Stefan Clarissa kept making strange faces at him throughout dinner. He didn’t appreciate being stared at while he was eating. The chipper conversation rubbed him raw until he could no longer sit still. But once he had Arcadia and Evander in his room, the pressure started to lessen. He had to focus on what was going on back home. Those affairs required his attention now. But his mind forced itself back to the fact that Clarissa had chosen to sit next to Blake during dinner. She hadn’t even sat across from Stefan. A wicked voice in his head questioned what they were doing under the table. The question made no sense. Clarissa kept her hands visible the entire meal. But did Blake? Stefan couldn’t remember, but he did remember the pink flush of her cheeks as she ate. “What do you wish to discuss?” Arcadia asked, sounding like a soldier reporting for duty. She and Evander stood near the closed door at parade rest. Stefan rumbled low in his throat, uncomfortable with their carefu
Clarissa Clarissa lifted her sleepy head from the table, her thoughts spinning sluggishly. The knock that woke her sounded again. Jumping up, she ran to let Stefan in. She fell asleep waiting for him. Disappointment gripped her when she saw the werecat ready to show them to their lessons again. She rubbed her eyes and stared at her confusedly. There was no way it was time already. She hadn’t even been to bed yet. Blake came out of his room looking refreshed and rested. Clarissa felt the dry spit on her face and knew that her hair was a mess. She couldn’t sit in front of everyone all day like this. “Good morning.” Blake greeted them, smiling warmly. Clarissa tried not to let his chipper attitude bother her. But she was exhausted and frustrated. Ignoring his cheer would be challenging; however, it was not his fault that she had not slept. “Just give me a minute to get ready.” She asked, realizing that they had not brought breakfast this morning. She went into her room to cl
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Clarissa POV Clarissa picked up her stride, grabbing her faded cloth skirt in a white knuckle grasp. The sun dipped behind the trees, and the shadows grew long along the dirt path she walked. This path, through the dusky woods, held untold dangers after dark. Nightfall was swiftly encroaching. Silently, she cursed the traveling salesman, who had such beautiful dresses and jewelry for sale. She had stayed behind when her friends headed home, so she could dream of the day that a farmer’s daughter like her could afford such luxury. The salesman had been all too happy to allow her to showcase his wares. Maybe it had something to do with the joy it brought her. He did say she had a beautiful smile. And
Stefan Stefan knew that most people were intimidated by him. Before coming to this town, he thought it had to do with his royal position. But having arrived unannounced and underdressed, he quickly learned that there was more to it among many other lessons. Maybe it was because he was taller than most men. Or it was his eyes. Stefan’s mom had always beamed about the warmth and kindness his almond amber eyes reflected. But when he looked at his loyal men, he knew they saw the fierce gleam of the horrors that he had defeated in war and on quests. While he always combed his hair in the morning, he allowed fate to be his stylist the rest of the day. He didn’t care, and he didn’t have the time. His honey skin tone was common where he came from,
Clarissa’s Clarissa glared at the offensive man, who called himself a hero! He had even mocked her with that bow, knowing she was of lower status. Why did this man have to be so… so… uggh! When he stepped closer to her, the heat of his body radiated into her skin. The feel of his calm, seasoned warmth had promised the delights of an experienced lover. She did not quite understand what that entailed, but she was not ready for her own body’s reaction to it. His eyes sparkled knowingly, and THAT frustrated her. He was two feet taller than her. Tight muscles covered his lean body, hidden only slightly by the loose clothing. His short brown hair was even messier than usual. The skin on his face spoke of royalty and comforts she had never known.
Clarissa Clarissa’s mother normally kept their home spotless and excellently cared for. But it wasn’t right now. Smashed furniture, broken wood, and trash blocked the front door. A couple of flickering candles lit the main stairway. But the house was bizarrely dark. Most of the usually lit candles were knocked over. Clarissa carefully stepped over the debris as she entered the house behind Stefan. She gasped as her heart sped up in her chest. Her wide eyes took in the wanton destruction. Stefan was stealthily headed up the stairs. She followed him tentatively, unsure if she wanted to see what was there. What had happened here? Mom and Dad had been here during this? A sinking feeling pressed its way into he
Stefan Stefan broke records in his flight up the stairs. But as he turned to look into the room he left Clarissa in, she aimed a beam of life energy at the accursed werecat. Why were there werecats this far west? He was amazed at her power in devouring the cat with her life energy. It looked like it was on fire, but the light was bright and flawless white. Ashes flew away, glittering like metal. He saw the second cat as it approached her. He rushed to help her. But by the time Stefan entered the room, it was no longer alive. Stefan quickly took in his surroundings. She missed an enemy. Stefan stepped in the way of the last cat, as Clarissa fell on the floo