Page 24 of Desire

My eyelids grew heavy, and I gave in to the need to sleep before I had an answer.

I woke shivering and regretted not closing the door before bed as I tucked my cold fingers under my arms. The dying coals were barely enough light to illuminate the hearth.

Torn, I debated what to do. I could leave my blankets to add more wood or ask them to join me. One required more time and effort on their part—to chop additional wood. The other might help me learn more about the spell binding them.

The decision was easy.

“The fire is out, and I’m cold. Is anyone awake to warm me?” I called softly.

The flurry of movement drew a snort from me, but the sound of numerous boots hitting the floor as they discarded them almost drowned it out.

“Ox.”

“Oaf.”

“Bast—“

“Who cuffed me?”

“Shut it.”

“I was assured you would never fight due to me,” I said over the scuffle.

“This isn’t a fight, Princess,” Darian said, lying in front of me. “It’s a competition to see who can get to you first.” He pulled me into his arms.

I pressed my cold nose against his warm neck.

“Shite!”

His head jerked as someone cuffed him.

“No cussing,” Garron said from behind me.

I reached back for his arm and used it to pull him closer. The heat of his chest warmed my back, and the shivering eased slowly, helped by Darian’s roving hand that drifted over my hip and up my arm. I sighed contentedly, enjoying the feeling as I debated how to gather more information about the curse binding them.

After mistaking their previous advances, I hesitated to presume anything. Yet, I also knew I couldn’t question or state what I thought I knew as it could lead to a hint. Perhaps subtlety was the key.

Lightly tracing the breadth of Darian’s chest, I said, “I’m glad there is more of you to warm me when you’re inside.”

“More of us? Did we gain a brother?” he asked with a soft laugh. I could hear the underlying uncertainty, though.

This time, I ran my hand from his shoulders to his waist.

“We both know the gain was not in the form of another brother. Goodnight, Darian. Thank you for keeping me warm.”

Silence followed. They would either acknowledge what I knew or continue to pretend that they did not change size when entering the cottage. I could only choose my next step once I knew their direction.

As I waited for them to decide, I closed my eyes and enjoyed their warmth.

When I woke next,the sun was up, and I was not alone. Brandle held me from behind. I didn’t know how I knew it was him; I simply did. Wrapped in his arms, I felt warm and comforted…until his lips brushed the back of my neck.

“I understand there are things you are not permitted to tell me, and though I’ve tried not to let it frustrate me, it has. Considering my dangerous lack of control when my emotions overwhelm me, perhaps it would be wise not to provoke me until I have a better understanding of the help you require.”

“I well understand your frustration, Kellen. I’ve lived with it for years, waiting for the right person to appear to help us. You ask for our patience? We have none. It left us with Henry.

“If you’re frustrated and wish to throw a book or a chair, then throw them. But don’t give up on us, Kitten. Please. That is the only way you could truly hurt us.”

“I have no intention of leaving, Brandle.”

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