Page 86 of Watch Me Burn
Still, Maren’s protective presence doesn’t stop my wolf from coming to me. He waits until she’s in bed, until the last light disappears from under her door. I rarely see him anymore. Sleep takes me before he arrives, exhaustion winning over the part of me that wants to stay awake and wait for him. But when I wake in the morning, there’s always a red dahlia bloom on the pillow next to my head. I never told him it’s my favorite flower, but somehow he knows.
I take a sip of hot chocolate, the liquid rich and sweet. Of course, Damien would remember how I like it, another small detail that makes my chest tighten.
He grins. “Well, I’m glad to hear that.”
That smile. It’s dangerous.
“So, Christmas is right around the corner. Two weeks of holiday cheer bearing down on us.”
“I actually love this time of year. Not because of the holidays, but just because of how everything feels cleaner somehow when it’s covered in snow. The mountains look different. More peaceful.”
His smile is indulgent. “You’re one of the few people I know who gets excited about winter in the mountains. Most people complain about the cold and flee to warmer climates.”
“They’re missing out. There’s something magical about snow falling on the peaks.” I glance toward the barn door, where I can see snowflakes drifting past. “It makes everything quiet. Muffled.”
“Like the world’s paused. Waiting for something.”
I look at him, surprise flickering through me.
“That’s exactly it.”
His expression softens, the sharp edges of his usual composure melting away, and my heart skips a beat.
“You’re different, Luna. You see beauty where others see inconvenience. I love that about you.”
Love?
I’m unsure how to respond to his words, spoken with the casual, friendly tone people often use. But the intense look in his eyes makes me swallow, a nervous flutter vibrating in my stomach, so I take a sip of my hot chocolate.
His presence today offers a kind of comfort I’m not prepared for.
He moves before I realize what’s coming. His hand lifts, and his fingers brush against my temple as he tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers linger against my cheek, and he leans down, his intention clear in his eyes.
“Damien.”
I press my hand against his chest and step back, his warmth seeping through his sweater into my palm.
He stops, straightening to his full height. The confusion that flashes across his features morphs into hurt, restrained but impossible to miss.
“What’s wrong?”
“I can’t.” My words disappear under the sound of horses shifting in their stalls.
“Can’t what? Kiss me?” His voice stays level, but there’s an edge underneath. “We’ve kissed before, Luna.”
“I know, it’s just…” I set the mug down on a ledge. My hands shake. “It’s complicated.”
He crosses his arms, and his jaw tightens. “What’s so complicated about two adults who are attracted to each other?”
“I’m not being fair to you.” My throat closes around the words. “I haven’t been honest.”
Damien goes still, like predators do right before they strike.
“What do you mean?”
I’m about to shatter whatever we’ve been building between us, but I have to be honest.
“I’ve been seeing someone else.”
