Page 69 of Fated to the Hunters
He shook his head as his chest rose with a deep inhale. “My father used to say that words meant nothing. Children had to be seen and not heard—even that was a stretch at times. He didn’t care about what we said, only what we did.”
“I’m sorry.”
“There is no need for your apology, Scarlett. It wasn’t your fault.”
“Would you like me to try and ease your mind?”
He tilted his head towards her, hesitating before giving a slight nudge of his head, barely visible in the dim light.
“Violence against one’s mate is rather uncommon for us,” Scarlett explained.
“Because you’re a perfect match.”
“That’s it.”
“But we aren’t.”
“Perfect people? Maybe not, but a perfect match doesn’t always mean that you fit together seamlessly. Isis created us to compliment each other, to grow together.”
“You are too kind.”
“I’ve been hearing that a lot lately.”
“And you don’t like it.”
She sighed. “I’m not sure anymore. I used to find pride in the attributes that my parents wanted to see within me. Now I can’t help but look back and ask if I would’ve turned out differently if they had let me grow up like everyone else. I’m not blind, you know? I understand that I’m sheltered. That most of what you find normal in your day-to-day life is a whole new world for me.”
“Like driving a car.”
“Even leaving the house for a walk around the lake.”
“Is that something you’ve wanted to do today?”
“No. I feel exhausted,” she confessed, “and I don’t even know why.”
“Grieving is exhausting. So is adjusting to a new life.”
“I know, I just feel like I’ve wasted the day.”
“Taking care of yourself is never a waste.”
Vince’s words finally brought a smile to her face. They were much more relieving than he might ever know. Looking back outside she lost herself in the countless stars shining above her new home.
“Scarlett?”
“Yes, Vince?”
“What comforts you?”
“Would you like me to show you?”
“I’d love that.”
Scarlett spread the blanket out on the floor and beckoned him closer. “Lay your head in my lap.”
Vince slid across the floor, lying back against her. Instantly, her fingers began to comb through his hair. He closed hiseyes and his features softened almost immediately. Maybe he’d been struggling more than she thought, keeping his distance to protect her.
“Does this comfort you? Or would it be better if we did it for you?” he asked.
