Page 67 of Brambles and Bellflowers
We would undoubtedly find Eric Richards. Damen, in this form, could doanything.
“Good,” I replied, moving past my fear. If this is what it took, then so be it.
Despite Julian’sreassurances that nothing had happened, Bianca was still anxious after she returned. I wanted to make her comfortable, but she rejected everything, even beef jerky.
She stood up abruptly before I could suggest brewing coffee. Her fists were tight, and her face was tense as she looked around the fire. “I’m going to look for Miles.”
Julian sighed and tugged her hand. “It’s in the middle of the night, darling. He’ll be fine.”
“But I think he’s close by,” she said, her face flushing. “I don’t know how to explain it, but I do.”
She wasn’twrong. But I was surprised she could feel it, especially since she was new to this part of the Quintet Bond.
“Wait.” I stood. She was dressed warmly enough in her fleece pants, a lined jacket, and Uggs. We should be okay for a short walk. “I’ll go with you.”
“Are you sure?” She blinked at me.
“Yeah.” I unzipped my jacket—if we were going out, I might as well take the opportunity to shift. This was the easiest way to keep away from other predators.
She tilted her head in question.
Damen had stretched his legs and was leaning back against a fallen log. “Titus needs to stretch his legs,” he explained. “Do youneedto shift?” he added, glancing toward me.
Yes.
But then I caught Bianca’s expression and a scent I couldn’t quite place. It was a bit unnerving, to be honest.
Was she scared?
“Do youwantme to shift?” I asked Bianca instead, ignoring Damen.
She was quiet for a moment, lips pursed in thought, and a million unasked questions passed over her face before she settled on, “Does it hurt?”
“No,” I lied, dropping my coat to the ground before I loosened my hair and pushed it back from my face. My bones were already stretching, waiting for the second I gave in and allowed my second form to take over.
It would hurt, but only for a second, but the aftermath more than made up for it.
“The hyenas didn’t seem to enjoy it very much.” She frowned as she wrung her hands in front of her. “Are you sure it’s okay?”
“Hyenas are weak.” I pulled off my shirt without unbuttoning it and folded it before placing it on my jacket. “Don’t pay any attention to them.”
“What do you mean?” The scent of her anxiety was growing stronger, and her eyes were fixated on my every movement. It was a strange sensation, but also somewhat addicting, to have her full attention.
I wasn’t an idiot—I knew she was checking me out.
“Titus…” Julian sounded weary.
It wasn’t like I wasmakingher watch me. Besides, modesty had never been high on my list of priorities.
And with that thought, I took off my pants.
She squeaked, blushing crimson as she slammed her hands over her eyes.
“Was that necessary?” Damen drawled.
“Of course.” I glanced at my small bag. “I didn’t bring that many clothes.”
What did they expect me to do, shift in them? They’d be ripped to shreds. Besides, Bianca really seemed to enjoy my plaid shirts.
