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“No.” The berries wouldn't be fatal, though he might feel like death. It broke my heart to tell him, “But you're going to be very sick.” Now knowing what he ate, things were starting to make sense; why he slurred when saying his name, why he was nauseous, and why he got dizzy and slipped. He was beginning to feel the effects of the poison.
Thinking of what he was about to endure gave me physical pain as well. I didn't want my mate to be sick; I wanted to shield him from everything bad in this world. I only wanted him to feel happiness.
And it killed me to know I could technically put a stop to it all; my mating bite would bind our bodies and souls together. It would make Tatum immune to illness or disease of any kind. But this wasn't the way to make that sort of decision. It would be different if it were a life and death situation, and there was only one way to save him. But when it came to our bond, it needed to be Tatum's choice, made from longing and love - not fear. We needed to have long conversations first. He needed all the information.
Until then, there was something I could do. “I’ll take care of you. I won’t leave your side and I’ll do anything I can to help you feel better.” There was so much I didn’t know about Tatum, and equally as much he didn’t know about me. But neither of us asked any questions.
For me personally, as much as I wanted information about Tatum, I didn’t need it to care for him. I knew he was mine, and I would do anything for him. I would reveal everything about myself to my mate when it was time.
But for now, Tatum only nodded his understanding and agreement. All that mattered was his health. Though human, he would feel the pull of our bond as well. He wouldn’t understand the extent, but he would know he could trust me. I held him close to my chest and hurried towards my home.
Chapter Two
Weldon
Because I was so worried about Tatum, the trip back to my cabin seemed to take twice as long as it normally would. If I were in bear form, I could have sprinted quickly, but I needed my arms to hold onto my mate.
Especially since his strength was waning, and he was no longer able to hold onto me. I stopped twice along the way to allow my poor mate to vomit when his body lurched in my arms.
Tatum was terrified at the bright red color, worried that it may be blood, until I explained it was from undigested berries. My sweet boy tried to apologize for the scene, claiming it was ‘gross’, but I told him that he could never do anything to disgust me; especially when it had to do with his health.
And unfortunately, soon he wasn’t saying anything. By the time we reached my cabin, Tatum was completely wiped out. His skin was pale and clammy, and his body was limp in my arms. His eyes were closed, but I was comforted by the gentle rise and fall of his chest.
I balanced him in my hold to open my front door before hurrying him into the bedroom. I pulled back the blankets covering my king bed and nestled him against the mattress, making sure his head was cradled on the pillow. I slipped off his sneakers and placed them beneath the bed.
Once I was sure he was comfortable, I hurried into the bathroom to retrieve a trash can, which I placed beside the bed in case he needed it. I was glad he was sleeping for the time being; he wouldn't feel the painful stomach cramps as long as he was resting.
Tatum's body curled into the fetal position and vibrated with cold chills. I tucked the blankets snugly around him before hurrying to the opposite side of the room, to the wide fireplace there. I usually only used it in the coldest winter months, since my thick, hairy body tended to stay warm, but luckily, I had enough wood stacked next to the hearth to build a decent fire.
Once I’d done that, and the sweat was already beading on my brow, I returned to Tatum’s side. I wanted nothing more than to take him in my arms and comfort him, but I would never do so without permission. Instead, I sat next to him and waited for a sign that he needed me.
It didn’t take long. Within moments, Tatum’s body lurched as his eyes flew open. I grabbed the trash can and moved it just in time to catch his vomit. Once he seemed to be empty for the moment, I hurried into the bathroom and returned with two damp cloths; I used one to clean his face, and I placed the other one across his forehead.
“Thank you,” Tatum whispered in a weak voice. Even though he had to be feeling miserable, he was still so sweet.
“You’re welcome, Taterbug,” I replied, and the corners of his lips twitched at the nickname. “Is there anything you need?”
He gently shook his head no, but after a few moments, he whimpered, “So cold.”
“I’ve started a fire. I’m sorry I don’t have any extra blankets.” I tended to sleep hot, so I didn’t need them. I swallowed hard and hedged, “I can hold you if you’d like. Is that okay?” His pale cheeks pinked a bit as he nodded. I could smell the shift in his pheromones, and knew the blush was from nervous intrigue, but not fear.
My heart raced as I pulled back the blankets and laid in bed next to him. Tatum lifted his head from the pillow and rested it on my chest, nuzzling against my sweater. I wrapped my arms around him and held him close. Even through our clothes, his body was like ice against mine. The coolness was refreshing, but I hated that my mate was so sick.
I loved holding Tatum in my arms. The first time, it was from necessity; he’d fallen, and then was too sick to walk on his own. But now, this was by desire. Yes, he was cold and looking for body heat; however, the scent of his excitement in the air told the rest of the story.
I caressed my hand up and down his back to soothe him as his breathing evened out and he fell asleep once more. Tatum fell into a cycle of jolting awake from sickness, curling up to me for warmth after I cleaned his face, and then falling asleep.
Eventually, after Tatum got sick once more, he looked up at me; he appeared so pale and exhausted. His lips were almost white and they barely moved when he whispered, “I need to use the bathroom. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry, Taterbug. You can’t help being sick.”
His eyes filled with moisture. “Yes I could. I’m so stupid; I was just so hungry.”
“You are not stupid,” I insisted. “The forest can be a dangerous place. But I promise to teach you all about it when you’re feeling better. I also promise that you’ll never be hungry again.” It was a big statement, but it was easy to make. Tatum was mine now, and he’d never want for anything.
I was curious about his story; how he ended up alone and hungry in the woods. But he wasn’t up to answering those questions yet. When he was, I would do anything I could to take his pain away, and make his life a happy one.
“For now, I’m going to take care of you. Please, don’t apologize; it’s my pleasure and honor to do so.” Tatum thanked me with a shaky smile.
