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Aw, Snow. I’ll always catch you, remember?
My heart rate picks up, my lips curving, the thrill of the chase making my blood sing. I gain on her, my long strides no match for hers. Reaching out, I grab her shoulder and spin her, backing her against a moss-covered tree.
Her eyes spit fire at me, and I smirk back at her. She tries to shove past me, but I capture her hands and forcefully hold them above her head. Her chest heaves and my gaze catches on it for a moment, my mouth going dry. Tearing my eyes away, I meet hers. If looks could kill, I’d be six feet under.
I press my forehead against hers, struggling to calm my breathing. My heart beats fanatically, both from the run and her closeness. I pull in a deep breath, her light jasmine and gardenia scent flooding my senses.
“Did you just sniff me like an animal?” Snow asks caustically, trying to wriggle out of my hold.
“And if I did?” I move closer to her, boxing her in. Her eyes widen, pupils expanding. My body reacts immediately. I grit my teeth and move back slightly, willing myself to calm down.
Snow splutters, obviously not expecting my answer. “Well-well that’s just weird.”
I press her hands tighter against the tree, and she gasps. I breathe deeply again, and Aren growls in my head.Kiss her already.
No,I argue back.I won’t take something she isn’t willingly giving. Her father took her choices away, I won’t do the same.
Aren harrumphs and settles down. Gods, this is so strange. I used to tease one of my fellow huntsman’s sisters for talking to herself. At least no one answered her back when she did so. Especially not an overgrown lion-ram-eagle beast with an attitude.
Are you calling me fat?
Hold your tongue,I return.
Snow White stares at me as if I’ve lost my mind. Unable to remember what she said last, I change topics. Looking deeply into her eyes, I murmur, “I have fought for four years to get back to you. You may not believe me, but it’s the truth.” Her cheeks explode with a rosy flush. “You have every right to be furious with me. But heed this, Snow. I will only allow you to be angry for so long.” I press into her, crushing her chest to mine. I angle my face so my lips are a hairsbreadth from hers. “But after that time is up, I’m coming for you. We both know you’re mine. We were written in the stars. You are my destiny, and I am yours. So take the little time you have left. Hate me. Rage at me. Hit me if you feel the need to. But when your time is up, it’s up.”
Snow’s nostrils flare, and her hands fist in my grasp. Her tongue darts out to wet her lips, and I inwardly groan. I force myself to let her go and back away. She slides to the right, edging away warily.
“Oh, and Snow?” She comes to a stop, head turned away. “Remember, I’ll always catch you.”
Chapter 18
Snow White
Two Months Later
Keepingmybacktothe wall, I silently creep down the upstairs hallway, lifting my legs over the floorboards I know squeak. My heart thrums in my chest while I tiptoe down the stairs. Although it’s early, I can hear Nissa and Linne chatting quietly in the kitchen, the scent of freshly baked bread making my stomach rumble.
A male laugh echoes through the cottage, grinding on my nerves. Gritting my teeth, I move off the final step and catch my breath when my weight makes the floor creak. I should not have to fear walking around the cottage. I was here before him. He’s everywhere I turn. Leaning arrogantly against a tree while I train. Obligingly tasting a sauce Runa makes. Chopping firewood to fill the log store for the winter. It seems like I cannot even relieve myself in peace.
The Valkyries have been more than welcoming. You could never call them anything but self-sufficient, but I guess having a big, strapping man around to do all those pesky chores you hate comes in handy. Between avoiding him and completing my own duties, the past few weeks have flown by.
I’m not stupid, I know what he’s doing. Ingratiating himself with the sisters, hoping they’ll allow him to move into the house. Getting them on his side so he can get closer to me.We both know you’re mine. We were written in the stars,I mock silently, crossing my eyes. I ignore the heat that infuses my cheeks when I think of his words. They mean nothing. He’s all talk.
But oh, do those words haunt my dreams. In the depths of the night, I want so badly to believe them. The day he arrived here, a countdown started, an invisible clock ticking down the seconds until he makes good on his claim. I’m simultaneously horrified and intrigued.
Hearing footsteps, I freeze, barely daring to breathe. The cottage and the little bubble we live under are my safe place. Somewhere peaceful, tranquil, healing. A home. Something I haven’t had since Momma died. That great overbearing oaf has robbed me of that. Now, here I am, sneaking around like a mouse, hoping to not get caught by the cat. He sleeps in the stable with Fire Heart, but still manages to worm his way into the cottage for meals. I swear Cassian has put some sort of spell on the sisters, as they have all fallen for his charms.
Heisvery good-looking.I roll my eyes at myself. Yes, okay. I will admit that he has grown up nicely. Gone is the boy with bony shoulders and the breaking voice. Cassian now stands tall, at least six foot five. Thick muscles cord his broad shoulders and long, powerful legs. His hair has darkened a little, closer to a light, golden brown than the blond he once was. The only thing the same are his eyes. The beautiful green eyes that change depending on his mood. Usually a jade color, they can change to a brilliant emerald when his passions are running high.
I give myself a mental slap. Why am I thinking about him? He abandoned me. He doesn’t deserve a single thought.
Just as I resolve to shove away all thoughts of the thorn in my side, I’m pushed against the wall. “Good morning, Snow,” the devil himself murmurs, lightly brushing my cheek with his fingertip. A shiver runs down my spine, and heat coils in my stomach.
Annoyed at my traitorous body, I push Cassian away. “I thought you were going to leave me alone until my time is up,” I snap at him, wishing my hair was long enough to flick.
Cassian raises a brow and chuckles darkly. “Oh, Snow. Thisisme leaving you alone.”
I swallow down the panic that threatens to strangle me. My eyes dart around the corridor, seeking help. There are seven other people in this house but never anyone around when I need one. “Yes, well, how about you grant me the greatest gift you’ve ever given me?” He frowns, tilting his head to the side. “Your absence.”
