Page 125 of Beast and Remedy
“Rosebud,” his voice repeats in a whisper, and I veer toward the sound, my vision clearing and meeting golden-honey eyes. “I’m going to take care of you.”
Light swirls from Beau, and the glow leaves him and lands on me.
I startle from the heat seeping and spreading through me. The stilling relief sings to my power, soothing and coaxing it with a gentle touch, and I whimper.
My shredded body unravels, but my nerves twitch. Waves of spasms gush down my torso, forcing my muscles to clench and drawing an agony-filled screech from my throat.
“Vi!” Beau’s clipped voice tugs at my heart as he recalls his magic, scooting toward me.
But I flash my teeth with a hint of a snarl, fighting to gain a grip on my transformation and wanting to keep him safe.
I don’t know what I would do if I hurt him.
Yet instead of being cautious and taking my warning seriously, Beau meets my challenge with determination. “No. Your stubbornness is getting the better of you, and I’ve had enough. I’m not going to idly stand by anymore and be forced to hear you suffer and do nothing all because I want to respect your wishes.”
He slips his hands under my side, hefting me into his embrace as his gift flares to life. “You aren’t allowed to shelter this pain alone anymore. Not as long as I am breathing.”
I don’t know how he managed to drag me into his arms, and I’m too distracted by the eruption of spasms shooting up my spine to growl in retort.
Brightness explodes from the love of my life, enveloping his entire being. Beau’s sturdy grip never loosens as he sends waves of magic down my back.
“Deep breaths.”
I surrender to his commands, aware of his gifts not completely numbing me, but dulling the pain. Almost enough for it to be manageable.
More of my fur sheds from my limbs, and I arch back, my body altering more to my human self, my cold skin dampened with sweat as I pant.
“That’s it. Good girl. Keep breathing.” Beau funnels more of his—
CRUNCH.
I hiss in agony, tears stinging my eyes from the flurry of power shattering my jaw.
Beau’s magic reacts, glowing rays of sunshine streaming and caressing me. Like it’s holding my face and peppering it with kisses.
But the destructive cracking ripples in my head, fissures amplifying throughout.
“Make it stop!” I shriek, squeezing my eyes closed and burrowing into his chest.
Pulses. Aches. Spasms.
Each one more harrowing—more excruciating—moreconsumingas they rattle in my skull.
I bite my tongue to suppress my screams and apply pressure along my scalp, hoping it’s enough to aid with Beau’s gifts and lessen the stabbing sensation.
It’s always the most painful in my head, like my magic is sending me a reminder.
I willneverbe fully in control.
Tears stream down my cheeks as the radiating distress refuses to abate. Refuses to relent. Refuses to let me have a reprieve.
Beau’s warmth and his light envelop me.
But it’s not enough.
I convulse, my eyes rolling to the back of my head, hand falling limp.
Beau’s power falters, panic sharpening his voice. “Vi!Vi!” His magic crashes into me as he draws my crumbled and exhausted body close. “Come on, my love. Come on! Come back to me.”
