20 A comfort

Caleb held me in his arms for what seemed like hours, I was strangely calm with the whole situation.

Now that I knew the truth and the reason he acted the way he did, I wasn't so anxious around him.

As it got later it was beginning to get colder, and fog came in across the lake.

"I think I should get you home, I'm sure you've had enough excitement for one night," Caleb smirked.

we stood up together and walked casually towards the horse, "Won't they be looking for you?"

I remarked.

"I doubt it, tonight is about Silas. Not me."

He seemed to have a bit of a sour tone to his voice when he said his brother's name.

I sensed that he did not really want to discuss it, so I left it at that.

When we arrived at my family estate we both crept inside not wanting to wake any of the servants, I led the way up to my chambers and gently closed the door once we were in my room.

"Give me a moment to change?" I said sheepishly.

Caleb was scanning the room, not seeming to notice me excusing myself as I went into the bathroom.

Changing out of the gown I washed my makeup off and combed my hair out, slipping into a plain nightgown, slowly peaking through the door I found Caleb lying legs crossed on my bed, he opened his eyes then and smiled at me.

Slowly walking up to the bed I took my place next to him, sitting on my knees as my hair fell down in front of me.

"Will you stay with me tonight? I don't think I want to sleep alone."

"If that's what you want." He answered softly.

We were silent for a moment, While I looked at him. He really was the most exquisite thing I had ever seen.

He seemed so relaxed with me now, so human. He lay with his eyes closed, A calm expression on his face.

Being bold I lay down next to him as he wrapped his arms around me gently, Placing my head on his chest I listened carefully, "No heartbeat."

"hmm." he hummed in response. I'd have to get used to that.

He slipped off his boots and snuggled closer to me as I drifted off to sleep.

It was a comfort knowing that he was there with me, after everything, I wasn't sure that I would be safe alone.

Tomorrow I would have to face the reality of it all, but for now, I had this. And that was enough.

I woke to find that Caleb wasn't in the bed anymore, on the side table he left a note -

--

I didn't want to wake you.

I've gone back to speak to my father about last night.

I'll be back later, wait for me.

- Caleb

P.S. You're beautiful when you're sleeping.

--

For a moment I had forgotten about it all.

I hope that Caleb can clear things up between his family and me.