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“I’m jogging. Running stairs!” I gesture behind me, as if that will make it more obvious.
His eyes follow where my hand gestures, then narrows back at me.
“Yes, I see you were running down the stairs. Fleeing.”
I roll my eyes. Then put my hands on my hips. “I’m sorry, am I a prisoner here? Or did I get the wrong impression when you unlocked those chains around my neck? I thought I was free to walk around. Or jog. You know, for fitness?” And so I can build up stamina. Not that he needs to know why I want stamina.
His eyes narrow even more. “Fitness? What is fitness? I healed you. You are fit.”
Again, my eyes roll. “Jesus, is this about the size of your dick? Not everything’s about your ego.”
He looks baffled by my words. Maybe he’s not familiar with the saying, because he just looks down at his own member swinging freely between his legs. Even when it’s not engorged, the damn thing is huge. I really need to introduce the concept of clothing.
I shift my thighs, feeling a little sore though not nearly as I ought to be, really, considering the size. I shift my eyes away and fight the heat in my cheeks.
Jesus, I’m mad at him right now. So not thinking about how that thing was rock hard and somehow inside me last night. Nope. Not thinking about it at all.
Right. I’m pissed off.
I fix my gaze back on his face. He looks curious now instead of angry. He didn’t miss where my eyes were just focused. Dammit. I’m losing the upper hand. It is not cool the way he just jumped out at me, even if he does think I was trying to run away again.
“So am I? A prisoner?”
The furry eyebrows go up, and then he glares at me as if considering.
Then, even more terrifying, he smiles at me.
My, what sharp teeth you have.
I stand taller, keeping my shoulders square. Now that I can.
The terror of a predator appearing suddenly from the shadow and leaping at me is still fresh. What would he have done if I had been running away? Except for real this time. I gulp. Hard.
“No.” His word growls out low. “Of course you are not a prisoner. As long as you obey and keep your word. You promised me forever.”
Those terrified screams from the basement. Are those his former consorts? The ones who didn’t obey? Did they promise him forever, too? Is that what their forever looks like now?
Instead of calling him Beast, should I call him Bluebeard? One day, will I join the rest of his… collection?
I stiffen my spine then jerk a thumb over my shoulder. “I’m going to continue my jog.” If my voice comes out a little strained, well, who can blame me?
“I will hunt and return after sunset. Do not test me by trying to flee.”
I want to snap at him again that I wasn’t fleeing but hold my tongue when he narrows his eyes at me again.
“You will meet me at moon’s rise in the Great Hall at the dining table. On your knees. Waiting like the obedient consort you claim to be.”
I arch an eyebrow and flash my own toothy smile. “Sounds great. See you then.”
I almost wish him happy hunting, but after being his prey myself, I can’t really wish that upon any poor creature out there.
His narrowed eyes stay locked on mine as he stalks forward toward the open window. His wings flatten against his body then he leaps straight out of the tall, slim window.
I can’t help but gasp, my breath taken away by the sight of his bulky body suddenly turning smooth and alkaline as his black wings flare out and he takes flight.
Instead of continuing to watch, I turn my back to him, suck in a deep, icy breath, and head back up the stairs.
Chapter Fifteen
HANNAH
A bear.
He has killed a frickin’ bear. And it’s one of the grizzliest of grizzlies, if the gigantic pelt he’s decided to stretch and cure on the opposite end of the great room is any indication. Why he’s decided to do this in the same room in which we’re eating, I cannot begin to fathom.
Not wanting to get on his bad side, though, I’m here, on my knees by the side of his giant, throne-like chair.
Dear Lord, he was still working on the pelt when I got in, large sacks of salt at his side.
I couldn’t look.
I mean, I try not to look, but I can’t help but glance a few times.
Why in the same room where we eat? Why?
Is this some sort of like, warning to me? Look and see. I can take down this giant, fearsome beast with apparent ease.
After he finishes with the pelt, then he goes straight to the opposite end of the room where a large fire finally blazes and then he starts cooking the bear’s meat.
