Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 32116 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 128(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32116 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 128(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
I was taken aback by how different the inside of The Walton looked. On my last visit, the lobby was quaint and cozy. Now, it was adorned with marble pillars, chandeliers, and colorful rugs. I hoped the upgrades hadn't affected the nightly rate of two dollars, though I wouldn't be surprised if the cost had been pushed to double digits.
I made my way across the lobby to a young, stout man standing behind a desk. “Good evening,” he greeted when I approached. His eyes fell to Skyler and he tipped his head. “Is he okay? He looks drunk.”
“We've had quite the night,” I replied, running my fingers through my mate's soft blue hair. “But he will be just fine. He needs rest.”
The man, who wore a tag on his chest which read Mason, turned his attention to a box in front of him. He noisily pecked at the device before nodding. “I have an available room for you and your guest.”
I didn't like the term. Skyler was so much more than that. I made it clear by telling Mason, “This man is not my guest. He is my eternal beloved.”
Mason blinked slowly. “Right. Well, either way, the total for the room is three hundred ninety four dollars.”
I stared at him in disbelief; surely it was a joke. But there was no mirth in his expression. Oh my. Things certainly have changed. Unfortunately, I had been stripped of all my belongings when I was placed underground, so I didn't have access to my wallet.
I hoped Skyler would forgive me for borrowing his. Whatever he spent, I would pay him back tenfold. I had plenty of money; more than enough to support Skyler and myself, but it was hidden away. I would retrieve it as soon as possible.
For the present moment, I slid my hand into Skyler’s back pocket, loving the way his ass cheek fit perfectly in my palm. I pulled his wallet free and flipped it open. It held no paper money; only small, hard rectangles. One of them was printed with a black and white photograph of my beloved. While it was quite handsome, I preferred him in full color.
I removed one of the small cards and looked questioningly at Mason, who nodded. “We take Visa.” I was uncertain what he meant but still grateful as I passed over the rectangle. Mason slid it through a device and shook his head at a beeping sound. “Well, not this Visa.”
“Why not?” I snapped. “Are you suggesting it's not good enough?” How dare he speak against my mate! My fangs extended, planning on making the man their next meal, when Mason shook his head.
“No sir. The machine declined the card because it doesn't have enough money in its account.” So it is the machine's fault. My fangs retracted, deciding to let Mason live another day. “I'd be happy to try another card.”
I handed over a second rectangle, and glared daggers at the machine as Mason swiped the card. “There we go,” he said with a smile. “Let me get your room key ready.” A moment later, he passed over three cards; two which belonged to Skyler, and the third which I assumed was the key, though it was unlike any key I'd ever seen.
I thanked the man and began walking towards a door labeled ‘Stairs’ when Mason's voice stopped me. “Sir, your room is on the fourteenth floor. You'll want to take the elevator.”
“Ah. Yes, of course,” I replied, making a turn to follow the signage. I could easily carry Skyler up the steps, but I didn't want to raise any questions from Mason. So, I made my way to the elevator. I'd used the contraptions before, but had never been in one that ran as smoothly and quietly as this one as it climbed fourteen floors.
After stepping into the hallway, I checked the key card Mason gave me and found the number 1409 written on it. I stepped to the matching door and studied it; there was no keyhole as I was used to - only a thin slot. I slid the card into it and a green light flashed as a click sounded, and I was able to push the door open. Curious.
I carried Skyler into the room, noting a plush sofa and a writing desk. Beyond that was a large bed adorned with thick white blankets. I rested my beloved in the center of the mattress and carefully tucked the covers around him before taking a seat next to him. I traced my fingers across his smooth, soft cheek, admiring his beauty and counting my blessings. I would not leave his side until he woke up.
Chapter Three
Skyler
My heartbeat echoed through my pounding head, and it felt as if I’d been hit by a truck. What the hell happened to me? I groaned as I lifted my heavy hand to wipe the sleep from my eyes. My cloudy mind spun, trying to piece together clues as to why I felt like shit.