Page 434 of Once Upon a Fable

God, why did I feel so jumpy and high? My system acted as if I was about to scale a boulder that might make me fall and break something.

Well, this is kind of like that...

Having Kas in my space set me on edge and excited me at the same time. I wanted him to be happy here. I wanted him to feel welcome and free to go wherever he wanted. But I was also afraid he wouldn’t like it.

That he’d find my place small after the huge decadence of Fables.

I had money, but I was wise in my investments. I owned this small house outright and had another two rentals that returned good yields, but the rest of my savings were scattered in term deposits, growth funds with Wall Street, and a couple of start-up companies that I believed in.

I’d never been one for expensive cars or massive houses even though I could afford it.

The idea that Kas would find me lacking in some way? That he’d regret allowing me to drive him so far from his valley made me sick.

God, had he felt all these emotions when I’d trespassed?

Had he struggled with wanting me in his space versus not wanting me near the things he valued?

I’d entered his sanctuary. I’d infiltrated somewhere he felt safe.

I’d never stopped to see it from his point of view—to understand how soul-shattering it would’ve been to have someone unwelcome step inside without an invitation.

To have to share after a decade of being alone.

If he’d been this strung out, no wonder he’d had such an adverse reaction to me. It still didn’t excuse him strangling me or throwing me in the basement, but I could see how terrifying it would’ve been for him.

I’d signaled a change he hadn’t been ready for.

I’d brought forth a life he’d done his best to turn his back on.

And now?

He’s doing the same to me.

Just having him on my doorstep ensured this house would never feel the same again. I would never forget him prowling through my rooms, looking at my stuff, becoming part of my world. How could I ever forget him when the entire vibe of my home had changed just with him standing on the stoop?

How could I be sure he’d be happy here? That he’d find comfort in a suburb surrounded by people? How could I be sure I’d remain enough for him as he slowly acclimated from animal to man?

Maybe he’d find someone else?

Someone he didn’t share such a complicated beginning with.

Oh, God.

My stomach churned, and my hand turned slick with sweat on the doorknob.

Stop torturing yourself, Gem.

You’re tired from the drive.

You’ve been on high alert since being flown out of the valley.

You’ve brought someone home who isn’t used to this world.

It’s natural your mind is all over the place.

Kas wrapped his arms around me from behind. His chin landed on my head, and his chest expanded with air as he inhaled and sighed. “It’s my turn to trespass on your home, Gemma Ashford.”

I let out a surprised laugh. “I was literally just thinking that.” I turned in his arms, slinging mine around his waist. “I was wondering if you felt this jittery when I entered your home.”