He guides me back into my room, sealing the door shut behind us. “What were you doing out in the hallway?”
“I was cold. I—I wanted another blanket.”
He opens the door between our rooms and disappears inside. He comes back out almost immediately with his comforter in his hands. “Here,” he says, wrapping it around me like a cocoon. “Take mine.”
“What about you? Won’t you be cold?”
Auren shakes his head. “I’ll be fine. You’re more important.”
More important.My heart does a strange little flutter at his words.
“Would you like me to stay with you?” he asks, voice soft.
I want to say yes. I want him here between me and whatever dangers lurk beyond this room. But I don’t want to appear pitiful.
“It’s not necessary.” I pull back, inhaling slowly. “I’m fine.”
Auren watches me for a long moment, then dips his chin in a small nod. As he steps through the door between our rooms, he glances over his shoulder. “I’m just on the other side if you need anything.”
I nod, watching him go. But as I slide back beneath the blankets, I hear a strange noise and I’m not sure if it’s from the storm still raging outside or if it’s coming from the hallway.
Despite my attempts to sleep, I can’t seem to relax. My mind is still racing as I think of what could have happened. I dart a glance at the shared door, fighting the urge to go to Auren.
How is it that I’ve only known Auren less than a handful of days, and yet my first instinct is to go to him for protection and safety? I’ve never been one to trust easily, but there’s something about him that makes me want to do just that.
Clenching my jaw, I turn onto my side, trying to ignore the pull to go to him, but when another boom of thunder shakes the bed, I jerk back up to sitting.
That does it.Drawing in a deep breath, I walk to Auren’s door. If I have any hope of sleeping tonight, I’m going to have to swallow my pride.
CHAPTER 11
AUREN
This storm is relentless. Wind howls around the building, heavy rain pounding against the roof as rolling thunder booms overhead.
I lean back against the headboard, exhaling slowly. A low growl rises in my throat as I recall the human male trying to force his way into Vivienne’s room. I hate that he made her so afraid. The acrid scent of her fear was so strong, it took all my control not to end him.
If he had touched even one hair on her head, I would have killed him without hesitation, consequences be damned.
I’ve heard that the fated bond allows mates to sense each other’s emotions when they are strong enough. I’d thought that since Vivienne is human, it might not manifest between us in this way, but I was wrong. When she was in danger, I felt the pull of her fear. And even now, I can sense she is still shaken. It’s faint, but it’s there.
After what happened, I’d hoped she would ask me to stay with her, that she would admit she wanted me near. Because leaving her alone now feels wrong, in a way I cannot ignore.
But of course, she has too much pride for that.
I enjoyed traveling with her today. Closing my eyes, I think of the way I held her as we rode. The way her delicate scent filled my nostrils. And how—
A soft knock at the door interrupts my thoughts, and I sit up in bed. “Come in.”
The door eases open, and she stands in the threshold, framed by the dim candlelight behind her. She blinks several times as she scans the room, her eyes wide and her expression uncertain. My instincts snap to attention as a hint of her fear scent touches my nostrils.
“Auren?” she calls out, her voice a bit shaky.
It’s only now that I remember humans don’t see well in the dark.
“What is it?” I ask, rushing toward her. “Are you alright?”
I’m glad when her shoulders relax as soon as she can see me. “I just wanted to see if you were comfortable,” she says. “If you, um, wanted another pillow, perhaps?”
