_Leah's POV_
I woke to a hand on my shoulder. “Leah,” Kayden said. “Get up. It’s nearly noon.”
My eyes snapped open. Light cut through the curtains. The room smelled faintly of smoke and pine. For a second I did not know where I was. Then the memory of the night fell back on me like wet cloth. The dream. The fire. Kayden on the couch. The smoke in my mouth.
I groaned and pulled the blanket over my head. “Go away,” I mumbled. “Leave me alone.”
He laughed softly. It was a low sound that held no mockery. “You said that two hours ago. You said it when I brought you tea and when I put out the small embers.” He kissed the top of my head like it was a small thing and like he was afraid of hurting me. “You can’t hide forever. The pack is eating downstairs and the food will not wait.”
I curled
