Page 113 of The Ashpaw: Part One

“How did you get these?” Fern asked, wondering if it had been taken from his bed without his permission. If he would be angry with her for having this.

She really didn’t want two alphas upset at her.

Well, three, counting Eidan…

“Alpha Reinn gave it all to me,” Adela replied. “And said if you need anything else, to tell me and I can inform him.”

It was good he wasn’t upset with her, then, but she was disappointed Darion had either forgotten or ignored his promise. And she didn’t know which hurt worse.

Taking one of the smaller pillows with her, she rose and crossed the room to where the steaming pie and half a pint of ale were waiting for her.

And a book.

And a small rock.

The book was about the origins of the wolfkin, while the rock was a smooth, black river stone.

“What are these?”

“Also from Alpha Reinn,” she said, opening her cedar chest and adding new gowns inside. “He said the book was for your education, and the rock was for your… I think he said bed.”

“Bed?”

“I’m not sure, I’m sorry. He seemed quite pleased with himself, I thought you would understand.”

And then her cheeks heated with understanding.

“Perhaps he said ‘nest?’”

Adela paused for a moment. “Aye, that sounds right.”

Her wolf was beyond excited, running in circles with her tongue hanging out.

It’s sweet, but…

It’s for us, she barked. When Fern’s mind’s eye just stared at her, she huffed. You wouldn’t understand.

Fern thought she understood plenty, and was trying to feel grateful. Excited. Cared for.

But there was a dam inside her, and the outpouring of happiness that should have been flowing from such a gesture was backed up, reduced to a cautious trickle.

Still, she palmed the stone, already warming to her touch, and then began eating. She burned her tongue almost immediately on a chunk of potato, drinking half the ale to cool it down and wondering when the last time was she’d eaten something hot.

Adela closed the heavy lid to the chest, rising to a stand. “I’ll bid you good night then. Any special requests for your morning meal?”

Fern stilled, the fork halfway to her mouth. “Requests?”

“Aye,” she replied. “Unless someone tells me otherwise, Alpha Reinn’s informed me to make sure you receive all the same meals as the rest of the clan, with extra fat on Healer Serich’s orders. Are you partial to anything in particular?”

Her eyes began to tear, and Fern quickly shoveled another forkful of pie in her mouth, burning it again.

Darion still hadn’t ordered anything for her care.

“Just…“ She stopped for a moment after the wave of grief had passed, wondering if it was too much to ask. “If you bring porridge, can… can you bring honey, too?”

She bowed her head with a small smile. “Of course. Good night, Fern.”

“Good night, Adela.”