Page 92 of Storm
Without thinking, I move forward, instinct driving me to fix whatever's wrong. "She needs to get warm," I say, my voice leaving no room for argument.
Rook looks like he might protest, but then he glances down at Storm's trembling form and nods. "She does. Her clothes are soaked."
"I'm fine," Storm insists, but the way she burrows deeper into Rook's embrace belies her words. "Just need a minute to warm up."
I ignore her protests, already calculating the fastest way to raise her core temperature. "She needs a hot bath. My bathroom has the largest tub."
"I can take care of her," Rook says, a hint of challenge in his voice despite our earlier truce.
"My bathroom," I repeat, meeting his gaze steadily. "It's twice the size of yours, and the water heats faster."
We stare at each other for a long moment, a silent battle of wills. Finally, Rook glances down at Storm, who's shivering more violently now. "Fine," he concedes. "Your bathroom."
I hold back the triumphant growl that threatens to escape, aware of the eyes watching us. "This way," I say instead, already heading for the stairs.
Storm makes a noise of protest as Rook lifts her effortlessly, cradling her against his chest. "I can walk," she grumbles, but she doesn't struggle.
"Save your energy," I advise, leading them up the stairs. "You need to conserve heat."
Fox and Alexander exchange a look as we pass, something knowing in their expressions that I choose to ignore. Frankie hovers at the base of the stairs, uncertainty written across his face.
"Frankie," I call back without slowing. "Ask Elena for some dry clothes for Storm. Something warm."
The beta nods, seemingly grateful for the task, and hurries off toward Elena's cabin.
My room is at the end of the hall, away from the others. I've always preferred the isolation, the quiet. Now I'm grateful for the privacy as I push open the door, leading Rook and Storm inside.
The bathroom is large, as I'd claimed, with a deep tub built into the floor. Without ceremony, I move to the taps, turning them to start the water flowing. I adjust the temperature carefully, hot enough to warm her, but not so hot it will shock her system.
"Set her down," I instruct Rook, who hesitates for only a moment before gently placing Storm on her feet. She sways slightly, and he steadies her with a hand on her waist.
"I'm fine," she insists again, though her voice is weaker now. "Just cold."
"You're more than cold," I counter, checking the water temperature with my hand. "You're on the verge of hypothermia. That stream is fed by mountain snow."
"I didn't mean to fall in," she says, a hint of her usual defiance breaking through the chattering teeth. "I was just trying to?—"
"Catch a fish with your bare hands, I heard," I cut her off, turning back to face her. "Unnecessary risk."
She scowls at me, some of her color returning as irritation brings blood to her cheeks. "It was fun, Reed. Something you wouldn't understand."
I ignore the jab, focusing instead on practical matters. "The bath is almost ready. You need to get out of those wet clothes."
Rook clears his throat. "Maybe I should go?—"
"No," Storm says immediately, gripping his arm. "Stay. Please."
The vulnerability in her voice catches me off guard. Storm, who never shows weakness, who fights every step of the way, is asking him to stay. It shouldn't hurt, but it does.
"I'll be right outside," Rook assures her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. His eyes meet mine over her head, a silent message passing between us.Take care of her.I nod once, acknowledging the trust he's placing in me.
Once Rook has closed the bathroom door behind him, I turn back to Storm. She's standing there, shivering in her wet clothes, looking smaller and more vulnerable than I've ever seen her. The sight does something to my chest, a tightening that's uncomfortable and unfamiliar.
"Let me help," I say, the words coming out softer.
She looks up at me, those storm-gray eyes wide with surprise at my tone. "I can manage," she says, but there's less bite in it than usual.
"I know you can," I acknowledge. "But you don't have to."
