Once upon a time, that look would have sent me running for the closest corner to cower in. A safe haven until the storm blows over and my punishment was put to rest.
Nowadays, that look does nothing except amuse me.
“And if he turns his attention onDrache Manor?”
Her brows are arched, the underlying challenge loud and clear.
And if he gets the best of you, what then?
“Then I’ll deal with him myself.” My lips split into a wide smile, “There are far too many secrets buried within these walls to let them slip out.”
A beat passes before she lifts her mug and takes a sip.
“See to it that you do.”
“Oh, I will.” My grin doesn’t waver as I stare her down, “After all, a woman’s worth only goes as far as her word. Isn’t that right, mother?”
The Dragon smiles back at me, her eyes glimmering with an emotion far greater than pride.
“Only time will tell.”
My heels echo through the halls as I leave the kitchen, the noisy departure the only sound for miles. The security detail does not stray farther than the guard towers stationed along our property, and the staff who work to keep our space livable are paid to stay in the shadows.
It’s a big empty house, save for two people who are rarely home.
Lonely is a word that often comes to mind whenever I walk through these halls. It’s the grandest structure in Wolf Hollow, but not even the largest family could fill these walls.
There’s simply too much space.
Cold, empty space that feels a lot like the one in my chest.
There’s only one person capable of lifting my spirits on days like this and I find him waiting for me outside my bedroom door.
“There you are.”
Ronan’s tail starts to thump the ground, his ears perked with excitement. A low whistle tells him everything he needs to know, a signal mixed with a silent call for help.
I can always count on Ronan to help.
The warmth of his body crashes into me, the love and devotion radiating from his enthusiastic kisses doing their best to chase away my sullen mood.
His tongue catches the tip of my nose and I laugh, sinking to the floor and wrapping my arms around the beast who never fails to welcome me home.
“How have you been, baby?”
He barks before crawling onto my lap and offering his belly. I scratch it with a smile, feeling the ache start to dwindle and dissolve.
“Mama’s been chasing down the town’s newest bad boy. You remember him, don’t you?”
A corresponding growl has another laugh slipping out.
“That’s him. Caused quite the scene at White Castle but I have a feeling we’re going to catch him soon.”
Ronan makes himself comfortable on my lap, his chin resting on the jagged scars running along the inside of my thighs.
I drag a fingernail down the grotesque skin, thinking about the men who left them there. Seven businessmen in total, theyeach took a turn sneaking into a little girl’s bedroom and tying her down so there was nowhere for her to run.
Nowhere for her to hide.
