Soon I washed my face with cold water and forced the swelling around my eyes to fade. Then I walked downstairs. The smell of roasted meat and strong coffee filled the kitchen hall.
When I stepped inside, I stopped.
They were already there.
Jareth leaned against the stone counter while Luvena stood between his legs. His hands rested on her waist. Her arms circled his shoulders.
Their faces were so close their lips brushed softly together.
My stomach twisted. I cleared my throat.
They jumped apart as if burned by silver.
Luvena stepped back so quickly she almost knocked over a bowl of fruit. Jareth turned around, his eyes wide.
“Shara,” Jareth said quickly. He straightened his clothes. “You are awake.”
“What happen here?” I asked quietly.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Luvena let out a nervous laugh and touched the thin golden chain around her neck.
“Oh, good morning, Luna Ashara,” she said awkwardly. “I was just asking Alpha Jareth for help. My necklace clasp got stuck. You know how troublesome these things can be.”
I looked at the necklace.
It was simple. The clasp rested clearly behind her neck, yet she had been facing him.
“Right,” Jareth said quickly, recovering his calm expression. He wore his usual mask again, the gentle and caring Alpha mate. It was frightening how easily he could switch.
“The clasp was stuck,” he explained. “But forget about that. How are you feeling? Should you even be out of bed? The healer said you need rest.”
He walked toward me and reached for my arm, but I stepped back.
Seeing my reaction, he paused. I could see a disappointed gaze flashed in his eyes for a second before it vanished.
“Shara, what’s wrong?” he then asked.
“Nothing, I am just tired,” I answered.
“Of course you are,” he replied softly. “Come sit down. I made breakfast for you. You must regain your strength. For the better future of my Luna.”
Then he pulled out a chair.
Meanwhile, Luvena pretended to arrange scrolls on the counter, refusing to meet my gaze.
“I am not hungry,” I said.
“But you must eat,” Jareth insisted. He lifted a fork filled with eggs and held it toward me like I was a pup.
“Just one bite, okay? At least, please do it for me. I know you are grieving for the pup, but we can have another after you recover later. We still have plenty of time.”
We can have another, he said?
Hearing that made my blood burn.