Page 56 of Unbound By Shadows
Brunie puffed with indignation. “It’s not Selene’s responsibility to manage your instincts! Don’t put that on her.”
“I didn’t do anything special,” Selene protested.
Sam plucked at the edge of the tablecloth “I won’t make any excuses for how I behaved, but I wanted you both to know. And for Selene to hear again that I am sorry.”
The room was silent until Eldridge spoke. “Well, I’m sorry to hear it happened, but you did well to stop before it was too late.” He patted Sam on the back.
“Thank you for the advice on how I could have handled it differently,” Sam said.
Brunie stood, then gave Sam a quick kiss on the forehead. “You’re a good boy for always trying to do better. Now, let’s speak of more pleasant things. Who’s ready for cake?”
The room filled with the sounds of Sam and Eldridge cleaning their plates as Brunie disappeared into the kitchen. Selene finished her last bite of porridge and snuck a glance at Sam across the table.
Who knew that a man admitting to his mistakes could be so attractive? Although Sam’s slip-ups were a far cry from the time Kevin lied about denting her car, his confession impressed her. He hadn’t minimized what happened or made her feel like she was overreacting. He obviously placed great stock in Brunie and Eldridge’s advice, and in turn, they wanted what was best for him. Seeing how much these gentle creatures cared for Sam brought up all sorts of feelings within her. Mainly warm and squishy ones.
He wasn’t a monster. He had issues, that was certain, but he was working on them. Both Aurelian Selene and Ordinary Selene could appreciate that.
Chapter 22
After dinner, Sam had Eldridge show him what work needed to be done around the farm. Although the Goblyn was strong for his size, Sam knew he tired easily. Sam began working in the barn, moving a tower of hay bales up into the loft. The work was slow, but the burn of strain in his arms and legs felt welcome.
Sam had always enjoyed helping with any projects the couple needed during his visits. This time he was especially anxious to do as much as he could—because unbeknownst to Brunie and Eldridge, this was goodbye. Since he was planning to take the stone from Zaybris soon, this trip would mark the last time Sam would ever see them, until their souls descended to the Underworld.
He dropped a hay bale on the loft floor, trying not to dwell on how they would react if they knew what he was planning to do. That morning, Sam had received a letter from Queen Thema in the switch pouch confirming how she had sent word to Zaybris that a gift was forthcoming. A hot, prickly feeling of guilt crept across the back of Sam’s neck, but he shook it off.
Glancing down to the floor below, he saw Eldridgehumming as he ran a brush over his sturdy brown horse, Rainsilver. The Goblyn called to Sam. “It’s getting late, lad. We can do the rest tomorrow.”
“It’s fine. I want to finish.”
“Then stop for a break. Have a whiskey with me before I turn in.”
“All right.”
Sam descended the stairs and heard the clang of glasses on the small table that stood near the horse stall. The lower level was colder than the loft, and the night air felt invigorating.
Sam sat at the bench in front of the table, noticing how it wiggled more than he cared to see. Another chore to add to his list. Eldridge eased himself onto the bench opposite Sam, and they tapped their cups in an informal toast. The Goblyn took a sip, then fixed his sharp eyes on Sam.
“So, my lad,” he began without preamble. “Were you in love with Selene before leaving to take her north? Or did it develop along the way?”
Sam’s back went ramrod straight. His claws shot out, and shadows darted from the dark corners of the barn to swirl around him. The question was so unexpected, the ceramic cup he held was crushed to powder in his grip.
Eldridge smiled wryly. “There’s no point in denying it. I knew from the moment I saw you help her into the carriage.”
“You don’t know anything,” Sam snarled. His left leg jogged as he struggled to find his next words. Words to somehow make him feel less exposed and convince Eldridge how in control he was of the situation. He had to convince himself, too.
“Human women are known for their beauty. Is it wrong if I find her… pleasing?” Sam asked.
“Pleasing?” Eldridge snorted. “Tell me this, you’ve been in Aurelia for more than twenty years. You’ve encountered many females in that time, correct? Malkina, Nereid, Harpies, Dragos. Many of them quite beautiful. You’ve found some of thempleasing, haven’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Of course, but I have never seen you look at another as you do Selene. You’re smitten,” he chuckled.
“I am not… ”
The way Eldridge raised one bushy eyebrow made Sam ground his teeth. Were his feelings for her that obvious? A deep growl rumbled in Sam’s chest. The sound climbed in his throat, then burst out past his lips as a sharp roar. It echoed through the barn, reverberating off the wooden walls and beams. Rainsilver flicked her ears.
Then all demonic bluster fled as Sam dropped his head in his hands. Slumping forward, he mumbled, “It’s just a foolish infatuation.”
