Apphia
When I open my eyes hours later, my body feels completely sore, and my body temperature is cold, even with a fleece blanket around me. Nicholas is sitting at the edge of the bed, back turned to me. I reach to touch him, but he stiffens, and I retract my hand.
Memories of what I'd done rush back to me—the wraiths. I'm hosting them. I can feel them within me.
I attempt to sit up but wince at the headache I feel. My mate turns to me, alert. He is watching me intensely, deciphering who's in charge.
"Hi," I croak.
A slight smile breaks on his face, and he almost lunges at me in a hug. He holds me tight; I keep myself from whimpering.
"Hi, Apphia,"
He pulls away from me, cupping myself. " How do you feel, baby?"
" Sore, my throat is dry, I feel cold, and I'm so hungry,"
He
