Unexpected Warmth

"Oh God." Beatrix practically jumped out of her skin when Alaric suddenly chimed in behind her.

She spun around and glared at him. "Can you not walk like a silent assassin? And seriously, who sneaks up to listen to their sister talking to her bestie? That's low, even for you."

She pressed a hand to her chest as she caught her breath. The scare had been real.

Alaric lifted his shoulders in a lazy s