Reyland leaned Marian backward, into the crook of his shoulder, and her head lolled back. Her eyes were closed. Reyland pursed his lips.
Fainted?
An alpha she-wolf?
How come?
Why?
Is it the lake?
No. It can't be.
She was shaken up by my father, but that was hours ago.
And…why is she so…light?
Is it the cold?
Other bodies of water are frozen right now.
Could it be the chill?
I should get her warm…and dry.
He thought, his heart now pounding for a different reason.
Dry! Gotta get out of the water!
With that thought, he pushed for the bank of the lake, holding Marian in his arms, keeping her head above water.
==========
Reyland’s feet found the lake floor and he trudged forward, quickly at first, but as he left the water, his body began to drag.
He ended up dragging Marian’s
