Josie
The next morning, I groaned as fingers tugged gently at my hair.
"Please, miss. You have to let me clean you up," a soft voice said.
My eyes blinked open to find one of the house maids standing beside the bed, holding a basin of warm water and folded towels. I sat up quickly, clutching the sheet to my chest.
"I can clean myself," I muttered groggily.
"But Alpha Kiel insisted you should rest. He said—"
"I don't care what he said," I snapped, immediately regretting the sharpness in my tone. "I'm sorry… I just prefer to do things myself."
The maid nodded, hesitant. "If you say so, miss. But he's waiting downstairs."
That got my attention.
I looked at her. "Kiel?"
"Yes, miss. He asked that you join him as soon as you're ready."
I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. "What about Thorne and Varen? Are they not downstairs too?"
She shook her head. "They travelled early this morning for a pack meeting. They may not return until nightfall."
My heart sank.
