Page 162 of The Ashpaw: Part One

And yet…

He was also right. Darion had what she needed.

The sedative had worn off a while ago, but all the pain she’d felt was now gone, for whenever the heat rose, he was there, helping her ride it out on his body. And then all that remained was pleasure.

Whether Darion had known what he was supposed to do all along or if his alpha instincts had finally come to life, she wasn’t sure. And she wouldn’t ask. But he tended her and cared for her like she could have only dreamed about.

And there was not a single mention of… the other one. No word of having to leave, or his other duties to the clan.

There was only her.

He fed her, gave her water, washed her by hand, kissed her gently and whispered sweet words in her ear.

But all that coming from him left her empty.

Right treatment. Wrong person.

The dog was mooing now.

Her climax built quickly and she screamed as she came. He followed, his knot expertly sliding inside of her.

Like they’d been made for each other.

And wasn’t that sad.

* * *

Fern was only vaguely aware that someone had come to the door. There were hushed whispers.

They sounded annoyed.

The door closed.

She looked up from her spot on the floor.

One would think her month spent as the Ashpaw would have her accustomed to such sleeping conditions, but her back hurt worse than ever.

She missed her nest.

“Good morning,” he said, putting a tray of food on the table. “The healer stopped by with some special tea for you, so make sure to drink it.”

Fern sat up.

She knew she wasn’t out of heat completely yet, but the waves of need had slowed down considerably, allowing her mind more time to clear between bouts of muddled wanton pleasure.

He handed her the cup, the drink having turned cool during its trip to her room, but it only made it more refreshing. The taste was herbal, with a hint of licorice, and she finished it in just a few sips.

She was severely dehydrated, her body sucking up the tea like dry earth in the rain, and she sighed contentedly as she placed the empty cup back on the tray.

Darion watched her, and then he cleared his throat. “I… need to tell you that today is the ceremony.”

Fern froze.

At first she couldn’t believe it had been that long. Then, she realized it meant Darion was leaving her—for how long, she could only guess.

But she still needed him.

And that was what upset her the most. It was like every time she had successfully expelled him from her heart, he’d manage to worm his way in even closer than he had been before.