70 - Lines Drawn

Celia “Celia!” My body freezes at the sound of my name. I slowly look up and away from the roses, noticing Soren staring at me from across the street. I drop the watering can and shake my head, immediately turning around and rushing back up the stairs. “No! Wait!” I cut him off and slam the door behind me, locking it. I move deep inside the house and shake my head, dread overcoming my senses as well as the mate bond I share with the man. I close my eyes and move into Donna’s living room, plopping onto her old couch, and cover my face with one of her embroidered pillows. “Celia? Dear? What is wrong? Is everything okay?” Donna asks me as she enters the room, her cane thudding against the ground to announce her entrance. I peel the pillow away from my face and take a deep breath, meeting her kind and gentle gaze. Just as I am about to respond to her, the scent of honeysuckle and storm wind overtakes my senses, making me feel off balance and weirdly energetic. The couch dips