Intent on His claim (Beauty and the Beast #3)

Chapter 8

Warren was gazing at me when my eyes drifted open. He flashed my favorite smile and I smiled back. "Hey. Sleep well?"

"Good morrow, my love. Yes, I did. And, I perceive, so did you."

I nodded. When he sat up I noticed that he was already dressed for the day and wondered why he'd come back to bed. I sat up too.

"You must prepare for school," he said.

"We're going to school?"

"I am headed to the hospital for the day."

I caught his hand. "Hang on a minute. I wanna come too."

"Belle, you need an education," he chided.

"Stuff 'an education'!" I shot back. "Besides, school will still be here tomorrow. And the day after that."

I saw him struggle with the decision and rolled my eyes. "Cut me some slack, will you?"

"Very well," he finally sighed.

"Thanks!" I dropped a quick kiss on his mouth and raced to the bathroom.

When we entered the hospital room Veronica was sitting up, her face radiant with joy. Kyle had her hand in his and was watching his wife in open adoration while Roger and Ashley crowded around her.

As we walked in, she looked up and laughed, "Warren, at last! Oh, and Annabelle too!"

Warren took his mother's outstretched hand and kissed her cheek. "Hello, Mother."

I kissed her too. "Hi. You gave us quite a scare."

"I know," she said gazing at her beaming family, "but I'm perfectly fine now. The doctors said I've been working too hard, if you can believe it!"

"Don't worry, Mommy," Ashley piped up. "We'll pamper you like crazy from now on."

She grimaced and smiled up at me. "Save me?"

I laughed and looked around the room at all the flowers and wrapped gifts. "What's with all the gifts?"

"Most of the town showed up to wish her a speedy recovery," Kyle grinned. "I suppose these are incentives."

"It's fun being a Lady," Veronica bragged.

I laughed and turned to her son. He was still standing next to her and holding her hand but it was the intensity of his gaze that struck me.

Veronica turned, following my gaze to her son. "Honey?"

"I love you, Mother," he whispered thickly and kissed her again.

"Oh, honey," she sighed, placing her hand in his thick hair.

When he lingered she shook Kyle off and placed both arms around him, whispering in his ear. After a moment he laughed and pulled back. She smiled and slipped her hand back into Kyle's, looking pointedly into Warren's eyes. "Okay?"

"Yes, Mother."

"Good."

"Crybaby," Ashley teased.

Warren came to stand next to me, taking my hand as he locked eyes with Ashley. She giggled and looked away.

***

It was a happy group that left the hospital that afternoon.

Veronica had been released to home care so we all went to Strandton House. She was pampered all day - Ashley really hadn't been kidding.

Warren hovered around her and I figured he was carefully monitoring her mind. He seemed stable now, in control again, but every time I left the room I felt his eyes follow me anxiously, so I stayed next to Veronica - which seemed to suit everyone. It occurred to me that I'd been accepted into this family.