The Beast (SHORT STORY) (EDITED)

Chapter 4

Brandon studied Hollis intently as she bustled around the cottage the morning after her first encounter with Rune. There was a lightness to her step, a subtle, almost constant smile playing on her lips – a stark contrast to her usual more reserved demeanor. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something had shifted.

He was likely just imagining things, he decided, his mind still clouded with sleepiness. He had an early start the next day, a trip to a neighboring village for trade, and couldn't afford to waste energy on frivolous observations. With a mumbled goodbye, he headed to bed.

The following morning, Hollis awoke to an empty cottage. Brandon had already left for his trip. She tidied the small space, the familiar routine comforting in its simplicity. With no pressing chores or work to occupy her, a sense of anticipation began to build.

Around midday, she packed a basket with a generous slice of blackberry pie and some dried fruit, just in case hunger struck. She figured a few days away wouldn't cause too much concern back home. Her parents were often busy with their own tasks, and Brandon wouldn't be back for a couple of days.

The persistent, unwanted attention from the village men eager to court her was another reason for her little excursion. A temporary escape from their clumsy advances was a welcome bonus. They never seemed to grasp her lack of interest.

The walk through the familiar woods was peaceful, the cheerful chirping of birds a pleasant soundtrack. She reached the riverbank, the spot where she had last seen Rune, and set her basket down. The fresh air filled her lungs, a sense of freedom washing over her.

Suddenly, a warm breath ghosted across the nape of her neck, making her freeze.

"Pay more attention to your surroundings," Rune's deep voice rumbled beside her ear. Hollis released a shaky sigh of relief.

"Don't scare me like that," she chided, turning around to face him. Her breath hitched in her throat at the sight of his bare chest, the sculpted muscles rippling with every movement. 

"My eyes are up here," he said, his eyes not leaving her face.

"Your fault for not wearing a shirt," Hollis countered, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "But easy to cuddle," Hollis mused, wrapping her arms around his torso, surprised by the cool, almost aquatic feel of his skin.

"I'm not a bear," Rune grumbled, though he didn't pull away.

"So what?" Hollis shrugged, stepping back and settling onto the soft grass. He sat beside her, his large frame casting a comforting shadow. She opened her basket. "Pie?" she offered.

"I smell it from a mile away," Rune admitted, his gaze fixed on the sweet treat.

"Damn. I hope it doesn't attract wild animals," Hollis said, only half-joking.

"Well, I'm here," Rune replied, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. Hollis looked at him and playfully poked his cheek.

"You're not wild. Though I think you should be locked up," she declared.

"Why?" He was finding this little human increasingly fascinating with each passing moment. Her directness was unlike anything he had ever encountered.

"You're way too hot to be running around in the wild," Hollis stated matter-of-factly.

"You think I'm hot?" Rune's dark eyes gleamed with a newfound interest.

"You know you are, which is why you choose to come without a shirt," Hollis retorted, her gaze lingering on his chest for a moment longer than strictly necessary. "Though I'm not complaining. I'm enjoying the view."

"You speak what comes to mind, don't you?" Rune observed, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Is that wrong?" Hollis raised a questioning eyebrow.

"No," Rune admitted. He found her unfiltered honesty... refreshing.

"Good." Hollis handed him a generous slice of pie and took a piece for herself.

"This is good. You made this?" Rune asked, savoring the sweet, fruity filling.

"Yep. It's not like I have anything better to do," Hollis replied with a shrug.

"So, this is where you disappeared to." A voice startled them both. Hollis looked behind them to see a man who looked remarkably like Rune, though with a slightly less intense air. Probably a brother, she thought.

"Did you follow me?" Rune's tone was laced with annoyance.

"I couldn't help it. Hi, I'm Tripp," the newcomer said, his gaze friendly as he looked at Hollis.

"Hollis. You two brothers?" she asked, her eyes widening slightly.

"Twins," Tune confirmed with a grin.

"Two hot brothers. Not bad," Hollis said, a playful smirk on her face. Rune frowned at her. "But I think Rune is way hotter," she added with a wink.

"Now I'm offended," Tripp said, feigning hurt.

"Tripp, go home, and stop being annoying," Rune grumbled, his gaze softening slightly as he looked back at Hollis.

"I'm not taking your girl. But bring her so Mom can meet her. See you around, Hollis," Tripp said with a mischievous grin before disappearing silently among the trees.

"Bye," Hollis called after him. "He seems nice."

"He's annoying," Rune stated flatly.

"Every sibling is annoying," Hollis countered with a knowing smile.