Page 34 of The Botanist and the Beast

"Perhaps I feel like being kind to you after what I did the other day."

"Whatever the reason, I like it. This, sitting here and talking with you, is really nice," he said, looking up at him. For the briefest of moments, Sebastian's eyes flicked to Theo's lips. When he looked away, Theo's chest ached with disappointment.

Chapter Twenty-One

"Theo? You need to wake up."

Theo slowly opened his eyes and realized he was snuggled close to Sebastian. He had buried his face in his tail. "When did I fall asleep?"

"A while ago." He nodded to the cave entrance. "The storm has passed. Let's start heading back before the heavy snowfall comes again."

"Right. I'll follow your lead." Without the tail holding him, the air felt even colder than before. "Do you need to get dressed?" Theo asked, trying not to stare at his muscular body.

"I didn't come with clothes since I shifted before I left. I'll be fine. Stay close to me so you don't get too cold."

The world Theo walked into was a sloping winter wonderland. The snow fell much softer now in flurries. Even under the dark clouds, the snow shined bright. "Wow," he said as he stared awestruck. "Sebastian how long do you—oh!" He was startled as Sebastian tugged him close to his bare chest. "Um, yes?"

"I think I should carry you down. Get on my back."

"I can walk myself. I'm just a little slow."

"You only caught up to me because you were swallowed in a cyclone. It's fine. Besides, you weigh practically nothing."

Theo hesitated but agreed and held on to Sebastian and fought not to think about how he could feel the heat of his back through his clothes. "If you get tired, just put me down."

"You carried me right after we met. What's the big deal?"

"That was different. You were hurt, I only supported your weight, and the lands were flat. This is down a mountain." Theo held tight as they went down a particularly steep hill. "Just carry me for a little while then I'll walk myself."

"Just make it up to me later if you're so concerned," Sebastian said, glancing back at him. "I'm not putting you down. You've been out in the cold too long as it is."

"And how can I make it up to you?"

He hummed to himself as he thought it over, then glanced back again. "How about I can call in a favor?" Sebastian flashed a smile and Theo's heart fluttered too much for comfort.

"A bit silly considering I'm your ward, but sure."

"Does doing me a favor make you nervous?"

"Sorry?"

"Your heart is beating pretty fast," he said with a laugh. "I can feel it on my back."

Theo's face went hot. "No, I'm just stressed walking down the mountainside. You're going awfully fast."

"I suppose I am. If it's too fast, let me know. I don't want to make you terrified on the journey back."

They made their way all the way back to the castle and Sebastian let him down under his own bedroom window.

"I'll go up this way, but it's best if you go in the front door. Please come to my room so I can get you out of your clothes."

"Sure thing," Theo said with a laugh.At this point the veil is taunting me.

"So, you can get into dry ones, of course," Sebastian added quickly.

"Of course," Theo said, still amused by how shy he was. He watched as Sebastian shifted back into the striking snow leopard. Agilely he climbed up the tree outside his window and leapt branch to branch, sending a couple of angry bluebirds fleeing from their nest before hopping in his room.

When Theo finally made his way inside, he walked right into Lyle in the foyer. "Sorry, excuse me." He went to sidestep him, but Lyle slid in his way. "Do you need something?"

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