Page 83 of The Wolf's Mate

“Hettie.” Rip’s voice pulls my attention away from the ascending dragon. Our eyes meet, and love floods the bond. “Let’s find Grass and go home, mate.”

Home. Together.

Chapter 39

Hettie

It took us nearly three hours to get home. Multiple times throughout the trip, Rip’s complexion grew too pale for my liking, and I forced him to take a break. The stubborn man didn’t appreciate that, but I didn’t appreciate him nearly dying.

When we finally make it back, I usher him straight to the infirmary. The healers are waiting for us. A friendly healer offers to watch over Grass while we get tended to. Half of our group arrived before us, letting them know about the injured. By some miracle, enough beds and supplies are scrounged together.

Rip is given a private room. He all but collapses on the bed, and the healers are on him in an instant. A few bandage my wounds, but I’m quick to shoo them away so they can tend to my husband.

Two hours.

That’s how long they spend with Rip. My healing saved Rip from death, and the wolfsbane coursing through his system saved him from the curse, but his body went through a great ordeal. Lucielle sees to him personally, making sure he receives the proper care. I get the feeling I’m not supposed to be in the room while they work on him, but each time I try to leave, Rip growls and pulls me back to him. I give up trying to leave after that.

Soon, the room is blissfully empty, and Rip sleeps peacefully. My brain is still too wired to do more than stare at him and make sure he’s not in any pain.

“I know you’re watching me,” Rip says, causing me to jump. The bastard is supposed to be sleeping.

“Can you blame me?” I try to tease, but my words come out slightly hysterical.

Rip’s eyes flutter open, and he reaches for me, but I shake my head. “I shouldn’t…”

“Your mate needs you. Get into the damn bed, Dove.”

“You’re bossy when you’re near death,” I mumble, but I’m all too happy to climb into bed next to him. Truthfully, not being close or able to touch him is difficult. I fear losing him still and wonder if this feeling will ever go away.

“Hey,” he says gently, pulling me against his chest. I should chastise him because he doesn’t need my weight on him, but I have a feeling he wouldn’t listen.

“I’m okay,” he assures. “Because of you.”

“Because of Lucielle and the rest of the healers.”

“No. Because of you,” Rip repeats, voice firm. “You were the one to save me long enough to get me back here.”

“I still don’t know how I did it. Not really. Rose said to feel, and I did, but…nothing felt different. Shouldn’t you feel something when you use magic?”

Rip shrugs. “Not always. Sometimes it’s natural, and you won’t feel any changes. Everyone is different. We can look into it once I’m healed.”

Honestly, I’m not in a rush. There are more pressing issues than studying what magic I may or may not have. Like making sure we get the wolfsbane for the sick wolves now that we have access to the rogues’ stash.

Silence stretches between us. I think Rip has fallen back asleep until his arms tighten around me, and he says, “I’m sorry.”

He’s…sorry? “I don’t understand. Sorry for what?” I raise my head so I can look him in the eyes. He’s so damn handsome, even pale and roughed up like he is.

“For not listening to you or letting you explain why you left with Tallie. I was scared for my cousin and for your safety, but I shouldn’t have dismissed you like I did. And even after I was such an asshole to you, you still wanted to save this pack. You were willing to sacrifice yourself if that meant our safety.”

“You make me sound so brave.” Being brave was the last thing on my mind when I left. I just wanted to fix my mistakes. Give the pack a chance to survive.

Rip’s hand comes up to rest on my cheek. I lean into his touch. A touch I didn’t think I’d ever feel again. “You are brave, Hettie. The bravest woman I know. The pack owes you a life debt.”

“No, they don’t. We’re their leaders, aren’t we?” Rip nods slowly. “They trust us with their safety. I would do it again if it meant I could save them and you. I’m sorry too. I didn’t mean to break your trust or put Tallie in danger.”

“Let’s make a deal, Dove. No more running around sacrificing yourself or my cousin, and I’ll make sure I never shut you out again. Deal?”

“Deal.” I smile, and Rip brings his lips to mine. I sink into him and kiss him back. It only lasts a minute, though, before there’s a knock on the door.