Page 174 of Beast and Remedy
But I don’t bother showing a hint of remorse. This bit of pain is something I welcome, something else to help me cast aside the fear riddling them.
There is no time for worry and anxiety to plague me and drown me.
Not when I need to save my sister.
“Now, have a little fucking faith in me and let me do what I am best at,” I grumble to Jean and Pierre, a deep roar vibrating in my chest.
A bit of mahogany fur curls outward from my arms and knuckles, and I take a long, deep breath, closing my eyes. The summoning of my power answers, returning my flesh and my knuckles to normal.
But the wrath and protection still thrash inside of me, needing an outlet.
Warmth spreads. I instantly recognize it and open my eyes to Beau.
“What do you need?” he asks, voice gentle.
The steady presence he brings is a comfort to me and my gifts, but I already feel the difference. If I don’t shift and suppress it, I might hinder and ruin all the progress I’ve made.
The pain might come back tenfold.
Or the curse might doom you, Vi.
Steering away from that morbid thought, I clear my throat, addressing Jean and Pierre. “Beau’s gifts help keep the infection at bay and give us more time than what the healers had with others. When I come back in the morning, I’ll begin my work.”
I turn to Marcel, Jules, and Christine. “We all are going to have sleepless nights from here on out, and I need you three to get the start on ratios for the final formula. I’ll leave Leo to entertain Marian as he has been keeping up her spirits the most.And Beau”—I twist to him, my heart skipping from his touch and closeness—“I’ll need you again for the shift tonight.”
“It’s not safe out in the woods,” Jean says.
“And it’s not safe for me to avoid a shift. I need to do this, and Beau will be with me.”
“Are you sure you want Beau with you?” Pierre challenges, the hint of insinuation stretching between us all.
“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” I answer without hesitation. “He’s helped me with my gifts during our journey. I need him.”
It’s the closest I’ll ever get to publicly verbalizing how much Beau means to me and the closest I’ll get to conveying how much faith, trust, and love I have in him.
Beau squeezes my shoulder twice. “Until you’re ready to shift back or when it’s morning, whichever comes first, I won’t let you be out there alone.”
I hate the risk he’s taking while also wishing I could kiss him for not wanting me out there by myself.
Taking a small chance, I rest my hand atop his. “Thank you.”
Marcel rises. “Do you need backup?”
“No. It’s already a risk for Beau, and I’m already struggling with that weighing on my conscience. Please stay with Jules and Christine tonight.”
The three exchange glances before Marcel agrees.
“We’ll put extra men on guard tonight and patrol the woods with you,” Jean offers. “I’ll put in a word too that they are not to attack any bears in the vicinity.”
“That’ll be good, and it’ll have to be enough.” I dip my head in thanks, the thrum of magic pulsing and stretching my muscles the longer I stand here. “Beau, we need to go.”
I stride toward the exit, stopping at the packs and pulling out a few daggers, strapping them to my person.
Beau comes up behind me, grabbing weapons along with his bow and quiver. “I’ll follow you wherever you go. Always,” he whispers.
My cheeks heat as we wave our goodbyes and rush down the corridor, our fingers intertwining when we are alone as we hurry for Haliver Woods.
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