Page 34 of Surrendered to Mate

She rolls her eyes, but I catch the hint of a smile. "Please. I just don't want to drag your unconscious ass through this forest."

"Such concern," I drawl, ducking under a low-hanging branch. "And here I thought you enjoyed having me tied up."

Faye snorts, turning to face me with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Maybe I did. You were much quieter then."

I laugh again, surprised by how natural it feels. When was the last time I genuinely laughed? I can't remember.

As we continue our trek, I find myself paying more attention to Faye's movements, the way she interacts with her environment. She's in her element here, and it's... fascinating.

"So, tell me," I begin, curiosity getting the better of me, "how'd you learn to survive out here?"

Faye's step falters for a moment, and I feel an unexpected pang of concern. She doesn't like to talk about Liiandor, but I didn't ask her about her escape this time.

"Trial and error, mostly," she says, her voice tight. "It was either adapt or die."

I frown, sensing there's more to the story. "Sounds rough."

She shrugs, but I notice the tension in her shoulders. "It was what it was. I'm still here, aren't I?"

"That you are," I agree, feeling an odd urge to comfort her. It's disconcerting, this sudden empathy. "And I'm glad for it."

Faye glances back at me, surprise evident in her expression. "You are?"

"Well, yeah," I admit, the words tumbling out before I can stop them. "Who else would keep me from falling into deadly traps?"

She laughs, the sound light and genuine. "True. You'd be lost without me, pretty boy."

I smile, warmth spreading through my chest. "I don't doubt it, sweetheart."

As we continue our journey, I find myself grappling with these unfamiliar emotions. The apathy that's been my constant companion for centuries seems to be slipping away, replaced by... something else. Something both exhilarating and terrifying.

I'm not sure what to make of it, or of Faye. But as I watch her navigate this treacherous forest with confidence and grace, I realize I'm looking forward to finding out.

I watch as Faye expertly builds a small fire, her movements practiced and efficient. The first rays of sunlight are just beginning to peek through the dense canopy, casting long shadows across our makeshift camp.

"I'll keep watch," I tell her, scanning the surrounding forest. "The smoke might attract some unwanted attention."

Faye nods, already focused on preparing her meal. "Just don't go too far. I'd hate to have to come rescue you."

I smirk, feeling that now-familiar warmth in my chest. "Wouldn't dream of getting too far from you, sweetheart."

As I move deeper into the forest, I extend my senses, searching for any creatures drawn by the scent of smoke. The early morning air is crisp, and I can taste the lingering dampness from the night's dew.

It doesn't take long before I spot a dae, its antlers barely visible through the dense underbrush. I strike quickly, my movements a blur even to my own eyes. In seconds, I've drained it dry.

The rush of blood fills me with renewed energy, my body humming with power. I can feel my muscles tightening, my senses sharpening even further.

I take down two more small creatures before heading back to camp, each kill easier than the last. The forest seems to part before me, recognizing a predator in its midst.

When I return, Faye has already extinguished the fire, leaving no trace of our presence. She's meticulous, I'll give her that.

She looks up as I approach, and I'm struck by the exhaustion evident in her features. Dark circles rim her eyes, and her shoulders slump slightly. For a moment, I'm reminded of her humanity, her fragility compared to my kind. It's both intriguing and unsettling.

A pang of worry shoots through me, catching me off guard. I have to remind myself - again - that she's human. She needs rest, food, water. Things I haven't had to consider for centuries.

"You should sleep," I say, my voice softer than I intended. "I'll keep watch."

Faye eyes me warily, but I can see the fatigue weighing her down. "You sure? You need rest too, don't you?"

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