Page 79 of Kiss of Magic

“Water’s not a problem, the lake’s big enough for an army. Food might be an issue if we have to feed this many people for a sustained period.”

“Have you spoken to the dryads?”

Nat rolled her eyes.

“You know what it’s like talking to them. They just smile and melt away, and you have no clue if they’ve heard a word you’ve said.”

“They heard. If they want to help, the trees will all have fresh fruit on them tomorrow.”

“Yeah. We’ll see.” She tilted her head to one side curiously as his gaze went back to the entrance.

The Haven had been created by the faeries after they’d escaped persecution by the former Fae King. The only entrance was a concealed tunnel that was very hard to find. The rest of the sanctuary was protected by a magical shield, one that kept itsafe from outsiders. Yet the way Beast was acting, it was as if the enemy was already at the gate.

“Hey,” she said, punching him lightly on one muscled arm. “You’re beginning to freak me out. What’s going on in that horned head of yours?”

“Keep your distance, Natalia.”

“What? Why?”

He shook his head irritably, as if a fly were buzzing round it.

“I can’t explain it.”

“Try.”

“I think… I think I shouldn’t be here. I’m putting everyone’s safety at risk.”

Nat straightened.

“That makes no sense. You’re protecting these people.”

Beast growled softly. He didn’t know how to explain it to her without frightening her. But there was a darkness in his mind. One he hadn’t felt since the first days of his creation.

“Something’s happening to me. I think… I think there’s a demon close by.”

“How would you possibly know that?”

“I can feel it. I’m connected to it.”

“You’re talking crap,” she said sharply. “You’re not connected in any way.” She reached towards him and Beast snarled at her.

“Slayer, no. I told you to keep your distance.” Blackness was rising in his mind. Blackness tinged with red. “I don’t want to hurt you, Natalia.”

“You would never do that,” she said evenly.

“Maybe not on purpose. But there’s something making me… seven hells. I don’t know if I can control it.” He clutched at his head. Long-forgotten impulses were fighting to emerge. “I need to leave.”

“You’re not going anywhere.”

He tried to shake off the unwelcome emotions circling at the edges of his mind. Emotions he’d thought were consigned to the past. Savagery. Blood-lust. The way he used to feel, before he met Natalia.

What’s happening to me?He clenched his fists, feeling his claws bite into his palms.

“As long as I stay here, it will find me. I’m putting everyone in danger.”

“Beast, listen to me. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s not real. You’re nothing like the demons.Nothing.”

Her fierceness lifted his heart. He smiled sadly.

---