The Four Beta Brothers – Chapter 49
JUNIPER
It started raining on the way to the motel. Axel slowed his pace as the road became slick from the weather. By the time we pulled into the parking lot, both Axel and I were thoroughly soaked.
The lobby of the motel was decorated with various animals hanging on the walls. The likeness of the fur and the shape of the creatures made it clear these were all once alive before someone hunted them and then took them to a taxidermy. There was a pair of squirrels sitting on the desk, and the creatures on the wall ranged from a deer to a lion.
ere.
cabin-like decor filling the room. It didn’t take long for Axel to come back with a set of room keys.
best view,” Axel smiled, holding up the
ally
ailable tonight. We should consider ourselves lucky.”
he vibe I was getting from the motel.
ou don’t have to worry about me hogging the blankets.” Axel was trying hard to make me laugh, but I couldn’t even get myself to smile in return. I felt bad, but I was just too drained from the past twenty-four h
oodness.”
ht, and he didn’t say anything e
. The walls were mostly plain with the exception of a single painting hanging between the two queen-sized beds.
’m going to take a quick shower,” I announ
aid, surveying the room.
r to start heating it. I hung up all of my wet clothes, so they could dry, and once the water was warm enough
to work up the energy to properly wash my hair and body.
und my waist, since I refused to put wet clothes back on.
when I heard Axel’s voice in a hushed whisper.
the best way she can… I promise I’m looking out for her, and I’ll keep her safe… I know… Okay.”
the best view,” Axel smiled, holdi
d. “No… She hasn’t mentioned that… I don’t know. I think what Asher said to her was worse… Don’t ask me. I want to punch him for what he said… That’s on you. He’s your brother… Don’t give me that.”
crack in the door.
voice was still talking on the other end.
door cracked. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”
n’t sufficient.”
I asked.
had no way of checking on you, since he has your phone.”
t.
ulting Ethan, don’t. He’s dealt with me storming out on him on more than one occasion—most of them without a good reason
amily reputation, but his heart made up for any vagrant behavior.
hes before I start to chaff.”
tating to say the next part.
huckled.
I don’t have a change of cl
ight as a tomato. “Ah.”
to put on my wet clothes,” I said, clearing the way to the bathroom.
ust take a shower now.” He dipped into the shower, leaving me alone in the rest of the room.
week, and I wanted to scarf everything down.
at dipped below the towel.
ke the view?” Axel ask
cover from that embarrassment. I grabbed a small bag of pretzels and chucked it at him. “Here! I’m sure you’re hungry.”
“Out of everything you bought, this was what you decided to throw at
ething else you want?”
umming.
ther. Neither of us pulled away. I looked up, and Axel was watching me. The storm in his eyes raged, and it felt like it was about to spill over int
dies, and my core ached for his touch. Just the thought of Axel was enough to make me breathless.
myself, I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from pulling him on top of me.
ot
o act with my heart and feel everything. I didn’t want to think.
ndy.
se since I was a kid. How’d you know they were my favorite?”
reacted on instinct. “I don’t know. I just knew.”
seemed to deflate.
t remember you.”
wanted to tell you sooner. It felt wrong to keep it a secret. I’m sorry I never s
to say. I don’t believe in past lives—I don’t particularly not believe in them either—and I had no memories of you, but somehow that statement made sense to me. Maybe you didn’t tell me exactly, but you tried to.”
ew inches from my face. I didn’t breathe as