The Beast

28

RONAN

Water streams down my back, pooling around my feet in a copper hue. I turn around stiffly. The shower is too narrow to accommodate my shoulders.

With a frustrated sigh, I make the best of what I have. I need to get this blood off me so that I can return to Hazel. Enough time has passed since I last had her in my arms.

I took my time torturing her kidnappers. The memories of their screams remain locked away in my memories. I'll never share the experience with her. Never taint her with the darkness or risk upsetting her. This is my burden to carry.

This can't happen again. I got too close to losing her. Hazel will hate me for it, but I can't allow her to step foot outside the estate ever again. The world is starting to realize how important she is to me. And I've got enemies all over, eager to hurt me.

The government fell apart a decade ago, but many of the politicians behind the military experiments are still alive and watching from afar. I've always been prepared for death, but I never expected getting attached to one of my maids and extending my life to her. Never saw myself handing so much power to a woman.

I tear out of the shower, using the cheap motel towel to dry myself. I change back into my clothes still stained with blood and roar, "We roll out now!" as I step outside.

My men, slouched against the wall, quickly straighten themselves.

"It's time to go home. My business is done here. Did you bury the bodies?"

I receive two nods, but I don't feel satisfied. I should have spent more time torturing the greedy bastards before putting them under.

We exit the motel and gather in the vehicle. I tap my fingers on my knee anxiously, biting my tongue to keep from shouting at the driver to speed up. He's already driving fast enough to risk running over townspeople.

Much later, when we finally roll up to the estate, I'm relieved to see that it's not engulfed in flames and the gates are still standing. I've been reckless lately. Negligent of the estate and my people. I did it to search for Hazel, and I can't apologize for that. I have served my people dutifully since I inherited this estate. Kept them safe for a decade. But I've become more than a Lord. I've become a lover, and Hazel comes before all others.

I barge past the gates, pulling my hoodie over my head. I've had enough attention these past few days. I might just strangle the next person that stares at my scarred face.

I need Hazel. She never stares or judges. There's only love in her eyes.

Janice greets me by the entrance, offering me food and a glass of water. But I've got no interest in anything but Hazel.

"Forget all that. Bring me to her." My voice echoes through the empty halls. There are no servants in sight. They're hiding from their blood-soaked lord.

"She's with her mother, sir," Janice replies, her shoulders unnaturally hunched as if she's intimidated. That's new. Janice rarely shows such fear.

"Please follow me."

"Wait," I growl, remembering that my clothes are still bloody. I can't let Hazel see this mess. She'd be traumatized by the bits of brain caked onto my clothes.

"I'll change first."

Janice struggles to keep up with me as I thunder down the hall. I barge into my room and toss my clothes aside, changing into a clean hood and jeans.

Janice leads me down the maze of corridors before gently knocking on a door. There's a second of silence before Hazel opens it and slips outside.

"Hey," she whispers. "I missed—"