Chapter 76 Taking care of me
SOMA
The wolf's ears flatten against his head, and he stares down at me with a look that softens my heart. Maybe I can separate the wolf from the human. Just for today. The wolf pushes his head toward my hand, and I let out a breath before patting it. That earns me a growl, and he makes a sound before licking my face again.
It’s hard to reconcile this playful wolf and brooding Brynne as the same entity. When he snuggles closer to me, his fur caressing my skin as he rests his head on my lap, my reservations die. I can hate the man and like the wolf.
Footsteps from outside the door break the moment. The wolf whines and hops off the bed, his stance stiff but ready, as if to protect me from incoming danger. I run my fingers through his fur, and he purrs.
“It’s fine,” I tell him.
The only person who can harm me is Brynne, and he has relinquished control to his wolf. Ember eyes stare at me, and I nod to assure him. With that, he crouches by the bed frame, and I lie back as the door opens.
Tristan enters with a tray, and a distant memory trickles in. Someone spoonfed me a few times when I was drifting in and out of consciousness. Was it him or Jade? He falters when he sees me, and I wave.
“Soma. You’re awake.”
“Yeah.” I rub a hand over my temple. “But my head still hurts.”
He laughs, and my lips crack in a tiny smile. “The most important thing is that you’re awake now.”
“Was I out for long?” I ask.
“Too long in my opinion,” he mumbles, setting the tray on the bedside table. “Brynne—” At the mention of his brother’s name, I flinch, and he clears his throat. Nodding at the bowl, which he opens to reveal a thick soup, he adds, “Since you were unconscious, we’ve been feeding you only soups. It was the only way to get anything into your system.”
We? Does he mean he and Jade?
“Where’s Jade?” I ask.
“On a break.”
My brows raise. “You’ve been feeding me?”
“Well…” He shrugs, frowning when I lean forward to inspect the soup. The thought of anyone other than my maid tending to me makes my face heat. But it’s better than being in Brynne’s care. “Do you need help?”
“No. I’ve got it.”
“Cool.” He hesitates to leave. “Are you fine?”
“Yeah. Thanks. Can you get Jade for me?”
He nods. “Once you’re done eating.”
Our eyes hold for a few seconds before he leaves. Once the door shuts behind Tristan, the wolf rounds the bed, picking up the spoon with his mouth. He hands it to me, using his snout to nudge the tray closer. I smooth my free hand over his head before placing the tray on my lap.
The first taste of the soup makes me shudder. How long was I unconscious for Jade to need a break? Is she fine? What about the mating ritual? I have too many questions, but there’s no one to ask. The wolf watches me with an attentiveness that rivals Brynne’s. All done, I place the empty bowl on the tray, and he climbs onto the bed.
Before the wolf looks at me, I know he wants to cuddle. Nothing makes sense anymore, so I tug the cover back and pat the space beside me. He flashes me his canines, the equivalent of a wolf’s smile, and snuggles beside me.
He’s so warm I lean closer, sighing when his head falls to my chest. My fingers thread into his fur, and he growls, the sound traveling through me. I don’t know what body wash or shampoo Brynne uses, but the smell lingers on his wolf. I inhale a lungful, growing heady from just that.
My eyes grow heavy, and I let the darkness swallow me whole. The next time I rouse, there’s no wolf in my bed. The tray is where I left it, with the empty bowl and spoon still on it.
Something tugs at my feet, moving so softly as to elicit pleasure. I lift my gaze, my mind whirling when I spy Brynne’s face pursed in concentration as he massages my feet. Fragments of memories break in.
The wolf.
Tristan.
None of that was a dream. This is not a dream. I yank my feet from Brynne’s grip, and his head raises. Why is he here?
Confusion spreads across Brynne’s face as I pull my knees to my chest, my arms closing around my legs.
His mouth opens, and I cut in. “I want Tristan.”
Something like hurt darts across his face. He stands, his hands curling at his sides, before he nods and walks out. Moments later, the door opens. Jade and Tristan walk in.
Jade beams, falling onto the bed in her haste to hug me. Tristan chuckles at our interaction, picking up the tray.
When we break off from the hug, Jade tries to pry the tray away from Tristan. “Jade. I’ve got it,” he tells her.
“You’re a prince,” she says. “You can’t be doing this.”
Brynne might feel too big to do it, but not Tristan. After all, he was in the room and did nothing about the tray.
Tristan pinches her cheek, and her entire face goes red. She backs off, leaving him with the tray, and he smiles so hard the corners of his eyes crease. That tells me their feelings toward each other have grown stronger.
Not only did Tristan take care of me while I was unconscious, but he also made sure not to neglect my maid, too. I owe him more than thanks, but for now, I clear my throat.
“Thank you,” I say. My voice breaks them out of their trance, and Tristan turns to me with a frown. “For taking care of me.”