I woke up to the firm, steady warmth of Allmer’s chest against my back. His arm was draped loosely around my waist, a protective weight that I had somehow grown used to. It was strange how comforting it felt, yet there was a sudden awkwardness in the intimacy of it all. I wasn’t used to this—to waking up with someone so close, with a man’s touch.

Trying to ease away, I realized something that made my heart skip a beat: Allmer was awake. I could feel his gaze on me before I even turned around. When I did, there was a soft, almost indulgent smile on his face.

“Since when have you been awake?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

His smile widened slightly, a touch of amusement in his eyes. “A while, little one,” he said in that deep, calm voice of his, as if it was perfectly natural to watch me sleep.

I felt heat rise to my cheeks, suddenly embarrassed. I quickly got up, avoiding his gaze as I fumbled to distance myself from the closeness of the moment. I wasn’t sure why I felt so awkward, but being so near to him, waking up wrapped in his embrace—it was more than I was ready for.

Allmer sat up slowly, his movements deliberate and calm as always, never rushed. He didn’t seem bothered by my awkwardness; if anything, he looked amused. “What do you want for breakfast?” he asked, as if everything was completely normal.

“Uh, fruits are fine,” I muttered, still trying to shake off the embarrassment.

He raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting into a look of mild disapproval. “Fruits, again? You can’t just eat fruits every day, little one,” he said, his tone firm but not harsh. It was like he was scolding me, but with a gentleness that made me feel cared for rather than reprimanded.

I blinked at him, caught off guard. He had a point, of course, but I hadn’t really thought about it. I wasn’t exactly a culinary expert in this world, and I hadn’t complained because there weren’t many options.

“I’ll figure something out,” Allmer said after a moment, more to himself than to me. “Maybe I’ll ask that ape I mentioned. He knows things.”

Before I could say anything, Allmer stood and walked over to a pile of belongings I hadn’t noticed before. With a small smile tugging at his lips, he pulled out several pieces of clothing.

“Here,” he said, his voice low but filled with something that made my chest tighten. He unfolded them, revealing thick, well-made winter clothes. Animal skins, yes, but they had been carefully sewn, lined with cotton on the inside to make them more comfortable for me.

I stared at them, speechless. He’d made them for me, without a word, without being asked. He had just… done it.

“I know the skins aren’t your favorite, but this should keep you warm,” he said, his voice steady as he looked at me with that calm intensity that always made me feel both secure and unsettled at the same time. “Winter’s coming, and I don’t want you catching cold.”

I swallowed, my throat suddenly tight. “Thank you,” I said, meaning it more than I could express. He always seemed to know what I needed, even when I didn’t.

Allmer’s expression softened just a bit, and then, in a tone that was both teasing and serious, he said, “If you’re that grateful, you could always give me a hug.”

I froze, caught off guard again. A hug? He wasn’t one for unnecessary touches, though he never hesitated to show affection in his own quiet way. But now he was asking for it.

His eyes held mine, unflinching, as if daring me to step forward, to take the initiative. My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to gather the courage to do something, anything. He wasn’t pressuring me, but there was an expectation in his gaze that made me want to prove something—to him or to myself, I wasn’t sure.

Instead of hugging him, though, I surprised even myself by leaning in and giving him a quick, light kiss on the lips. It was brief, barely more than a touch, but the moment our lips met, my heart raced.

When I pulled back, my face was burning. I couldn’t believe I had done that. I hadn’t meant to, but something about him, about the way he looked at me, had pushed me to do something bolder than I ever had before.

Allmer blinked in surprise, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, slowly, a wicked smile curved his lips. “Hmm,” he murmured, his voice low and teasing, “I wouldn’t mind if you made that a habit, little one.”

My face flushed even more, and I lightly smacked his arm, trying to hide my embarrassment. “Don’t push your luck,” I muttered, but there was no real heat behind it.

He chuckled, a deep sound that vibrated through his chest, and I quickly got up, eager to escape the teasing. Allmer, of course, was as composed as ever, watching me with that knowing look as if he could see right through me.

We woke up later than usual, but I decided to spend a few hours with the other females, needing some time to think, to clear my head. Allmer busied himself with whatever tasks he needed to finish before his upcoming trip. He didn’t rush me, didn’t push me, but before I left, he called out to me.

“Little one,” he said, his voice soft but firm, “don’t forget what we talked about last night.”

His words hit me like a blow, and I froze mid-step, the memory of our conversation flooding back. *Another mate.* The thought had slipped my mind in the light of day, but now, with his quiet reminder, the weight of it returned.

I hadn’t decided yet, hadn’t even truly let myself consider it. But the reality was staring me in the face. Allmer was going on a dangerous journey, and he didn’t want me unprotected. His logic made sense, but my heart resisted the idea of being with anyone else, even if it was just temporary.

Allmer’s gaze stayed on me, firm and unwavering, as if he already knew what I was thinking. “Just think about it,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

As I left to join the others, his words stayed with me, heavy and unsettling. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to make a decision, but one thing was clear: time wasn’t on my side.

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*Thank you to everyone who regularly reads my book! Your votes and comments make my day! (Was super depressed about a personal thing recently and on opening Wattpad, I'm bombarded with so many votes and comments! Brought instant smile ^^) **Tried to make this chapter long ><