Page 13 of B is for Beast of Dean

Heath glanced at me, something unreadable in his amber eyes. "Deeper into the forest. Or maybe further." He paused, studying my face. "You shouldn't have come here, Alice. If they find us together..."

"I had to warn you," I said. "You saved my life."

"And now you're risking yours for mine." Heath stepped closer, and I caught his scent. Damp earth and something uniquely masculine. "You barely know me."

"I know enough," I said, looking up into his face. "I know you're kind and gentle and nothing like the monster they think you are."

Heath’s eyes softened. For a moment we stood there, close enough that I could see the flecks of gold in his eyes and feel the warmth radiating from his large body.

Then the distant sound of baying hounds shattered the moment.

"They're getting closer," Heath said, his voice rough. "You have to go back, Alice. Now. And you can't come here again."

"What do you mean?"

Heath's hands clenched into fists at his sides. "I mean this has to end. Whatever friendship we've begun, it's too dangerous to continue. For both of us."

The words hit me like a physical blow. "Heath, no—"

"Yes." His voice was firm, final. "Go back to your work, your normal life.” He sighed. “Forget about the Beast of Dean."

"I can't forget about you," I said. "I won't."

Heath closed his eyes. When he opened them again, they held a resolve that made my heart sink.

"You must," he said quietly. "Goodbye, Alice."

Before I could argue, he turned and melted into the forest, leaving me alone in the clearing with the scent of fresh-cut wood and the sound of hunting dogs growing ever closer.

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