Page 11 of The Beast Between Us
“My father is a cruel man,” she admits softly. “I worry he might try to make good on his threat.”
“You need not concern yourself with my safety,” I assure her. “It would take the entire village of Brackenford Valley to catchme off guard… and even then, I doubt any of them would survive the attempt.”
Her eyes widen slightly, but she doesn’t pull away.
I straighten, letting the moment settle.
“Now,” I say, gentler this time, “let’s collect your things. Oswin will show you to your chambers. We’ll reconvene tomorrow to discuss your responsibilities.”
“I don’t have any things,” she whispers.
I pause. “I’m sorry?”
She doesn’t look at me when she replies.
“Father wouldn’t let me bring anything… apart from the clothes on my back.”
Her voice is quiet, but there’s a hollow ache behind it. The kind of sorrow that doesn’t need volume to be loud.
No possessions. No books. No keepsakes. Nothing of her own.
He took eventhatfrom her.
Once again, the Beast emerges.
Too fast this time for me to seize what little control I have. The Beast is, once again, fighting for full control.
Heat pulses beneath my skin, bones creak, and shadows twist unnaturally at my feet.
Kill, he whispers in my head. And for once, we’re in agreement.
“Oh my…” Ella gasps, clutching her chest. Her eyes widen, not in terror…but in shock. Awe, maybe. Or confusion.
She takes a step back, but doesn’t run.
I don’t move.
Don’t speak.
All of my strength is channeled into holding the line. Keepingmy halfof the shift.
This is our daily struggle.
Man versus Beast.
He always pushes for control.
I fight to keep what little remains mine.
Neither of us will win.
Not unless one of us surrenders.
And I refuse.
“I apologize,” I say at last, after several long minutes spent wrestling the Beast back into his corner. “It appears the Beast is not inclined to sit quietly this evening.”
“Sire,” Oswin says gently from the doorway, “the maiden’s room is prepared. Perhaps it’s time for her to rest?”
