Page 39 of The Beast Between Us
I carry her through the halls in silence, careful to keep my steps light and steady. The storm outside has quieted, mirroring the stillness inside me.
Halfway to her chambers, she stirs.
Her eyelashes flutter before her eyes open, drowsy and unfocused at first. She blinks slowly, then looks up at me.
Not a scream.
Not a gasp.
No fear.
Just… a sleepy little smile.
“You’re warm,” she murmurs, head nestling against my chest again as if this is the most natural thing in the world.
I can’t speak. If I try, I’ll say something foolish.
When I reach her door, I nudge it open with my shoulder and carry her inside. The room is dimly lit by the soft glow of the fire Oswin must’ve tended earlier.
I ease her down onto the bed, careful…so carefulnot to let my claws catch on the soft blankets. I pull them up to her chin and smooth them over her gently like she’s made of glass and moonlight.
“Thorne?” she whispers, voice barely audible in the hush of the room.
I still.
“Can we be friends?”
Her eyes are so open. So sincere. Not a trace of mockery. Only hope.
The word scrapes at something deep inside me.
Friends.
It’s not what I want.
But it’s what she’s offering.
And I would take anything from her.
“If that is what you wish,” I say quietly.
She smiles, small and sleepy, and her eyes begin to close again.
“Good,” she whispers. “Because I need one. And, I think you need another one as well.”
I don’t move until her breathing evens out again.
Only then do I whisper into the night.
“I think so, too.”
Chapter Nine
Ella
I’ve been here for several weeks now. During my free time, which is often, I spend my time reading in the library or Lady Evermere’s rose garden. When it’s not storming, of course. Whichisn’tvery often, these days.
Even now, I’m helping Oswin tend the roses when a sudden banging echoes from the front door.
