Page 31 of The Beast Between Us

“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I didn’t think. I just… I’ll be more careful next time. I promise.”

Thorne exhales slowly, deep and shaky like he’s been holding his breath this whole time.

For a moment, he looked…

Afraid.

Not of Byron.

But for me.

He straightens. The fire in his gaze dims, just a little.

“Go,” he says, voice rough. “Prepare for bed.”

I nod, but as I turn to leave, his voice stops me again.

“And Ella…”

I glance back over my shoulder.

“Meet me in my study when you’re finished. By the fire.”

His eyes flick briefly to my side, where the pain still lingers beneath my ribs.

“We still need to talk about who hurt you.”

Sighing, I do as he commands.

Chapter Eight

Thorne

“Are you alright, Oswin?” I ask, my voice still thick with the storm that hasn’t quite left me.

Ella disappears up the staircase, her steps quick but silent.

Oswin adjusts his collar and gives a soft smile. “Like I said before. It was nothing I couldn’t handle.”

He glances toward the stairs, then back to me, that knowing look in his eye.

“Miss Ella, on the other hand…” he continues, “is somewhat of a different story. Wouldn’t you say?”

I don’t answer.

Because Ican’t.

Not without admitting that she’s my mate.

Oswin watches me but wisely says nothing else.

I turn away, jaw tight, every step toward my study feeling heavier than the last.

Sheinfuriatesme.

Marching to the door like she could command the very storm my Beast unleashes. Standing toe-to-toe with Byron like she wasn’t in danger of being torn apart.

Foolish. Reckless.