me ever again.
"You're right. We've had a pretty crazy ride, haven't we?" It's hard to believe our relationship is still fairly new. We've been through a lifetime of hurt already. I hear the sound of a door opening and closing. "Eden just got back. I'll call back before bed. I love you!"
"Okay, I love you more." We hang up, and the emptiness in my heart comes back with a vengeance.
**~Hazel~**
I go into the kitchen to find Eden and a few grocery bags. "Hey. What goodies did you bring back this time?"
"I got you those chocolates you liked last time and fresh fruits. The rest is just dinner and breakfast items." It seems like she's purposely keeping her back to me, judging by the awkward way she moves. Her voice is monotone, unlike her usual happy self.
"Are you okay?" I move closer to her, and she shies away. "Eden, talk to me."
"I'm fine. Just give me some space." I back away because when a person asks you to back off, you back off.
"Okay. I'll be in my room if you need me." There's no telling what has upset her. She comes back with a negative attitude every once in a while, but this is the worst mood I've seen her in. Dealing with Rebeka is never pleasant, so maybe she said something to her again. I'll let Eden talk when she's ready.
In the meantime, I think I'll go hunting. This time, I will not lose self-control. I will do everything right. I slip on the new pair of tennis shoes Eden bought and throw my hair up to contain my wild waves. I technically don't need to feed yet, but I like to get it done before I get too hungry because I don't want to rage out and attack Eden again. After feeding off her, I developed a craving for her blood that is nearly painful. Every time I smell her, my gums ache, and my mouth waters. I haven't told Val how much I love the smell of Eden because it feels so wrong. I keep trying to convince myself that it isn't personal, and I would have the same thirst for anyone who came into the cabin, but I can't help wondering if maybe there is a bond. No, I don't feel the sparks that I feel with Val and Tae, but I do feel a need to be near her more and more every day. I've never understood why anyone would reject their mate. Your mate is supposed to be a blessing made specifically for you, so why do I feel ashamed of Eden? I know she fucked up in the beginning and if we can't reverse this change, my life will never be normal in the Lycan Colony. I can't see how I could live without Val and Tae. The saddest part? Despite everything I've been through since I left Mortal Grounds, I still feel like I'm where I'm meant to be. I would rather be stuck in this predicament than be mateless and a human in Mortal Grounds. I know I'm strong enough to adapt or overcome this.
I leave my room and look around for Eden to tell her I'm leaving the cabin, but it seems she left again. I quietly walk through the woods and crouch down when I see a nice-sized buck. He's close to the boundary Eden made to ensure I don't leave the property. Animals can come in, but they're not able to cross back over it, so their fate is sealed once they cross. She offered to remove it, but I told her it should stay. The last thing I need is an easy way out to potentially harm a person.
The buck moves closer, and I hold my breath to be as still as possible. As soon as I have a clear path to him, I lunge. He's quick but not nearly enough to escape me. I feel that fierce rage bubble up in my chest as the buck kicks and fights against my hold. Fear is evident in his eyes, only giving satisfaction to the dark side of me that takes over my body. The thirst is almost too much to bear, but I take a deep breath to try to take back control. I quickly snap the buck's neck and drain him of his blood. I finally did it. I'm so overwhelmed with happiness that I start to cry like a big baby right there on the ground. It might be a small victory, but it gives me hope. I don't have to be a monster anymore. All my pent-up emotions mix. My anger, sadness, hurt, and isolation collide with determination, pride, and hope. It's all too much, so I let it out while lying on the ground beside the dead buck.
I didn't hear Eden approach me, and I have no idea how much time passed, but I become aware of her when she lifts my body from the ground and carries me back to the cabin. Eden sits on the couch with me still in her lap as she runs her fingers through my hair. "I'm so sorry, Hazel. I promise I'll make this right. You are going to go back home, have your own babies, and live a meaningful life with Octavius and Valentina. You won't have any more troubles." Before I submit to sleep, I feel a soft kiss on the top of my head.