Page 56 of The Mating Fire
“It is you, Jared.” With all her might, she forced herself away from the safety of the door, from hopeful escape. “It’s you. Jared, who kissed me and saved me from the demon.”
His snarl echoed through the room. “Jared is gone. Do not look for him, he has vanished. There is only me, you foolish girl.”
Harper’s heart raced. Easy enough to turn now and flee out the door. Something made her pause, see past the fear and the grotesque beast.
“It is you beneath all that, Jared. I know it is.”
Suddenly his muscular shoulders slumped. “Get out,” he said in a tired voice. “Just leave me alone.”
He made a dismissive gesture with one clawed hand. “Go away.”
Immobilized, she stared at him, her heart racing, compelled by both pity and something deeper and more intense.
“Jared…”
“Get out,” he roared. “Get out before I eat you, girl! I am your worst nightmare!”
Gasping, she whirled, grabbed the doorknob and flung the thick door open. Harper raced down the steps, her breath coming in stabbing gasps. She ran, her side burning, and did not stop until she reached the safety of her bedchamber.
Slamming the door behind her, she locked the door and raced for her bed.
Harper pulled the covers over her face and cried.
Not for herself.
But for the beast she’d encountered. For it wasn’t rage nor lust for violence lurking in his dark eyes. Jared’s eyes.
It was sorrow.
Chapter 17
How the hell could he face her this morning? Harper had seen what he was, had backed away from him in terror, just as he’d predicted to Xavier.
Soulmates? Not likely. Not when she looked at him the way he imagined all women would.
Pacing in his bedchamber, the light of dawn having restored his body to human form, Jared tried to think of what he could tell Harper.
I’m better off locked up here, in my room, forever. Let the curse work its end. I do not belong to this world.
Remembering the terror on Harper’s face, Jared groaned. What an ass he’d been, yelling at her to scare her further. Desiring only to lash out, to drive her away from him.
It was a poor defense mechanism, trying to keep her away from his beast form so she couldn’t reject him as other women had.
Yet there was no denying his heated attraction for her, his deep-set admiration for her wit, her brains, and a very male appreciation for her other assets that were more physical.
That kiss yesterday, it had astonished him with the depth of sensual pleasure. He, accustomed to seducing women andgetting what he wanted, had felt every nerve ending in his body roar to life.
Jared had felt as if he’d been sleeping for two millennia and suddenly awakened to find himself in a new, exciting world.
Not to mention how she aroused other feelings in him that no other women had, from a fierce protectiveness to simple curiosity. He wanted to know her, wanted to spend time with her and each moment away from her felt more torturous than when that bitch had cursed him with the Krampus form.
Forget her. Harper remained his concern. How the hell could he face her at breakfast?
Easier to remain in his room, have her meals sent to her. But cowardly, and damnit, he was not a coward. Much as he dreaded seeing her again, he longed to greet her.
Assuage her fears. What did you say to a woman who ran away from you, thinking you were the monster of her worst nightmares?
Be yourself. Be honest. Tell her what happened to you. You warned her never to lie to you. Does she not deserve the truth as well?
