Chapter Nineteen
“She’s nine,” I snap. "You need to stop being so d*mn honest."
William doesn’t argue. He walks around to my side of the bed and kneels so we’re level. He doesn’t reach for Bella, only allows his presence to press as close as it can without touching. I feel the difference immediately--the room steadies in response. My pulse slows against my will. Something about this man's, this demon's presence is actually comforting.
“Breathe with me,” William says to Bella, his voice unusually gentle. “In for four, out for six.”
Her body fights the instruction at first, all jagged edges and little hiccups of fear. Then a rhythm takes hold of her. I match it, if only because it’s the one thing I can do. Her shaking eases, and my hands stop trembling against her back.
“That’s it,” h
