SWNOVELS Chapter Predatory Instinct
She stopped near the doorway and watched him taking a Dining Room chair and dragging it near the window as per his usual. He reclined back in it and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Do you ever sleep?” She asked.
Rarely.
“Sitting and staring out soothes me.”
It’s not a lie. It reassures me that you’re safe. That my wolves are sound on the perimeter and Cimmerii are not ambushing us.
Staying still is always a risk.
“You were gone the last few days?”
“No. I was in my chamber. Just wasn’t particularly hungry.”
My Knight Sleep required several days this time.
“Oh, Sebastian was here.”
“I know.”
I called him here.
“How’d you know?” She asked. “I didn’t see you come out?”
“I heard.”
“Oh…” She peered at him from beneath lowered lashes. “You seem so different from when you first came. Your eyes are lighter. Not so brown. And your hair is definitely darker.”
“Ah.” He nodded, checking his guise to ensure his remaining magic was in place.
It is.
“Perhaps it is just the natural air further from the mill and potions of the town.” He suggested with a shrug.
“Perhaps.”
“Why are you so fixated on my appearance, Miss Bishop?”
Her eyes widened in shock. “Well, I-I didn’t intend any rudeness. I just-I thought-you seemed-you remind me of someone.” She finally blurted.
He tossed back his head and roared with laughter at her awkward response.
Huffing she backhanded his bicep. “That was cruel!”
His laughter subsiding to a low chuckle revealing white teeth.
“I thought you were saying I was rude.”
“You’re fine.” He said more soberly. Amusement still dancing in his eyes. “I like that you say whatever you wish to me.”
“Only when liberally supplied with hot chocolate.” She sniffed haughtily.
“Touche.” He rose and vanished to make her a cup.
Returning with it aloft in one palm.
“How do these mugs not burn you? I must carry them so gingerly.”
“The hands of true gentleman are tainted from the wounds of tending ladies.” He handed over the mug to show her his reddened palm as testament.
“Oh, is that what we are now?” She quirked a teasing brow as she sipped her mug.
“Implying I am not?”
She gasped in mocking shock. “I’d never!”
“Sure, you wouldn’t.” He grunted. “How does the war of the brothers fare?”
“Always work.”
“Good things are always worth the work.”
Like seducing you over again in every life.
Patience and work.
“After meeting Sebastian, I believe I now know why you refused to discuss your pseudo brothers.”
“That would be an accurate presumption.”
“He seems quite a handful.”
“You’ve no idea…” He groaned. “He’s always busy stirring up some form of chaos.”