Page 35 of Monster's Past
I hurry out of the library, surprised to find a raven sitting at the top of the stairs to the main floor of the academy.
I guess I’m not the only one worried about her.
CHAPTER15
Anja
My whole bodytenses at the sound of footsteps, only to relax when I realise I recognise them. Have I spent so much time around Cethin that I’m able to differentiate the sound of his shoes, or is it something to do with the mate bond that means I know he’s there? I’ve been researching so I can assure him that there’s nothing to worry about the next time he’s concerned that we’re going too far. But nothing I’ve found has told me what I’m able to do with the bond, it’s all focused on how important it is to him.
The flap of wings announces Thistle’s appearance, and she comes to sit on the back of the bench beside me.
“I thought you were supposed to be my familiar?” I ask her.
“I think she was being,” Cethin responds.
“How so?”
“I think she was worried and wanted to bring me to you.”
“Oh.” I turn to the raven and smile, though I don’t know if she can understand the gesture. “Thanks.”
Thistle flaps her wings, which I have to assume means she’s heard me.
“Can I sit?” Cethin asks.
“Of course.” I don’t even have to think about my answer. “I’m sorry for running away, I wasn’t really thinking things through.”
“That’s okay. I’m just lucky Thistle decided to show me the way or I could have spent hours searching the grounds for you.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t just follow me.”
“I was getting this for you.” He pulls the book about banshees from his bag and hands it to me.
“Are you supposed to have this?”
“Yes, I checked it out properly, I didn’t steal it, if that’s what you’re insinuating.” He sits on the bench and leans back.
“I was going to go withborrow without permission.”
He snorts. “Well, I borrowedwithpermission. It’s a library after all.”
I turn the book over in my hands, trying to process exactly what I’m thinking. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“I’m here for you, Anja. For whatever you need.”
I can think of a dozen flirty things to say to that, but I know this isn’t really the time or the place for them. Instead, I let out a sigh. “I’m a banshee.”
“You might not be, it’s just a theory.”
I snort. “It’s not a theory.” I flip to the page with the drawing of the woman from my dreams. “She looks like me.”
He shuffles closer and puts an arm around me.
Thistle hops over to the other side, but doesn’t seem to engage with us much. It’s nice to have her here though, it’s support I never realised I wanted or needed.
“It could be a coincidence that she looks like you.” He doesn’t believe the words, I can hear it in his voice.
“It isn’t. You know when you justfeelthings?”