“What horror have I unleashed?” I muttered, right before they all descended on me. After a careful hug, my mom headed off to prepare the first sea salt bath, handing us over to Mama Ami.

My family knows how to take care of the sick, injured, and hurting. There’s a mix of coddling and tough love that they manage to weave into a smothering blanket that leaves you both grateful and gasping for air. I loved it.

Mama Ami took one look at the wolf and crossed her arms. “Unless you want to take a sea salt bath like that, I recommend you shift back.” Somehow the wolf managed to look sheepish. “That’s what I thought. Off you two go. Fifteen minutes. We’ll make up a schedule while you’re in there. When you’re done, I’ll check your bond.” She shooed us off and I shambled to the bathroom with the wolf in tow.

Mom was turning off the tap when we came in. “I prepared it according to the ake’s orders. Fresh towels on the toilet.” She pointed a finger at me. “Soak and get out. Neither of you are in any condition for anything else.”

“Ew, Mom. Thanks.” I ushered her out of the bathroom, shutting the door behind her but not locking it, just in case I passed out again. I felt a surge of magic behind me and when I turned back around, Declan had taken the wolf’s place.

Physically, Declan seemed fine. Any bruises had already faded, courtesy of his superior healing ability.

But he wouldn’t look at me.

“Declan?”

That earned me a brief glance as he herded me to the tub. “Yes?”

“You’re not looking at me.”

“You need to get in the tub.”

I folded my arms. “So do you.”

He shook his head. “I’ll soak after you. There’s no space—”

I wanted to stomp my foot, but it would hurt too much. “What absolute bullshit.” I pointed at the steaming water. “Get your ass in that tub now. Please. Then I’ll climb in and you’ll explain why you’re being weird.”

For a second, I thought he’d argue. Then Declan sighed, his shoulders drooping. He climbed in the tub.

I quickly stripped my clothes, joining him. The hot water smelled heavily of rosemary and stung where my skin was abraded, but otherwise felt good on my aching muscles. We adjusted ourselves, trying to get comfortable, and I ended up with my back to Declan, nestled against him.

I gave him a few minutes, letting the hot water relax us both. It wasn’t long until his arms were around me, his nose buried in my neck. I left our bond alone—I didn’t want to keep using it until Mama Ami checked it over thoroughly.

“I thought I was going to lose you.” His voice was so soft I wouldn’t have heard it if I hadn’t been so close.

“You didn’t.”

“But I could have.”

I snorted. “Declan, we could lose each other any second of every day. That’s how life works.”