Dusk (Dangerous Web #1) - Aleatha Romig Page 0,12

they all are.”

Leaving the food uneaten and setting the plate on the bed, Araneae stood and resumed her earlier pacing. She was still wearing the same clothes we’d dressed in this morning, soft pants and an oversized shirt. Her midsection was beginning to show a distinct roundness. She didn’t have the beach ball of Madeline, but her baby bump was visible.

Araneae stopped pacing and turned to me. “Do you know what Sterling has said to me a million times?”

My lips quirked upward. “Are you sure it’s something you want to share?”

A soft pink hue colored her cheeks. “I wouldn’t even know where to begin with the non-sharable things he’s said. What I’m thinking about is what he’s said over and over again” —her voice lowered in a sad attempt to mimic Sterling’s deep voice— “this is for your safety.” She spun, allowing her arms and hands to tap her thighs. “Over and over to the point that when he first found me” —found was an interesting choice of word— “I hated the phrase. I hated it. Everything about it. His constant obsession with safety.” She let out a long breath, lifted her chin toward the ceiling, and stared at the two bare light bulbs high above. When her gaze came back to mine, her expression was stoically strong, yet telltale tears flowed down each cheek. “But, I learned he meant well. I know he can be...”

I placed my plate beside hers on the thin mattress and stood. Walking toward her, I reached for her hands. “Overbearing, overprotective, domineering, and bossy.”

With each of my adjectives, Araneae nodded and her sad smile grew. “Yes, all of those things. And I love every damn one. I wouldn’t ask him to be different than he is. And he has never asked that of me. He” —she inhaled as she searched for the right words— “welcomed me as I am, never trying to change me.” She swallowed. “I mean, we didn’t know one another.” Her head tilted. “I don’t think I was what he expected.”

“You weren’t. You’re so much more,” I said.

“With him, I’m different. Sterling helped me understand who I am, who I’m capable of being. He gave me my past, my roots, and also showed me that I had wings to fly. He showed me that I could soar to untold heights. The gifts he’s given me have nothing to do with possessions. He gave me security and a family.” She squeezed my hand. “You, Reid, Patrick, and then everyone.” She let go of my hand, peered downward, and placed hers over her baby bump. “And now our child.” Looking back to me, she took a ragged breath. “I’m scared. Did we not listen to him? Did we do something wrong?”

I swallowed the emotions I didn’t want to feel, ones too numerous to articulate. “No, Araneae. We were where they wanted us. We didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I’ve never” —Araneae walked a few steps, her feet bare as were mine— “had a family, not really, not since I was a teenager, not one of my own. I don’t want to lose that. I don’t want to lose him.”

“You know they will do everything—”

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” she interrupted, spinning toward me, her volume rising. “I’m scared that in their attempts to save us, something will happen to one of them.” She shook her head. “I can’t use those wings he’s given me, not without him by my side.”

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. “I understand.”

“What about Reid?”

It was my turn for tears to form. For the last few hours, I’d refused to give into them, yet they persisted, now teetering precariously upon my lids. “I love him. He’s my Prince Charming.” I thought about what Araneae had said. “I think I had roots when I met Reid. Mason was my family, my roots to keep me grounded and safe, but it was different with Reid. Being with him and him with me gave me substance—I hope it’s the same for him. When we’re together, I’m more than Lorna Pierce, more than a sister. With Reid, I’ve always been more. It’s as if we complete one another.” I scoffed. “I know that sounds cheesy.”

Araneae shook her head. “No.” She laughed. “Yes.”

I tilted my head toward the two plates. “We need to eat. We don’t know when they’ll bring more or come for these.”

Araneae turned a complete circle. “We’re in a fucking cell.”

“They’ll get us out.” I quickly added, “And they’ll stay safe