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I stare down at the stubborn redhead safely tucked into my bed. She’s been asleep for three whole days now. Conall and I have been able to rouse her to drink water or broth and to use the chamber pot, but that’s all.

If Vera hadn’t returned home the day after Victor and Heston attacked her, I would have carried her to the healer’s cottage in Grimsgate.

Fortunately, her grandmother assured us that, due to the severity of her injuries, she would likely sleep for three to five days. The healing potion she took would help, but it used a vast amount of the person’s energy to fuel their recovery.

After her assurances Scarlett should be fine, Conall and I decided she would heal better in my cottage. Plus, the toilet facilities here are more modern. Something I will need to remedy for Vera in the future. If the obstinate witch will let me.

Trying to convince her to do anything is like talking to a wall. Though it gives me a good idea where Little Red acquired her tendency for stubbornness.

With my woman back in our home, my stress level is better. Conall’s grouchiness remains, but I know it’s because he’s desperate for our mate to wake up.

Our mate.

The concept boggles my mind. I always hoped Scarlett would give me a chance to court her. We were human so it never occurred to me I would bind myself to her in the ways of the shifters..

Conall stirs next to Scarlett in wolf form. He’s barely left her side the past three days. His control over his wolf is slippery at the moment, so one hour, he may be wearing fur, and the next, skin. But he’s always close enough to touch her.

His dedication to caring for her is admirable.

Neither of us has gone in search of Heston. He disappeared while we were tending to Scarlett’s injuries, but I doubt he’s gone far considering the burns he suffered to his face and arms. Instead, we’ve focused on helping Little Red recover.

A whimper from the bed brings my focus back to the present. Conall lifts his head, watching as Scarlett’s legs move restlessly beneath the blankets. Her eyelids flutter, and her head rolls on the pillow.

I sit on the edge of the bed by her hip, taking her hand in mine, while Conall shifts back to his human form, reaching for her other hand.

Her fingers grip both of our hands tightly for a moment before her lashes finally lift and she looks up at me. A tiny smile curves her lips. “Hello.”

“You’re awake,” Conall murmurs, leaning over her to brush her tangled hair away from her face. His black eyes fill with relief and adoration, his grumpiness gone now that his mate is awake and smiling at him.

Her gaze shifts to him. “I am. Why do you say it like you’re surprised?”

“Because you’ve been asleep for three days,” I answer.

Scarlett turns her head toward me, her eyes wide. “I have?”

Her teeth grit as she tries to sit up, but her arms still shake as she pushes herself off the mattress. Conall puts an arm around her back and lifts her so she leans against his torso.

“Yes. Thank the gods your grandmother came home the day after you were injured. If she hadn’t, I would have dragged your unconscious body to the healer in Grimsgate.” I lift her hand to my lips, kissing her knuckles.

She opens her mouth to reply, but her stomach growls loudly before she can speak. The Lycan leaps to his feet, clearly relieved he can do something for her.

“I’ll get you something to eat,” he says. “And some tea.”

She smiles at him as he pulls on a loose pair of breeches. “Thank you, Sir Wolf.”

He leans over and kisses her forehead before he leaves the bedroom.

She watches him go, her expression… considering. “He seems… different,” she states.

“He does.”

I half expect her to ask me why, but, as usual, she surprises me.

“What happened while I was asleep? Where’s my stepfather? And Victor’s body? Are you and Conall in trouble with the constable?”

I shake my head and gently squeeze her hand. “Slow down. I’ll answer all your questions, but first, I need a kiss.”

She covers her lips with her hand. “Oh, not yet. My mouth tastes like the inside of a slop bucket right now.”