Page 83 of Beast

“Honey, there ain’t no other place I want to be.”

She lies down, and I slide in behind her, pulling her into my chest.

I don’t know if I believe what Annika said. That the only thing that happened in town was being denied entry into stores.

But for now, her explanation will have to do.

I could ask Bram to pull up CCTV from town but he’s already working around the clock.

Besides, I have to trust that whatever Belle and Annika aren’t telling me is something I don’t need to worry about.

CHAPTER 30

BELLE

I start vomiting somewherearound dusk.

Waves of nausea crash into me and send me rushing for the bathroom.

I must pass out, because when I wake up again, I’m in Beast’s arms and he’s carrying me from the bathroom back to the bedroom.

He gently lays me back down on the bed, fluffing the pillows behind me so I’m more comfortable.

“Here,” he says, bringing a glass of cold water to my lips. “I had housekeeping bring up a jug of phantasia water. It will help with the nausea.”

He’s right. I gulp down the phantasia water, and it’s lovely and cool, and the nausea eases almost immediately.

“Thank you,” I whisper after draining the glass.

He pours me another, then disappears into the bathroom and returns with a wet facecloth.

Kneeling beside the bed, he gently brushes the damp cloth over my face and lips.

“I must look a real mess,” I say softly, feeling sorry for myself. “Do I look like a racoon?”

The corners of his beautiful mouth tug with the hint of a smile. “Only the cutest raccoon that ever existed.”

I laugh and sob at the same time. “Thank you.”

He chuckles and helps me get comfortable among all the pillows again. Then he lies down beside me and pulls me into his arms. “You should get some more rest.”

I nod and settle against his warm body, feeling content. Feeling safe.

I fall into a deep, restful sleep, knowing it’s because I am in his safe arms.

But when I wake up a few hours later, he’s gone.

CHAPTER 31

BEAST

I stareat the screen and grind my teeth.

My very last nerve has been found.

At my side, my hands curl into fists, my nails biting into my palms.

We’re in the security room at the clubhouse, staring at CCTV footage Bram was able to pull from hacking into the town’s street cameras.

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