Page 72 of A Hunger Soft and Wild

She brushes her fingers through my hair, calming my frayed nerves. “You won’t.”

There it is again: the reassurance that I’m more than a monster.

I’m not sure if it’s belief or bravado, but her certainty warms me. My fangs ache in response, the hunger surging again. I resist it, for now, pressing a softer kiss to the corner of her mouth.

“Roan…” I murmur in protest.

She seems to understand; she lets out a small, rueful laugh and glances at the door. “We should get ready to leave then,” she murmurs. “Before the wrong person recognizes you.” She threads her fingers with mine, gives my hand a small, reassuring squeeze. “We’ll figure out the rest,” she says, as if she’s heard my worries. “All of it.”

Looking into her eyes, the hunger twists into a more profound ache—one for safety, acceptance…love. I haven’t let myself want these things for a long time, but Roan’s presence makes it impossible not to hope.

“Together,” I promise, swallowing the lump in my throat.

She bows her head, kissing my temple, and I close my eyes, savoring the hush of her breath against my skin. Then, reluctantly, we pull apart so we can prepare to travel once more.

***

Roan left not long ago, strapping her sword to her back with a firm, “Stay put, Mouse. I won’t be long.”

We need supplies, and Roan is better suited to move through town unnoticed. She knows how to blend in, how to keep her head down. I, on the other hand, have a bounty on my head.

Still, waiting is worse.

I’ve spent the last twenty minutes pacing the cramped inn room, crossing from the window to the door and back again, arms folded.

What if she doesn’t come back?

I shake off the thought and exhale sharply. Paranoia won’t help. Roan is careful, and she promised she wouldn’t take long.

The floor creaks under my boots as I move to sit on the edge of the bed, rubbing my temple. The room feels smaller by the second, too warm, too—

The door creaks open behind me. I hadn't even heard it unlock.

My heart lurches. Roan’s back earlier than expected. That’s good—we need to leave as soon as possible. The weight in my chest lightens as I turn—

Then I see who’s standing in the doorway.

Selis.

Every nerve in my body goes taut. She leans against the doorframe, all sharp angles and cocky amusement, her dark eyes sweeping the cramped room before settling on me.

“Well, well,” she drawls, crossing her arms over her chest. “Look at you. Settling in like you belong.”

I say nothing, my breath locked in my throat. She shouldn’t be here. How the hell did she find us? My mind races, counting the possible exits, but I don’t move—not yet. If she’s alone, I can handle her.

Her smirk widens, as if she can hear my churning thoughts. “Relax, sweetheart. If I wanted you dead, we wouldn’t be having this lovely little chat.”

I force my spine straight, masking the unease slithering through me. “What do you want then?”

Selis steps into the room, shutting the door behind her with an infuriating amount of ease. Like she belongs here. Like she’s done it before.

“I was in town, grabbing a drink,” she muses, inspecting her nails as she strolls forward. “Then I hear some interesting news. A runaway with a price on her pretty little head. Imagine my surprise when I realize the description sounds… familiar.”

Her gaze lifts, piercing me.

My stomach tightens, but I keep my expression smooth. “Is that right?”

“Oh, don’t play dumb.” Her gaze flicks over me, slow and deliberate. “I knew Roan had a soft spot for strays. I told her it would get her into trouble one day.”

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