They slid down my face and hit the linen sheets without sound. My wolf stirred, barely, like something shifting in deep water. Then went still again.
Some things are simply cruel.
But I was grateful, at least, that I'd found out before it was too late. I could still walk away.
The day I was discharged, a young healer helped me gather my things.
"Ms. Silvercrest, how come no one's visited you these past few days? Are you sure you'll be okay returning to the den alone?"
"I'm fine. Thank you all for taking care of me. I'm feeling much better."
I managed a smile and walked out of the room. My body ached in places I couldn't name. My wolf moved with me like a shadow that had lost its shape, present but formless, refusing to settle.
I hadn't gone more than a few steps when I heard the healers whispering behind me.
"Poor thing. A lost pup, and not a single soul by her side. Where's her mate?"
"She said she doesn't have one. Probably lost him. A broken bond, maybe. Life really isn't fair, is it? You know the she-wolf in the next chamber? Her mate adores her. He's at her bedside every single day, holding the pup. You can tell he's absolutely smitten."
"Oh, I know. That chamber's been a revolving door of visitors. And they're all striking wolves, too. How come I never get that kind of luck?"
They didn't know.
The devoted mate they were gushing about was mine.
I walked to Corvina's door. The scent hit me before I reached the threshold. Honeysuckle and warm vanilla layered over something cloying, something that made my stomach clench. And beneath it, tangled through it like a stain, scorched iron and dry cedar bark. Theron's scent. Woven so deeply into hers that I couldn't separate them.
Sure enough, Theron was lying beside her, asleep. His arm was draped across the bedding. His jaw was slack, his breathing even. He looked peaceful in a way I had never once seen him look beside me.
Corvina had her communicator out, leaning against his chest, capturing image after image. Her lips curved as she angled the screen, adjusting the light.
Theron rolled over and pulled her into his arms, his voice low and groggy. "I thought you said you were tired. Go back to sleep."
"I'm not tired."
She looked up at him, then undid the laces of her sleeping gown and climbed on top of him.
"I want you. Give it to me."
His throat worked as his eyes traced her body.
"You just had a pup. Rest. Don't start something."