Page 116 of Ruthless Alpha Beast

“Oh, and what made you think that?”

“Are you offended?” She smiles.

“No,” I cross my arms. “Just curious. Wondering what sort of energy those guards give off that I don’t.”

She laughs. “I’ve seen your book collection. I wasn’t exactly impressed.”

I can’t help but chuckle. “Of course, you’ve been eyeing that up. All I’ll say is that it’s a work in progress, okay?”

“Hey, I get it,” she shrugs. “This whole tapestry flower curse situation is definitely a work in progress. It feels like we’re taking two steps forward to go three steps back.”

The sun is starting to set again, and I’m reminded of all the crap that we’re up against. I’m reminded that Tara still isn’t fully well.

“We’ll get there,” I say.

“I just wish I felt better. I feel so weak, so hu—”

“Don’t say it,” I interrupt. “You’re strong, Tara.Reallystrong. I know that you’re going to be okay.”

I’m dead serious as I say this, leaning closer toward her so that she gets the point. I don’t want her to call herself weak or think that she won't get better just because she’s human.

Not only is it not true, but it’s not helpful. Words have power, and as a lover of books, she should know that.

“Thanks,” she whispers.

We continue talking about things that are stupid, things that serve no purpose other than keeping us entertained.

And more importantly, keeping her distracted.

As the sun fully sets, and night descends all around us, Tara gradually begins to drift off.

She’s getting stronger, looking healthier, and if humans are anything like us, which let’s face it, they are, all she’ll need is rest.

Once I’m sure that Tara is fast asleep, I call on one of my guards to man the place and set out to find this damn flower myself.

Chapter 23 - Tara

I wake suddenly.

How is it that I knew Jasper wouldn’t be there? As I open my eyes, adjust to the darkness, and look around the room, I’m not surprised to see that it’s empty.

I yearn for Jasper’s presence, but somehow—perhaps it’s due to the certain coldness in the air—I knew that he’d be gone.

I push my tray of food to the side and slowly get up. My body feels weak, a little achy, but I think that’s only because I’ve been lying down for so long.

It’s strange, I don’t feel injured despite the excruciating pain I was put through.

It was weirdly all so mental. That’s magic for you, I guess.

As I walk to the door and peer through the window of the hut, I realize that there’s one of Jasper’s guards waiting outside.

One of the ones I lentThe Alchemistto.

I open the door, and he turns, his face as emotionless as usual.

“Hey,” I whisper, my voice coming out a little croakier than intended.

“Hey,” he responds. “How are you feeling?”