Daywalker by Charisma Knight

Akaisha’s eyes.
    “Me too,” she whispered, feeling the sudden pull towards Daegan. The time she spent with him in his bedchamber was nothing compared to what she now felt. The air around them seemed to be romantically charged, and a feeling of déjà vu engulfed them.
    “I should be going now,” Akaisha murmured, hoping Daegan would prevent her from leaving the bedchamber. She could stay with him all night long, just talking to him, however the timing was completely off. He needed time to absorb all that she had told him.
    “I suppose you do,” Daegan stiffened, trying to cover up his tenderness. “I’ve much to attend to this evening,” he said, searching the depths of her brown eyes. His jaw clenched tightly, and Akaisha could see the muscle twitching, something that attracted her deeply to the man.
    Daegan smiled, looking down at the floor, amused at her girlish behavior. She had a way about her that melted away his pain and anger.
    “Akaisha, don’t back into the door frame, luv. I don’t wish to stay up all night tending to a nasty bruise on the back of your head. I don’t think I could survive another night alone with you.” He grinned, looking away.
    “Yes, wouldn’t want to do that, now would I?” she laughed nervously, suddenly feeling like such a dolt. She turned on her heel, rushing out of the bedchamber, embarrassment burning her cheeks. Now, she wanted nothing more than to vanish from Daegan’s sight, praying he would forget how she almost ran smack-dab into the doorframe.
    Daegan crossed his arms, continuing to watch the doorway in which Akaisha departed, shaking his head, smiling, wondering what had just happened between them.

Chapter 14
    Akaisha’s heart sank to her stomach as she walked with urgency through the large castle. She was more than willing to mend clothes like the slaves, cook, or wash garments. Hell, she would be happy cleaning out the stables if necessary. At this particular moment in time, she prayed for the earth to swallow her. Not knowing why or how she felt this way towards the man whom she thought to be cruel, she just knew she did not want to make an ass out of herself again in front of him. Her cheeks were still flushed with embarrassment when she bumped into Elizabeth.
    “Hello, child! Where have you been hiding?” Elizabeth clucked, in her usual aggravating tone.
    “Oh, just around, becoming acquainted with a few of the werewolves,” She nervously confessed.
    “Why child, you are beet red? What has happened to you? Have you a fever?” Elizabeth inquired.
    “I’m feeling a little under the weather, Elizabeth. I’ll be fine in no time, I usually recover quickly.” Akaisha smiled forcefully.
    “Why don’t I make you a cup of hot tea? Go upstairs, and relax. You are not a slave, so why worry about anything?” Elizabeth asked smoothly.
    “You know, Elizabeth, I believe I will lie down for a while, but the tea isn’t a necessity,”
    Akaisha said, not wanting Elizabeth to prepare anything for her.
    “Are you sure?” Elizabeth asked, raising a dark eyebrow.
    “Oh, I’m quite positive. Perhaps later on, I will take a stroll around the castle grounds. It appears to soothe my nerves,” Akaisha admitted, as her thoughts suddenly drifted to Daegan. “Maybe I’ll venture past the walls of Castle Daegan.”
    “Yes, child, I’m sure it does,” Elizabeth murmured, suspicion forming upon her face. “Please, do let me know if you are in need of anything. I don’t mind taking care of you.”
    “Thanks Elizabeth.”
    “I don’t think you should journey past the castle walls, as it is not safe. You’re an outsider and it would be best for you to have an escort,” Elizabeth chastised.
    “I’m sure I can protect myself,” Akaisha charged, as the woman exited the room, but not before shooting her a strong glance.
    Once free from Elizabeth, Akaisha searched for Michael, but he was nowhere within the castle, that she knew of, or perhaps he had transformed,