Page 75 of Savage Hope

“Okay?”

“I don’t like people watching me suffer and doing nothing to help,” I add, guilt clouding her eyes as she nods again.

“Understandable.”

“And I don’t like having to second guess someone’s motives,” I explain, and she offers me a tight smile.

“Agreed.”

The silence stretches between us for a moment as I internally pat myself on the back for getting that off my chest. I also say a silent thank you to Tatum for giving me some important things to think about before I realize the hushed air between us is growing awkward because I’m stuck in my head.

“Those are my boundaries,” I clarify, my fingers twitching at my sides as I fight the desire to stuff my hand in my pocket and grab my coin to feel grounded.

“Those are some pretty strong and understandable boundaries if you ask me,” she replies, brushing her hair over her shoulder.

“They are in place for everyone,” I confirm, and a sad twinge nips at her mouth.

“And I broke them.”

“You did,” I answer honestly with a nod, and her head dips in defeat.

“I’m sorry.”

Has someone ever really apologized to me before? At Florentine’s, they didn’t care. You would follow their rules whether you like it or not, and the other students ignored me for the most part. Sian would be…Sian, and Terence…an ass, but an apology was never offered.

Was that because we didn’t recall what an apology entailed? Or is remorse not something we’re familiar with?

As products of our surroundings, were apologies hard to come by?

Maybe.

“There are no second chances after this. I might not have long left on this Earth with the blood kin curse in full force, and I don’t want to waste my time having to deal with unnecessary cunts,” I state, and she barks a laugh, shaking her head as humor dances in her eyes.

“I shouldn’t have taught you that word,” she mutters, making my cheeks burn as I try to hide my smile.

“You really shouldn’t have,” I admit, and she stands taller, unlocking her fingers as she pushes her door open wider.

“So we’re good?”

“As long as you respect my morals, then yeah.”

“Good, because we need to leave for the fight soon,” she says with a wide grin as she grabs my arm and tugs me inside.

“Wait,” I call out as the door closes behind me, and she stares at me in confusion. “Do you have boundaries?” I ask, needing to make sure I show her the same respect.

Her frown crinkles between her eyebrows as she shrugs. “I don’t know. Maybe? I haven’t lived your life, Polaris. I don’t know what I hate or don’t, but if I figure any out, I’ll let you know, okay?”

“Okay,” I agree, and she’s back to tugging me farther into her room.

I’m surprised to find that the layout is exactly the same as mine. I wondered if Florentine students received different treatment, but it seems that’s not the case here. Her walls are a pastel pink, a floral bedspread matching the vibe, but she cuts past all of that to tug me toward the armoire, which is already open.

“So, let’s pick out something cute since there’s a wolf or two interested in my silver-haired bestie, yeah?” she asks, all but bouncing on the balls of her feet with excitement, and I pause, turning to face her head on.

“Uh, about that. How much time do we have?” I ask, running my fingers through the ends of my hair, and her smile turns cosmic as she excitedly releases a giggle.

“For you, all the time in the world.”

30

---