Page 89 of Carnal: The Beast Who Loved Me

Rosie was not prepared for the wave of pure satisfaction that transformed Carnal’s expression from disengaged to delighted.

“You want to talk about me?”

She had to laugh at the look of pleasure on his face. “Yes. It’s your turn. Tell me everything, starting with why those four girls over there are peering around the doorway trying to get your attention.”

Carnal’s gaze followed the direction Rosie had indicated with a bob of her head.

“Don’t pay any attention to that. Humans act that way.” He took a drink of ale without looking at her.

“Some do. Undoubtedly. But not all.”

His eyes raised to meet hers. “Sorry. I… I’m so comfortable with you, I guess I forgot you’re part human. I didn’t mean to… you know.”

“Yes. Just like I didn’t mean to offend you when I asked if you’d told Serene we’d be out tonight.” She shook her head. “Regardless, I’m probably less human than you. Looks can be deceiving.”

Carnal studied her closely for a few beats. “Like I told you before, I’m not interested in the chicklets. At least not anymore. You’re what I want.”

“Change of subject. What’s your earliest memory?”

He looked away and swallowed. “Serene and I were in a space with a bunch of other females and their young. A… cage. A big one. A guard liked to make big noises and startle everyone. I remember she would pull me tighter into her body, when it would happen. To comfort me, I guess. To protect me, if she had to.”

Rosie was prepared that Carnal would cite something like that. Instinctively she knew he didn’t want sympathy from her. So she said, “How old were you?”

“Two, I think. I was three when Kellareal came for us. I didn’t have to live through abominations like my father and some of the others, but I do remember that there was one human who enjoyed tormenting the weakest of us. I have a lot of respect for the elders who endured much worse and are now going to try to set aside those feelings in the interest of peace.” He looked at her pointedly. “At your suggestion.”

“It is remarkable. I agree that taking the high road is admirable.”

“Taking the high road? I don’t know what that means.”

“Oh.” She smiled. “I think it’s an expression that originated in Scotland where there are steep mountains and deep valleys. Taking the high road was more difficult, just as doing the right thing is usually harder.”

“Serene was right. You’re a teacher.” Carnal smiled. “Anyway, we lived in tents while Newland was being built. My mother was already pregnant with Crave when we came here and he was born right after we moved into the Extant’s house. I was sure he was the most wonderful thing that had ever happened in the world. I ran all over telling everybody that I had a brother.”

Rosie’s eyes filled with empathetic tears when she saw that Carnal’s eyes were bright with moisture.

He shook his head. “That’s not what you want to hear about.”

“It is.” She was quick to offer reassurance. “I want to know everything about you. You’re fascinating, but you’re a mystery. If you want me to stay, I need to know what I’m staying for.”

“I’m fascinating?” His cocky smile always tugged at the corners of her own mouth.

“I have a feeling that’s not a surprise. You already know you are.”

Right on cue a young female voice said, “Carnal?” Rosie looked up to see one of the Farsuitwailian girls approaching the table. “Haven’t seen you for a while.”

“I’ve been busy.” He looked at Rosie. “And I’m going to be busy from now on. Forever.” He glanced at the girl. “Pass the word along. Okay?”

The girl looked at Rosie. “Because of her? She doesn’t look that special.”

Carnal turned around and faced the intruder. “Are you blind? It doesn’t get any more special than this.”

The hostess came out from the back. “Are you bothering my customers, chicklet? Go on now. Shoo. Shoo.” She began swinging a rag at the girl. “And don’t come back here unless you got money to pay for food.”

Rosie looked at Carnal. “I take back what I said about that woman. I think I like her a lot.”

Carnal laughed.

True to his word, the fish things were splendid. Rosie laughed through stories about Carnal and Crave getting into trouble all over Newland and, later, playing tricks on Charming. She saw the admiration he had for both his parents when he talked about them and what they’d accomplished.