Beyond(4)

I gasp, open my mouth and then close it again. “Did you just pause for dramatic effect?” I ask, pursing my lips.

Dane laughs then, and I can’t help but watch wide-eyed as he does so. God, he’s beautiful. Deadly, but beautiful. What an attractive mixture.

“You should do that more often,” I mutter, unable to tear away my gaze.

“Do what?” he asks, his eyes still crinkling.

“Laugh.”

“I laugh. You’ve only known me for about a minute, princess.”

Sure, I’ve only known him for a little while, but I’ve been watching him for what feels like eternity.

I open my room door and step inside. “And you me,” I say.

I slam the door shut.

I can hear his laughter echoing down the hall.





Chapter Three




“Where have you been all day?” my father asks as he barges into my room the following day.

My forehead creases. “I’ve been right here.”

He scowls. “We’re leaving in an hour, go and say bye to Dane.”

Oh right. The hunt.

I stand up, supressing my groan. Dane has survived a millions hunts, what does my father want me to do, give him a good luck charm and stand there weeping while he exits? Not likely. If anything, I would beg him to take me along.

“I’ve decided to stay back today,” he adds casually, but I glance at him in time to see the tightness around his mouth.

“Is everything okay?” I ask. I can’t remember a time that he’s ever missed one. He’s a firm believer in not asking others to do something that you yourself wouldn’t do.

“Everything is fine, I just have other matters that need attending today.”

I walk up to him and wrap my arms around my waist. “Alright, I’ll go and fine Dane.”

“Good girl,” my father praises, making me feel like a little girl all over again.

“Love you,” I call out as I walk out the door.

“Love you too,” I hear him reply.

I head towards the hall, where everyone going on the hunt usually gathers. I see Sam and Jase cleaning weapons at one of the tables.

“Hey,” I say, sitting down and watching them work. I pick up a sharp blade and test its weight in my hand.

“Little bit big for you to handle,” Jase says, smiling crookedly. I ignore him being the asshole he usually is, and turn to Sam instead.

“Have you seen Dane?” I ask him.

He looks surprised. “He’s around here somewhere. Don’t bother asking if you can come along though.”

“Why not? Sexist bastards!” I snap.

Sam grins, used to my outbursts. “There are three women coming with us today. It’s not that you’re a girl. I’d take you if I could, but I have to follow orders.”

Doesn’t my father understand that in over protecting me, he’s actually making me weak? I need to know all of these things! What if something happens and I need to protect myself? I lift my head in time to see Dane walking in. Standing next to him is a pretty older woman, Tegan, I believe her name is.

“Is she going?” I ask, unknown emotions coursing through my veins.

Sam looks over, “Yeah she’s coming. She’s good with herbs and berries and what not, so she can

help find more food.”

I look away before Dane sees me practically shooting daggers at his little friend.

“Come back safe,” I say softly to Sam, ignoring Jase like I always do.

Sam’s blue eyes soften. “I always do.”

“What, no farewell for me?” Jase goads. His head is shaved, and his dark eyes are filled with anger and lust. I don’t know what I ever did to him.

“Bye Jase,” I mutter, turning to head for the exit. I see Dane staring at me out of the corner of my eye, so I head in his direction. Tegan sneers at me, which I plainly ignore, and only address Dane.

“Have a safe hunt,” I say, looking directly into his eyes. I don’t wait for his reply, I just walk out. I did what I came here to do, now I can carry on with my day.

“Olivia,” he calls behind me.

I stop and turn. “What?”

He takes me by my upper arm and pulls me into the empty hallway. “You fucking him?”

My eyebrows furrow. “Who?”

“Sam? Jase? Anyone?” he growls, eyes narrowed.

I was so confused. “We spoke about this Dane. I’m a virgin. Stop acting like a fucking Neanderthal.”

“I guess we will find out won’t we,” he murmurs. “Don’t make a fool of me Olivia. You won’t flirt with other men. Those days are over. You wanted me, and you got me. Now handle the consequences.”

I blink. Over fifty men in our community and I chose this idiot. “How did I never know you were such an asshole?”