Page 99 of Raw

“But he made you eat it. He didn’t suggest it or be okay with you saying no. He somehow managed to twist your mind so much that you believed him and did what he told you.”

“Yes, but…” I wanted to say more, but words didn’t come easy.

Papa was right, but I didn’t want him to be.

“It was just one time,” I told him quietly.

“Was it?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. But I know that he’s never made me do anything I regretted later on. Believe me, Papa.”

He nodded and then smiled at me gently, placing his hand on my cheek and kissing my forehead. “If you ever need to talk to me, let me know. I know I’ve been a bit distant lately, but I promise I’ll take you fishing and hunting in the next few days. We just need to clean up around here. Get the snow out of the way.”

“Okay. I’ll help you with that tomorrow. And you haven’t been distant. I know you like being alone,” I said, frowning at my own words. “You’re not mad at us for wanting to live here with you, are you?”

“Of course, I’m not mad, Vespyr. I love having you here, and I love watching you grow into an independent and nature-loving woman. This is where you belong, but if you one day decide to go back to Fairbanks, know that I won’t stop you.”

“Why would I wanna go back?”

“Well…your Mama probably expects you to find a man to marry someday. Have kids of your own.”

“What if that’s not what I want in life?” I asked. Just the thought of meeting a guy and having my own family without Fennec being part of it upset me.

It’s not what I was supposed to become.

A mom.

“That would be okay. But you know Mama. It was already hard for her to let you go, and if she ever finds out about you not wanting to marry and have kids, it’ll destroy her.”

“Not every woman is destined to have children and a husband. Sometimes…your own family is enough.”

“I know,” he whispered, kissing my forehead again. “You keep being so strong-willed, all right? That’s a gift not many have, and I’m proud of you for taking what you want. Still…I want you to tell me if Fennec ever tries to change your mind about something. Or if he ever makes you do things you don’t want to.”

He was insisting on it, and to make him happy, I nodded. “I will. I love you, Papa.”

“I love you too, sweetheart. Go get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”

I hugged him one last time before I got up and walked out of his cabin to climb up the tree.

When I was up there, Fennec was sitting on the mattress with his back leaned against the wooden planks.

“What did he tell you?” he asked, reaching out one hand for me to take.

When I slipped mine into his, he pulled me closer and made me cuddle up to him with my head against his chest.

“Not much. We talked about the things we’re gonna do in the next few days. He wants to take me fishing and hunting too,” I explained.

“Did you talk about me?”

“No, why?”

Keeping the things Papa said to myself was my best option not to anger Fennec, and to my luck, he believed me.

“Just asking. Thought I heard you say my name.”

“Maybe it was your imagination,” I teased, looking up and grinning at him.

He laughed and cupped my jaw, then leaned in to kiss me gently. “Maybe,” he whispered.

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