Free Perfect Misfits by Lawna Mackie Page B

found herself standing before the beautiful water. She removed the clothing Ryder had provided for her and set them in a pile on the floor.
    Smiling as she stuck her big toe cautiously into the water and found it warm. She stepped down into the pool. Water caressed every inch of her body. A ledge at the side of the pool held a bunch of bottles.
    Could it be?
    Tempest made her way toward them, picked up the bottle, and pulled the cork. A streak of pink mist mixed with silver sparkles raced from the top, swirling above her. Alarmed, she dropped the bottle into the water.
    “Demon’s dung!” she cursed, splashing in the water to retrieve the bottle. Before she had a chance to retrieve the bobbing glass, she felt a warm liquid touch her head. She reached for her hair and stopped as her eyes caught the tail end of the pink mist disappearing into it. She froze out of fear, but when she heard and felt her hair being lathered by the bubbles, her shoulders relaxed. She was sure she’d never felt anything so heavenly. Time ceased to exist as her hair and scalp were scrubbed and scoured. When the massage stopped, Tempest opened her eyes to see the mystical pink sparkling stream make its way back into the floating bottle.
    The sweet fragrance of new flowering blossoms was intoxicating. She spied a bar of soap on the ledge, and after a long leisurely wash, she plugged her nose and submerged under the water to wash the suds away.
    Her eyelids had become heavy with sleep. As she made her way out of the water, something touched the back of her thighs, causing her spin around…but nothing was there except for her long, white-blonde hair, which now wrapped around the front of her naked body.
    Her mouth hung open in amazement. She reached down and grabbed a handful of her long, silky locks. She’d had no idea her hair was really that long; it had been so matted before. To her immediate right was a folded towel sitting by her clothing.
    Wow! What other powers does that Gargoyle have?
    Before she reached for the towel, it danced up into the air and wrapped itself around her.
    She smiled. Perhaps Rogue was right. She would take advantage of these luxuries, if just for one night. Leaving the clothing on the floor, Tempest left the room and faced the door where the large bed was. Of course it opened. She stepped inside and moved to the closet, pushing past the moment of guilt that washed over her as the doors opened. A shimmering pale green garment caught her attention. She let her smile return when her fingers pulled the silk free and it floated before her like a dream.
    Of its own accord, the towel fell to the floor.
    She let out a squeak and tried to cover herself, but then she felt the silk slide over her head and slowly down her body. Without thinking, she lifted her arms until the beautiful gown caressed her fully. Unable to resist, she let her hands wander over the soft material.
    The multitude of sparkling lights on the ceiling made a trail to an object Tempest hadn’t noticed before. Her reflection stared back at her startling her and causing her step back toward the door.
    What is it?
    Soon, she realized the reflection must be of her. She approached with caution, staring at the unfamiliar sight. Her wet hair hung to below her knees. Her hand reached up and touched her cheek, then her red lips. Her eyes were green, matching the gown.
    In the reflection, she could see a chair, which moved to just behind her. She grabbed her hair and sat, continuing to stare at herself. From behind, the hairbrush approached. She vaguely remembered what a hairbrush was. By magic, it began brushing in long stokes. Soon, her hair dried, and shone like the lights on the ceiling. She stood and stared again at her reflection and swung her head back and forth. She smiled, liking the way her hair swayed around her body feeling as silky as the gown she wore. The garment fit perfectly. Tiny beaded straps draped over each shoulder. The front dipped low between her