Chapter 171-180

Chapter 171
It seemed to take forever for Sasha and Zev to make it back to her house where they’d left their bags. They were both almost jogging by the time they reached the tree and he stopped only to lift her to the top of the ladder, hissing as the stretch pulled at his wounds. She cursed at him for hurting himself further, but he just grinned and said it was worth it to get her out of there faster. But even in the dim light she could tell he’d paled.

“Zev—”

“Sash, I’m fine. Let’s get changed and get out of here.” Then he flashed her a grin and she groaned, pulling him down into a quick kiss, before turning to dart into the house.

Which was when she realized she was going to have to get out of that beautiful dress, and into normal, warm clothes for their trip.

And Zev was there with her.

She’d pulled to a stop in front of the bed where she’d left her clothes out and just stood there for a second, heart pumping, veins pulsing a little with fear, a little with disappointment. Kyelle had given her a beautiful set of furs to wear for the trip, but the truth was, there was no way to make the bulky, boxy furs look like anything but functional clothing. And this dress… this dress had made her feel pretty for the first time in… well, years.

As Zev closed the door into the house, Sasha removed the fur wrap, then stood there, stroking the front of the dress, grieving the dirt and blood that marred it now, but still finding it beautiful.