Chapter 25

Natasha

Twilight has broken out, and I'm all alone.

Hayden never answered my question. His eyebrows knitted together, forming this pained expression that I'm sure will haunt me for the rest of my life. His eyes were so sad. As if I had somehow broken his heart by asking what a mate was, and then he passed out.

Whatever.

I'm okay with him being sad, mad, or even pissed with me as long as he makes it through tonight. I'm worried sick about him.

My heart screams, begs for Hayden's nearness, and I stare into the bonfire with tears prickling behind my eyelids.

"Are you cold?"

I peer up at an older woman, smiling when she offers me a colorful, sewed blanket. "Thank you."

Zafira is sleeping in my lap, and she chirps in delight when I wrap the warm blanket around us.

"You're welcome," the woman takes a seat by the fire with me, staring into the flames with embers flying close to her face. There are plenty of wrinkles ar