Page 243 of Fangs
“Yeah,” I panted, trying to hold my body still. “Just moved the wrong way.”
“Oh fuck,” he pulled back to glare at me. “You should not be moving.”
“I want to move,” I protested.
“No. I’m a fuckin’ asshole.”
“Lee, it’s okay?—”
“There’s no rush, Freckles. I’m not goin’ anywhere.”
I tried to protest, but he got up and put more wood on the campfire, brought me some food and water, and then, after I ate, tucked both of us into the bedroll, gently wrapping me in his arms. I lay on my side, facing the campfire, and he curled up behind me, one arm cushioning my head.
“I’m sorry I was so difficult in that cave,” I murmured.
“Don’t apologize. I understand why,” he said low in my ear.
“I should’ve said this sooner but thank you for saving my life.”
His free hand lazily traced the freckles on my cheek. “You’re welcome.”
My eyes fluttered close as his fingers moved across my skin. He murmured the names and stories of constellations he found until I drifted away again.
“Em?”
I opened my eyes and blinked at the face hovering over me. Then it registered who it was.
“Roe!” I sat up, my breath catching from the pain of the movement, but it didn’t stop me from throwing my arms around him. “Oh my gods, Roe!”
He clung to me, and I could feel his tears dripping onto my neck. “Are you okay?” he choked out. “Did they hurt you ’cause I ran away?”
“I’m okay,” I said, relief making me shaky. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” He sounded as shaky as I did. “I had to climb a tree to get away from a bear, though.”
My arms tightened around him as fear shot through me. I glanced up to see Wolf watching us, a soft emotion on his face.
“Thank you,” I said, tears filling my eyes.
“You’re welcome, Em,” he murmured. “He’s okay, just tired and hungry and a little scraped up.”
I held him tightly, taking his hand to send my healing power through him, healing every little scrape before pulling away. “Let’s get you some food,” I said.
“I got it,” Lee said, crouching beside me, his hand gently brushing against mine. “Hi Roe, I’m Lee. You hungry?”
Roe glanced at me, wide-eyed.
“It’s okay,” I said softly.
“This is your brother?” he asked, glancing up at Wolf.
“Yeah, he’s my big brother,” I smiled a little. “He’s a pain in the ass, but you can trust him.”
Lee snorted, and Wolf rolled his eyes when I glanced at him, but his lips twitched upward. Roe flashed a nervous grin and finally released me, following Lee. Sable appeared at my other side and crouched, scanning me.
“Time to change those bandages,” he said. His tone was calm and professional, but he watched me warily.
I swallowed my pride and fear. “Okay.”
