When I entered the room, I was prepared for the sweet assaults of my mate.
No matter how much my mind resisted, the chemistry of the bond was always present.
Topened the door, and immediately, the delicious scent hit my nose much stronger and muskier.
Quinn had been training outside.
limagined him sweating, his bulging muscles exposed under some combat shirt.
I had to admit, I was dying to run my eyes over his body.
However, the rustling sound of clothes reached my ears.
I thought he was getting ready to take a bath, but then his steps didn't head toward the bathroom.
Quinn, what are you doing? I asked, saying his name the way he liked so much.
Tm going to sleep in another room to let you rest.
You dont need me watching over you so closely anymore, he replies, and his dry tone makes me tense up.
Whats going on? Just this morning, he nearly ravished me with his morning erection when he woke up.
The Healer hasnt said Im fully recovered yet, I...
I trail off, realizing the nonsense excuses Im making.
Isnt this what I wanted? So, should I stay? His breath brushes against my hair.
I know very well ---- that hes standing right in front of me, waiting for my answeran answer that carries many implications.
Istay silent for a few seconds.
Ive always been the kind of woman who doesnt overthink things, who goes straight for the jugular in life.
I guess that habit led me to drain my previous mate completely.
Yes, I think its better if you sleep in another room.
That way, Ill be more comfortable, I say, lowering my head.
For the first time, Im glad I cant see his eyes.
However, his disappointment hits me head-on.
He doesnt say anything, and I hear his footsteps circling around me before he walks to the door and leaves.
Quinn...
I turn, calling him, even taking a step forward, but hes already gone.
Has he finally gotten tired of my constant rejections? Most likely.
I know Im a bitch without a muzzle.
Its better for him this wayto hate me and accept my rejection.
That man is too good for me, and I dont want to hurt him beyond repair.
Ineed more blood than ever.
I feel that if I start drinking from him, I wont be able to stop.
Tlike Quinn too much.
Thats the truth.
Id say even more than Valerias father, and thats dangerous for himvery dangerous.
Im more afraid than Ive been in a long time.
I place my hand over my erratically beating heart, and a dull ache spreads through my chest.
If I got what I wanted, then why do feel so bitter inside? sek CELINE Laila, you really dont have to go through so much trouble, I told her when she handed me a bow! filled with thick broth, even with pieces of meat inside.
Thad already turned down a dark remedy she had brought me earlier.
It smelled like herbs, but the truth was, I didnt trust her, so I politely refused.
But now, this soup...
it was making my mouth water, and in reality, I was starving.
Celine, you're making me feel awful.
Do you think I saved you from being a slave just to harm you? she said with a frown, clearly hurt by my actions.
I was frantically thinking of how to stay on her good side.
So far, she had only helped me.
Laila, Im sorry, I just...
My stomach suddenly made the most untimely noise, as if a battle of gases was raging inside it.
Laila raised an amused eyebrow, and with embarrassment, I accepted the bowl full of vegetables, which looked quite appetizing.
"Mia, smell it and see if you sense anything strange," I spoke to my wolf as I lifted the wooden bowl close to my nose, pretending to blow on it because it was hot.
No, it just smells like food.
Although the scent of herbs in this carriage ---- is quite strong, the food itself seems fine.
Feeling more relaxed, I started practically devouring the soupI needed food to heal faster.
Stretch out your leg, let me check your thighit was the worst wound, she said, and I followed her instructions.
The spot where the whip had struck throbbed painfully.
Iwas wearing one of her dresses, which fit me a bit tightly, but I was grateful because my clothes must have been in tatters.
Tts not healing, she announced after lifting the skirt and removing the bandage she had placed on me.
Isat at the edge of the cot with the bowl in my hands, staring at the ugly wound that wrapped around my right thigh.
Why? I leaned in to see, and there was even pus oozing from the wound.
It looked worse than I had imagined.
Could it be that medicine you used on me? Teyed the leaves she had removed along with the bandage.
No, no, look, its the same I used for your other wounds, she showed me the other bandages, and it was true.
It looks like that weapon was poisoned as well as enchanted.
Let me take a closer look.
She leaned in and examined the wound.
After a while, she identified the poison, then turned around and started crushing some leaves in a bowl.
Mia...
J dont sense anything strange, Celine.
It seems like the same leaves she used on the rest of your wounds, she reassured me, and I tried not to be so paranoid or seem ungrateful.
---- This is going to sting a bit.
I need to neutralize the poison, she said, and I nodded.
She cleaned the pus and all the filth oozing from the wound with some green medicinal water.