02 Renegade by Erica Stevens

Author:Erica Stevens [Stevens, Erica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 10

Aria clung tightly to Braith, burying her head against his back as he carried her swiftly through the forest. She was exhausted, her feet hurt, and all she wanted was to curl up and go to sleep, but Braith insisted that they keep moving, that they get as far from the caves, and that area of the woods, as possible. The moon was bright; it left a trail across the forest floor as it crept steadily higher into the night sky.

Though she tried, she was unable to suppress a yawn as she fought against the pull of sleep. She hadn’t slept well since she had last seen him, and now that she was with him again, she knew that she would sleep peacefully and soundly, and she could not wait for it. He stopped suddenly, tilting his head back as he studied the night sky. Ever so slowly, he let her down, dropping her onto her feet.

“You need some rest,” he said softly.

She nodded, pushing back the thick waves of hair that fell across her face. He pulled off his coat, laying it upon the ground. “I wish I could do something more.”

Aria managed a small smile for him. “I’m used to sleeping on the ground. Don’t worry.”

He studied her for a long moment, before coming back to her. His hand stroked over her face, cradling her gently as he bent to place a light kiss on the tip of her nose. “Hopefully not for much longer.”

“I like the woods. It’s where I belong.”

He grinned at her, kissing her again before slowly pulling away. “Yes, it is. But you also like beds.”

“I do,” she agreed. “And I love showers.” He laughed softly, shaking his head as he stepped away from her again. “Where are we going Braith?”

He knelt beside the coat as he held his hand out to her. She took it, slipping down beside him. “There’s a place I know where we should be safe.”

“And where is this place?”

“About fifty miles from here. I will get us there tomorrow.”

She stared at him in wide eyed surprise. “And Jack will know where we are?”

“Yes.”

She sat silently, watching him as he rose to his feet and began to move around the woods. “What is going to happen Braith?”

“I don’t know,” he answered honestly.

“Are you going to return to the palace?”

He stopped walking as he turned back toward her. “I will not be able to return again Arianna.”

She froze, her hands clenching tight upon her legs as she stared at him in wide eyed disbelief. “It is your family Braith, your heritage.”

He was immobile, his jaw locked tight as he watched the woods behind her for a long moment. Then, ever so slowly, his gaze came back to her. “You are my family now Arianna,” he said forcefully. “And I intend to make sure you stay safe.”

Her mouth parted slightly, tears sprang to her eyes. “Braith,” she breathed.

He was back before her in a heartbeat; his hand entwined in her hair, his mouth soft and firm against hers.

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