“See?” he calls. “Told you I could do it!”
I’m laughing as I get to my feet, brushing grass off my legs. “That’s very impressive.”
“Come see!”
I make my way over, still laughing. He’s so proud of this tiny fish that my heart squeezes. He’s soaking wet from the waist down, his jeans clinging to his legs, but he doesn’t seem to mind.
“Beautiful catch,” I say solemnly.
“I know.” He grins at me, then looks at the fish. “Should we…cook it?”
“It’s barely a mouthful.”
“Fair point.” He wades over to the bank and gently releases the fish back into the creek. We watch it dart away, a flash of silver in the current.
Kain climbs out, water streaming off him, and immediately pulls me into a hug.
“You’re getting me wet!”
“That’s the idea.” He’s laughing against my hair, and I can feel the rumble of it in his chest.
I push at him, but not very hard, and he holds me tighter. For a moment, we just stand here. His heart beats steadily against my ear. The creek murmurs. The breeze rustles through the trees.
Perfect.
We grab our things and head back to the car, my hand in his, still smiling like idiots. I’m reaching for the passenger door when Kain suddenly stumbles.
“Kain?” I turn just in time to see him catch himself against the car, one hand pressed to his temple.
“I’m fine,” he says quickly, but his voice sounds strained.
“No, you’re not.” I’m at his side immediately, my hand on his arm. “What’s wrong?”
“Just dizzy.” He tries to straighten up, but I can see the way he’s gripping the car for support. “Must be tired. We’ve been out here for hours.”
“Kain—”
“I’m fine, Anne. Really.” He manages a smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Let’s just get home. I probably need to eat something more substantial.”
I want to argue, want to insist we go to the pack healer right now, but he’s already opening the driver’s side door.
“I’m driving,” I say firmly.
He doesn’t argue, which worries me more than the dizziness itself.
I help him into the passenger seat, my heart pounding. He leans his head back against the headrest, eyes closed, and in the afternoon light, I can see how pale he’s gotten.
Something is wrong.
Chapter Fifteen
Kain
I am in so much pain.
By the time Anne’s apartment building comes into view, I’m barely holding it together. Sweat drips down my temple despite the cool, evening air. Every breath feels like fire in my chest, and there’s a grinding ache in my bones that makes me want to scream.
But I can’t let her see. Anne parks my car and immediately reaches over to touch my forehead. Her hand is icy against my burning skin, and the concern in her eyes makes guilt twist in my gut alongside the pain.
