Chapter 10: Separate Beds

Keeva's POV

I woke with his name in my mouth.

The cabin was gray with early light, and the stove was lit, which meant someone had fed it before dawn.

I opened the door.

Bram sat on the porch step with his back to me, his shoulders hunched under the gray coat.

He did not turn.

"I said something in my sleep," I said.

"You did."

"What?"

"Your name for me," he said. "Not a kind one."

I sat down on the step beside him, as far away as the boards allowed.

"I have a dream," I said. "I've had it every night. You're in it."

"What do I do?"

"You hit me."

He did not move.

"Every day," I said. "With something that burns. Until I can't get up."

I kept my eyes on the yard.

"I've never raised a hand to anyone who couldn't hit back," he said at last, quietly. "Not once."

"I know," I said. "I watched you stand there while Tobias punched you."

"Then why does the dream still scare you?"

"Because it's so real," I said.

He turned his head and looked at me for a long time.

I could not tell what he was thinking.

"Then I'll prove it every day until it stops," he said.

I should have said something wise.

I said, "There's a betrothal at noon. We're going."

"I know."

"You'll hate it."

"I'll stand next to you," he said. "That's all I need to do."

The pack hall was crowded again.

My father sat on the dais with Dahlia beside him in white, her cane across her knees.

Elias stood at her shoulder with a flower in his lapel.

Mom wept happily into a handkerchief.

When my father announced the betrothal, the whole front rows applauded.

Dahlia rose with Elias's help and turned her dark glasses toward the room.

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