Chapter 56. Bella POV

Speedily washed, fed and in fresh clean clothes, I felt like a completely different person. Gitte was constantly on alert looking out for Lucien. I grew restless with anticipation as the minutes ticked by until his return. I wore a new black tank top and soft black leggings, my hair now clean and glossy though there was no mirror to tell if it was still a crazy mess I didn’t care so much anymore.

Feeling like a naughty child placed on a step I longed to leave the cabin and see if I could find him. Every nerve jangled, hoping I hadn’t made him think I didn’t return his affection. Finally, I could take it no longer, I pulled on my black boots and started down the path where he had gathered the wood.

The steep incline made me gasp as I marvelled at how strong he had been to carry me on his shoulders all this way. Gitte noticed a small collection of rocks and boulders off the path and nudged me to investigate. As I approached, ducking and bending under branches I saw his