Chapter 15

We ride toward a hill outside the pack, my confidence growing. "Jason, race you!" I call, flicking the whip. My mare bolts.

"Leah!" he shouts, spurring his horse after me.

The wind roars in my ears, my heart pounding with thrill and nerves. Then a rabbit darts across the path, spooking my mare. She rears, and I scream, tumbling backward.

In a flash, a dark figure lunges, catching me. We hit the ground hard, Jason cradling me, his back slamming into a rock.

"General!" I scramble out of his arms, face pale. "Are you okay?"

He grimaces but shakes his head. "I'm fine."

His eyes are stern. "That was reckless."

Tears prick my eyes. "I'm sorry…"

Seeing my expression, his tone softens. "Don't do it again."

I nod, reaching to help him up. "Let me get you back."

He starts to refuse, but my red-rimmed eyes stop him. He lets me support him.

We ride back together, me nestled against his chest, his heartbeat strong and steady. I sneak a smile, leaning closer.

That night, I knock on his door with a bowl of medicinal broth I brewed myself. "Come in," he calls, voice low.

He's at his desk, buried in military reports, back straight despite the fall. "Time for your medicine," I say, setting the bowl down.

He glances at it. "No need. It's just a bruise."

I frown. "The healer said your back's banged up. You need this."

He doesn't budge. "Leave it."

I purse my lips, then reach for his belt. "Fine, I'll put the salve on myself."

He grabs my wrist, eyes dark. "Leah."

"What?" I blink innocently. "We're mates. What's there to hide?"

His throat bobs, and he releases me. "I'll do it."

"You can't reach your back," I insist. "Let me."

He hesitates, then turns, letting me proceed. I ease his shirt off, revealing a muscular back marred by a brutal bruise across his shoulder blade, dotted with small scrapes.

My nose stings. I brush the bruise lightly. "Does it hurt?"

He stiffens, voice rough. "No."

I apply the salve gently, his breath hitching, hands clenching at his sides. "Done," I say, pulling his shirt back up. "Now drink the medicine."

He downs it, wincing at the bitterness. I hand him a candied fruit. "Here."

He pauses, then takes it, the sweetness softening his grimace. I prop my chin on my hand, watching him. "Jason, why're you so good to me?"

His eyes flicker. "You're my mate."

"That's it?" I press.

He's quiet for a moment. "It's late. Go rest."

I deflate a little but don't push. At the door, I turn back. "Goodnight, Jason."

He looks up, something complex in his gaze. "Goodnight."

I smile, closing the door. Back in my room, I lie awake, staring at the moonlight. His kindness is clear as day, but he keeps me at arm's length, never letting me closer.

I sigh, lost in the glow of the stars.