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With my friends, you’d never know finding a “mate” was extremely rare since they all found theirs. But for nature fairies, mates didn’t exist. We weren’t meant to ever be with one. So many nature fairies, even paired with someone, were with many others at the same time. My parents liked each other enough to “pair up” and have kids, but they weren’t mates. Not even close. They were very open to others and sharing.

What I really learned when someone found their mate? Sex with any other wasn’t even a question, and you’d kill if another touched your mate. Just watching Warwick and Brexley, not counting all my other friends who found their mate, it was clear how unique and strong the bond was. So, the way I loved Kek and Lucas was the deepest I could ever love. And they deserved my loyalty.

Turning on the water, I splashed water onto my face, taking several deep breaths before looking back up in the mirror.

I could see hesitation looming in my eyes, feel my resolve for revenge waning a bit.

No. I’m just tired.

I needed sleep, and I’d be good as new tomorrow. Reset and get back to my plan.

Taking a piss before I stepped back into the room, I finished up then found Raven was already curled up on a mattress, her eyes closed, the room lit only by the stars and moon above.

Sinking down on the mattress next to her, I tucked my arm under my head, staring up, listening for her steady breathing, which oddly calmed me.

Her head jerked up, glancing over at me as if she was making sure I was around.

“I’m here.”

She rolled off her mattress, shoving it over until it hit mine.

“What are you doing?” I sat up, watching her crawl back down and scoot over to me, flipping a blanket over us.

“Shush,” she ordered, grabbing my arm and pulling it across her.

“Raven?”

“I’mtryingto get some sleep.” She pulled tighter on my arm, curling me over on my side so I spooned her. “Close your eyes and be quiet.”

I scoffed at her demand, but started to relax.

“So, Rowan, huh?”

“It’s my middle name.”

Her head turned back to me. “Ash Rowan?”

“Actually, Ash Hemlock Rowan.”

“Really?” A huge smile curled her mouth, causing something to hitch in my chest.

“Yes, I know it’s a lot of tree names.”

“No, I love it,” she muttered. “Ash Hemlock Rowan.”

The way she said my name, the power of her knowing it, went straight into my veins, twisting a knot in my chest. Only two people knew my full name—Warwick and Kitty. I had never even told Lucas and Kek. But I told Raven.

“Ash Hemlock Rowan,” she repeated, making it feel even more intimate.

“Go to sleep, Raven.”

“Okay, old man.” She took my arm, pulling it over her, tucking into her pillow. I didn’t fight it, nor did I want to. The only time I seemed to sleep well was wrapped around her.

This alone should have kept me up all night.

The crow of a rooster bolted my eyes open, a rush of air streaming down the back of my throat, my body jerking awake.

Morning light shimmered through the top of the clear tent fabric, and it took me a moment to remember where I was. My brain rolled with fog from my deep slumber, wanting to sink back into it. Adrenaline jolted me awake, realizing I was alone, the bed next to me a jumble of blankets.