Page 80 of His to Hunt

“I’m barely functional,” I groan, leaning forward.

“Don’t get up. You need to eat something,” he says, pushing the table over to the couch. “We’ll just eat here tonight.”

“That works for me,” I mumble.

Everything smells delicious, but eating takes effort, and I don’t even feel like I can chew. All that sleep doesn’t seem to have done much for me. All I got was enough energy to shower and drag myself to the living room to pass out again.

“Should I order something else?” he asks, noticing I’m not eating yet.

“No, I’m just… trying to get the energy to pick up my fork,” I sigh.

“Let me take care of you, mate,” he says sweetly, scooting closer. “That’s what I’m here for.”

Victor picks up my fork and knife, cuts my food into small bites, and then starts feeding me like I’m a helpless baby.

animal he found on the side of the road. But it’s a little romantic. I can see the care in his eyes and feel the tenderness in his touch. He’s more concerned about me than he is about himself, and I can tell he’s starving. His stomach is rumbling so loud it sounds like an engine.

“You’re different now,” I say, opening my mouth and letting him feed me some mashed potatoes.

“What do you mean?” he asks.

“I don’t know… just different.” I look at him curiously.

He pauses for a moment, sips his whiskey, and puts the glass down.

“Truthfully, you’ve never seen the real me,” he says, shrugging slightly. “I came to Covington because I had your scent and that was already driving me mad. But nothing has changed. Not really. You’re still my mate, and now that the frenzy is over, the bond is even stronger.”

“Maybe that’s what I feel,” I say. “It’s not the same pull as before. It’s more like a deeper connection, I guess? I’m not sure.”

“It’s changed us both,” he agrees. “We can never go back to being who we were before the frenzy. Except now I don’t feel like I’m going to die if I don’t rip off your clothes and rut you while you scream.”

I flash a concerned look. “Good, because I don’t think I can handle that anytime soon.”

“That doesn’t mean I don’t want you,” he protests. “I can just control myself better now that the frenzy has passed.”

“And where do you stand on… liking me?” I ask, feeling enough energy from the food to reach for my drink. I gesture for him to feed himself now that I’m recovering a bit.

“After the frenzy? I like you a lot,” he chuckles, then his expression gets more serious. “Everything was kind of mixed up because of the mating bond, so I wasn’t thinking clearly. I didn’t want to say this during the frenzy, since I didn’t know how I would feel once it ended, but… I’ve grown rather fond of you.”

Warmth blossoms in my chest and while I don’t quite have the energy to smile, one spreads across my face anyway. “I’m glad to hear that, because truthfully, I’ve grown rather fond of you, too.”

“Then let’s make sure we don’t allow the bond to fade,” he says, loading his own fork up. “But for now, we just need to eat and regain our strength. I have a feeling we’ll need more rest after we get some food in us.”

“Yeah, I’ll probably fall asleep on the couch again after I’m full,” I sigh, sipping my drink.

“If you do, I’ll carry you to bed,” he promises. “I’ve also grown rather fond of having you in my arms when I sleep, too.”

I smile again. The warmth spreads through me. I’m definitely feeling some kind of way, and it isn’t just the bond. He said I deserve everything. He’s made me believe it. So much so, that I actually feel worthy of his affection. I don’t feel like a forgotten basement gremlin anymore. Just a tired, exhausted girl who is falling in love. Or else I’m just so tired that what seems like rational thought is still just mush in my head.

After we eat, I doze on the couch. I’m vaguely aware of Victor picking me up and carrying me to the bedroom. Aware enough to snuggle into his arms once we’re in bed, where I feel safe and secure.

I’m in and out of consciousness for what feels like days. It’s like the frenzy has sent me into some sort of metamorphosis and I’m cocooned in Victor’s warmth. I wake up to food a few times. Wake up to sips of water. Wake up to pee. Fall asleep again to the sound of his soothing words and comforting touch.

Finally, I wake up feeling more like myself again. The soreness is gone. My legs aren’t wobbly. I’m able to get out of bed without needing support. Victor is still sleeping, but he’s taken such good care of me I don’t want to disturb him.

I decide to take a bath before I wake him up, and walk softly into the bathroom, closing the door as quietly as possible.

I’ve felt like I needed a long soak, and this is the perfect opportunity. I run the water, adding scented bubbles, Epsom salts, and a few different oils. I’m not sure how to run a proper bath, but this one feels incredibly soothing.