el

My body screamed for calories, for hydratio

single piece of bread, hard as a rock, and

it un

. The agent's survival training took over. I recognized the broad leaves of a plantain weed-a natural anti-inflammator

o make a poultice when the cottage d

bringing the cold morning air in with him. Hi

en to me. He took in my pale face, my weak posture, but also the undeniable fact th

e stated, his voice a low rumble of

from my task. "

lked towards me, his presence filling the small spac

posite wall, and my eyes flashed with a warning. "Alpha," I sa

s lips. "You are my intended mate, my responsi

th knew it. His eyes held no warmth, o

sarcasm. "Or are you just concerned I might die a

jaw clenching. For the first time, I saw him at a loss

and the fire-blackened pin on the table. He couldn't reconcile the primitive tools with the clean, effe

sked non

g look, then turned and left

nses, honed by years of living with a

being

different. Professional. The feeling of a sni

t at the trees. I used the reflection in the glass to scan

re. An amateur leaves traces.

ed my lips. The ga

nd in a low, clear voice, I b

tains inulin, a prebiotic fiber. The Plantago major le

erties of the plants. Useless, incomprehen

ge to whoever

nd you have no idea wh