"Elskling?" Knox's voice interrupted my chewing as I quickly swallowed my bread looking up at him with confused eyes. I replied with a small, "Yes?"
"Where do you need to go?", he asked with a perplexed tone.
I looked between him and Alexander, who seemed as curious as Knox before I answered, "I need to prepare myself and gather a few things, for--the hunt. I assume Frank will want to go as soon as possible, seeing the state of things."
"Hunt?" Alexander asked with eyes full of emotions I could not explain, making me frustrated. My face twisted, did these men think as well that I was not capable of such things? Were they the same as Daniel?
"You think a woman cannot do such things?" I ask quietly while anger begins to simmer in my bones. But my anger was quickly dissipated. Alexander chuckled lightly seeing my rage before muttering reassuringly, "That's not what I'm confused about love. What hunt are you going for?"
Oh...it seems I have gotten ahead of myself. I huff out before explaining, "The beast. There is a beast in these woods that needs to be killed. I assumed you had heard about it, seeing that everyone has been talking about it in the village." It was quite strange, they must have heard something about it last night. Everyone was talking about it, it was the only thing to happen in this village in years.
I watched as Knox's shoulders tensed for a mere second, "Why must you fight it?", Knox asked quietly but in thought within himself. And I have heard this many times. Why must I? 'Leave it to the men, Ms. Landal said. It's too dangerous for a woman...this is a man's fight', no. This is my fight. I have to do this, for her. If I don't, what kind of a daughter was I?
But I won't explain all that yet. I answer simply with a shake of my head, "Because Finn wasn't the first person to be attacked. That bloody creature has already killed."
Silence fell around us, the atmosphere felt heavy with anticipation and curiosity. Despite the tension, I still felt an odd sense of comfort and safety in their presence. I don't understand how I could feel so eased, physically. Mentally, I am still at the breaking point. I could sense their curiosity, but they respected my space and did not press me for answers. My body relaxed, and a peaceful calm settled over me. I savoured the moment, feeling grateful for their companionship and understanding. Unbiased opinions, people that do not know me.
I sigh before standing, "I must be going now."
"You won't be safe by yourself, let us come with you", Alexander stated firmly as he stood looming over me making me dizzy at our closeness.
"I'll be fine Alexander, I can take care of myself", I muttered, however, his hand gripped my forearm lightly as he dipped his head down to me. As Alexander's hand clasped my arm, I could feel a small jolt of electricity coursing through my veins. His touch was warm and comforting, yet I felt a spark of excitement and anticipation. My heart was racing, and my breath caught in my throat as I looked up at him. What the hell was that?
"I'm sure you can, but as we saw Finn was by himself, was he not?", he asked with a raised brow. His intense eyes made my tongue go dry, my gaze never breaking from his because in that moment it felt like a sin to look away.
"Yes", I mutter quietly.
"And this other person that was killed, were they alone too?", he asked as if he already knew the answer as I stared deep into his hazel eyes. His stare was so intense the words were caught in my throat as I answered meekly, "T-They were."
His lips twisted into a little smirk as he nodded, "We should stick together then", he said with a sense of authority that made me also nod mindlessly.
Knox stood up watching me intensely as he spoke softly, "Besides I'm sure you'll be wanting as much manpower as you can get to take this beast down."
"Fine. But the others are not fond of you", I answer with a small joking smile making the two men look at each other before smiling.
"I could only wonder why", Alexander said with a sarcastic tone, making me curious but I decided to be serious in that manner.
"I'm serious Xander, the boys didn't even want me talking to you", I sigh as I walk towards the front of the apartment-like building. However, Alexander looked at me with a raised brow and that smirk that never left his full lips.
"Xander?" he asked with a question, and I realized I had called him the name Knox had stated. My cheeks heated up as I sputtered out, "W-what, you call me by my nickname? Why can't I?"
Knox chuckled lightly listening to us as he walked towards me grabbing his coat and mine.
"Fine, love. Where first?", Xander asked as Knox began to help me put on my coat. My cheeks felt hot and flushed as Knox helped me with my coat. I was embarrassed by my slip of calling Alexander by his nickname, and I could feel the heat radiating through my face. I was relieved when Alexander did not seem to mind, and his smirk and playful tone only made my cheeks burn hotter.
"We have to go find out what happened to Finn, then...I suppose we talk to Franky about the new members of the club", I explain looking at both men and I received a nod from both.
Now, to find my answers.
_________________________
Thoughts on the chapter?
Will Adelaide tell them what happened to her mother?
Is she naive to trust them right away?
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