Her Beast

Chapter 27: The woman

The beast drew himself from her. He searched Zoey's eyes, longing for her to feel what he felt. For a second, her eyes mirrored his before it disappeared.

Zoey didn't know what to make of it. She was terrified of the beast. Or at least she thought she was. Why did she feel this deep connection?

The glowing dissipated from his eyes.

Jaxson didn't speak. Zoey knew he knew what had happened. She didn't know what to say either.

Jaxson rubbed a hand down his face and pulled himself off her, standing on his feet. He gave her his hand and pulled her up.

"We should get going."

They left the cave, neither of them saving a word.

Jaxson still held Zoey's hands as she needed help navigating the woods. She sighed as the village came into view.

"What does this mean?"

She asked, afraid of his answer.

"I don't know."

~~~~
Zoey shut herself in her room for the rest of the night. She couldn't face him.

She placed her hand on the bandage over her wound. It felt hot to the touch. Something she should probably worry about, but she wasn't about to tell Jaxson.

Half of her felt guilty about what she had done, while the other side felt she had done nothing wrong.

It was an odd situation. Technically, they were the same person, but she had just kissed the side of Jaxson that he hated. She wasn't sure if he would forgive her for it.

She had complicated things.

When it was time to rest, she couldn't. Zoey's mind was racing, and she felt too anxious to sleep.

She crept to the window and peeked outside. Sunlight lit up the snow. It sparkled like a million diamonds. She felt no desire to go outside as she thought she would.

Zoey sighed and walked back to her bed.

Another hour passed, and still, she could not find sleep.

Her door creaking open tore her from her thoughts.

Zoey wondered why Jaxson would be awake at this time. She was shocked to find it wasn't Jaxson standing at her door.

"Adam?"

She jumped from her bed and went to him just as he closed the door. His face was stone cold, with no joy in his eyes for finding her.

"Adam! What are you doing here? How did you find me?"

He slapped a hand over her mouth and whispered, "Quiet! Do you want him to hear us?"

Zoey shook her head. She wondered if she was dreaming. If she had fallen asleep and he wasn't here.

"Zoey, we have to go."

He grabbed her arm, pulling her to the door.

"No, wait just a second." Zoey ripped her arm from his hold and backed away.

"I can't go. I need to stay."

"These people kidnapped you. Why would you want to stay?"

"They need my help. I appreciate you coming to look for me. I really do, but I have to stay."

"Come on Zoey. Can you even hear yourself? Don't be stupid and come with me." The frustration was clear in Adams's voice. He wasn't a patient man.

"Adam, I'm not being stupid. Now leave. I don't need you here."