Page 7 of The Beast Between Us

“Unfortunately,” he says with a huff, grabbing a fistful of my hair and yanking me to my feet, “that’s all the time we have.”

He steps aside, letting go.

“Now… shall we try this again?”

I nod. Numb.

And I walk.

Out of my room.

Out of the house.

My heart breaking with every step.

However will I survive the solitary life with the Beast… without my books?

Chapter Four

Thorne

“They’re here, Sire,” Oswin says from the doorway. “Shall I show them up?”

“Very well,” I reply, nodding once as I retreat to my usual place in the shadows.

The quiet stretches.

Footsteps echo faintly below…too light to be his. That must be her.

I remain still, cloaked in shadow, the dim firelight catching only the edge of my boots.

I don’t know what I expected when Holloway offered her. A bargaining chip? A trembling mouse? A child with wide eyes and no spine? But now that she’s here… I’m curious.

Not hopeful. Not foolish. Just… curious.

What kind of daughter is a man so quick to give away?

What kind of girl walks willingly into a monster’s den?

The Beast stirs, unsettled. He doesn’t like strangers. He doesn’t like change. But he’s quiet…for now. Watching, as I am.

Let her come. Let her see.

Let her fear the monster in the shadow.

A knock at the door.

“Enter,” I call, leaning back in my chair.

“Sire,” Oswin says, bowing slightly, “I have Mr. Holloway and his daughter…Miss Holloway.”

“Thank you, Oswin.” My gaze flicks toward the doorway, though I don’t rise. “Mr. Holloway, what is your daughter’s given name?”

“I’m perfectly capable of answering that question myself, my Lord,” comes a soft voice. Steady. Controlled.

Unexpected.

“Quiet, child,” Mr. Holloway snaps, tightening his grip on her arm. “Speak only when you’re spoken to.”