Chapter 34
That was the push he needed. “I’m sorry.” He whispered.
She smiled, and her whole face changed, causing his heart to beat faster. “I can’t imagine what it would be like to be in your position, Dax, but I’m your wife, right? You’re no longer alone, I’ve got you.” 2
Warmth bloomed, and a weight he hadn’t realized he had lifted. He was in so much turmoil that he couldn’t even reply to her. Almost as if she knew, she nodded and said, “I have a few things I need to take care of before I can start lunch. So, I’ll leave you to your bath and be back with lunch.” And then she turned and left the room, the doors slowly closing behind her.
How could she say such things? The life she’d had before now gave her every right to feel anger and disgust with life and everyone in it. Not a single person other than her parents had been kind to her. And for what? Because she was a half–breed?
As soon as the doors shut, he slumped against his pillow. He wanted to show her that he still had strength, but in doing so, he’d hurt himself. Perhaps he was still too weak. Maybe I should let her help me. And then her words. from earlier slid across his nerves. “FINE. Stay weak.”
Determined, he grabbed the rag and squeezed some of the water out of it, picturing the faces of all the people he’d like to squeeze as he did the rag. Surprisingly, although he did hurt, he was able to move with some ease.
It was cold as he dragged the wet cloth over his arms and legs. He sat up fully again and hung his legs over the bed in order to reach the sores that were still hurting him on his backside. They were tender as the rag moved over them, but he could also tell that they were much healed since Bea had arrived.
His smile felt good as it moved over his face. The woman seemed to ignite so much within him. Even his wolf reacted to her. For the first time, he pondered on that. His wolf had never responded to a woman before. He wasn’t sure what it all meant, but he felt it meant something important.
Feeling stronger than he had in over a year, he decided he would try and walk. Slowly, he placed his feet on the floor and shivered as the cold air from the window wafted in. The prickling of goosebumps felt nice.
Taking it slow, he lifted his leg and, grabbing hold of the side table, moved forward. Success! He was still standing!
With renewed determination, he tried for another step, but his leg faltered and gave out. As he fell forward, he grabbed hold of the dresser and was able to stop his momentum enough that his upper body was able to hold his weight, stopping the fall.
Arms shaking, he shoved himself up until he was standing once again on his own two feet. Cursing, he felt sweat slide down his spine. He’d have to do another scrubbing, otherwise, he’d smell of sweat, and Bea would never believe he was strong enough.
As he stood by the dresser, he leaned forward and took in the white landscape outside the window. He could see his servants milling about with the stable horses as they were being exercised. I’m no better than one of you right now. He watched the muscles in the horses‘ shoulders and legs as they moved in the circle.
Then he heard someone talking outside his door as the doormen conversed with someone. Adrenaline pushed
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Chapter 34
through his veins, and he felt no pain as he all but ran back to his bed, collapsing into it and drawing up the blanket just as the doors opened.
