Page 36 (1/2)

“It could take a bit of time for your health to be properly restored,” Ashwood said, pouring hi effort”

“Is that why you…shifted in the ht?” His cheeks heated as he remembered it all too fondly, which would not do at all But thehe would soon forget

“Perhaps” Ashwood’s eyes ith worry as he helped adjust hiht-headedness was kept at bay “Did I frighten you?”

Bellaers in the wolf’s fur, then falling into a deep slu him near He took a sip of tea, which helped his parched throat “No, I—” He shook his head, trying to make sense of it

“In my wolf form, I could more easily scent you and provide you war I can easily put into words, but I felt this great need…” He clutched his chest, and Bella hi that was undoubtedly so much a part of his nature

“It felt innate?” Bellamy asked

“Yes, alht thing to do at the time”

“I didn’t mind Besides, it seemed to work”

“I’lad” His smile was sad “When I’m in that for to just remain a wolf”

That bothered Bellaain But wasn’t that exactly where this was leading? To their parting for good? In fact, before ending up in his bed, he’d hoped for such a thing, so what had changed?

He tempered his reaction, then asked, “Why?”

Ashwood shrugged “So I don’t have to experience these human emotions”

“Sounds rather te”

They shared a brief, sympathetic look Why wouldn’t Bellanawing at his insides? If Ashwood’s wolf form could take that away even momentarily, he could understand the draw

“Your as very warm,” he said and felt a flush crawl across his cheeks

“Hopefully not too warm?” Ashwood asked, amused

“Maybe a little,” Bella at his lips He focused on the tea but felt Ashwood’s gaze pressing on him “What?”

“Sorry, it’s just…your smile It’s rare to see of late,” he said honestly “Thatbetter”

“I a all at once, I’m not sure what to do withincreasingly ill, but it felt like months and months And no there were only quiet whispers of the aches and dizziness He hadn’t even had a coughing spell since he’d awakened