Page 106 of She Walks with Broken Things

I sat like that. Watched the wind howl and rage. Watched the sky darken. When thunder came I stayed there, until I caught the glimpse of headlights through the trees… then I finally fully exhaled.

I let the curtains fall, watching the car stop at the front of the house. Doors opened. My pulse raced. I glanced down at his shirt. I was supposed to put it back by now. Would he find the empty hanger? Would he know I broke his rules once more?

I hoped so.

Headlights brightened as the car pulled away once more, easing past my window to pull into the garage at the rear of the house. I waited. Listened.

Movement finally.

Footsteps.

The air alive with that dangerous hunger.

Thunder roared in the distance.

I grabbed the apple and took a bite, chewing slowly and waited. Headlights came once more. The car rounded the house. I stopped chewing, my pulse racing as I watched it leave once more. But it didn’t stop at the front of the house this time. It kept on going.

Rafe was leaving.

And Alaric was here alone…

With me.

I glanced at the bedroom door as that icy wind cut through my bedroom to find me.

I grabbed the apple and took a bite.

Waiting.

Listening.

Counting the seconds until he came back inside.

The room grew darker. I rose, shivering and switched on the lamp. But the light flickered and surged. Maybe that wasn’t a good idea. So I switched it off once more. Cold. God, it was cold in here. I rose and walked to the closet. I needed a cardigan. Something warm. But the moment I stepped inside my gaze went to that beautiful box waiting on the shelves. The one sent by Vivienne.

I stepped closer, lifted the lid.

Sheer fabric waited inside.