Page 14 of The Alpha's Bounty
When I stop talking, it’s not because I’ve run out of words.It’s because I can’t get any more past my tight throat.
Cyrus’s hands curl into fists against the edge of the counter, his green eyes sharp with anger.I know it’s not aimed at me, but at the people I’ve been running from.“They stole from you,” he says, low and dangerous.
“Yes.”My voice is flat.
“They lied to the court.Painted you like a criminal.”
“Yes.”
His bear is close to the surface; I can feel it in the way the air thickens around him.“I’ll sort it out.”
I shake my head quickly.“It’s not that simple.They—” I swallow.“They love tormenting me.They’re not going to drop it.They’ll make sure I pay, one way or another.”
His gaze locks on mine.“They won’t touch you again.”
Something in the way he says it—calm and certain—slides under my skin.And maybe it’s foolish, but for the first time in a long time, I decide to believe someone.
“Now, come on.It’s time for you to get some rest.”
“I can’t let you sleep on the couch,” I tell him.“You’ll never fit.”
“I’ll be okay.”
“No,” I say stubbornly.“Sleep in the bed.”
“No, you can have it,” he argues.
“We’ll share it then.”
He looks shocked.“Mina, the couch is fine.I want you to be comfortable here.”
“I am,” I say softly.“I won’t be able to rest if I know that you’re hurting your neck on that couch.Now come on.”
I hop off the stool and march back upstairs.My confidence wavers as we cross the threshold, but when I look at him, I know it will be okay.I trust Cyrus.
“Mina—”
“I’m sure,” I say, knowing he’s about to give me another chance to change my mind.
He sighs.“Okay.”
I head into the bathroom to brush my teeth and braid my hair.When I step out, I’m yawning.Cyrus doesn’t say anything.He waits for me patiently, tugging the blankets back on the bed.
I let him guide me down, my body sinking into the mattress.He tucks the covers around me like it’s the most natural thing in the world.As if he’s done it a hundred times.
“You’re safe here,” he says quietly.
And maybe it’s the warmth, the steady way he says it, or the sheer exhaustion finally catching up to me, but my eyes drift closed.
The last thing I remember before sleep takes me is the bed shifting as he lies down beside me.Solid.Warm.Unmovable.
Mine.
FIVE
Cyrus
The first thingI’m aware of when I wake isher.
