Content To Be Claimed (Beauty And The Beast #1)

Chapter 34

I shot up in bed, the woman's screams still ringing in my ears, and fought for breath. Dane burst into the room, his eyes scanning for an attacker. Keith was on his heels carrying a tranquilizer shotgun and looking like he meant business. Once they were sure I was alone in the room, Dane rushed to me as Keith went to my window.

"Hey, what is it?" Dane demanded, his hands burning when he held my face. "Talk to me, kid. Are you hurt? Are you in pain?"

I shook my head, trying to calm down. "Bad...dream..." I panted, still frozen with fear.

Keith came over to us as Dane drew me into his arms. "You need anything?" my father asked gruffly.

"N-no," I stammered. "I-I'll be f-fine."

Yeah, right. My teeth were chattering and my skin felt clammy. I just wanted them to leave because when I'd opened my eyes I could've sworn I saw Warren for a split second. I really needed to talk to him.

Dad nodded and threw a look at Dane, clearly handing over the reins. Alone, Dane turned to me. "Do you remember it?"

I shook my head and leaned against him. "I was terrified. I thought I was going to die."

"Shh! It's okay. You're here and you're safe."

"Can I have a glass of something cool, please?" I asked softly. "Even water is fine."

"Sure. I'll be right back."

As soon as the door closed, Warren sat on my bed and held out a glass of cool milk.

"Thanks," I mumbled as he shifted and pulled me into his arms. I sipped the milk and pressed the frosty glass to my wounds. They were throbbing like mad, but the chill instantly numbed them.

"If you cannot recall the nightmare why do you fear it?" he asked, puzzled, as he set the glass aside.

My teeth started chattering again and I shifted closer to him, burrowing into his chest. "It wasn't a dream."

"I beg your pardon?"

"I remember everything. I saw him..." I cringed as Vincent's face rose vividly before me and snuggled up to Warren even more, craving his heat.

"Very well. I require a full explanation."

"It was Vincent. I saw him hunting...only she was waiting for him." I was now talking rapidly, sorting through my jumbled thoughts. "I don't know how or why but she was and it looked prearranged, like they'd set up a date or something. He came up to her and was flirting with her but he changed midway and... Oh god!"

Warren tightened his hold on me and that helped me fight my tears back. I saw it again - the look on his face, the woman's face distorted in pain, and the blood like a dark, gooey liquid against her milky skin, spreading...

"Hush, my love, hush!" Warren whispered, and I struggled to stop whimpering. "Hush, love, I am with you."

"He...he killed her!" I choked, the words too heavy for me. "I saw her blood... And he intentionally made it hurt."

"Shh! You are safe, Belle." His lips brushed my temple. "It was no more than a nightmare -"

"No!" I yelled, pulling away. I was nearly hysterical as I shouted, "It wasn't a nightmare! I saw it!"

"Belle?" Keith called up.

Warren gripped my arms and hissed, "Kindly lower your voice. I have no desire to wipe memories clean every five seconds!"

"You have to believe me!" I hissed back.

"I believe you," he said evenly, then relaxed his hold. "Please relax."