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Wolfaraine turned then to face him, "The feelings coming from you, I can understand and wave it off for lust, attraction or even your ingrained need to find a mate which might have convinced your mind that she could be your mate. But, those feelings came from your cougar too. That, makes all this more strange."

"So, what do you suggest I do?" He asked then, rubbing a persistent ache that has gathered on his forehead.

"I say you keep her in Naturiah for now. I'll advice to refrain from having sexual intimacies for the time being. Spend some more time with her physically, give it a few weeks. Who knows? Something might change."

Ismena has had dinner. She just finished getting off a phone call with her mother, which included speaking with her father and Valentina.

Her sister was discharged from the hospital few days ago and Ismena was glad her sister was having an amazing recovery and her voice has gotten stronger too. She was still smiling when the door opened and Wolfaraine walked into the bedroom.

Her heart raced, stalled, and did a summersault in her chest at the very sight of him. In those long, aristocratic robes he wears more often, he looked good enough to eat.

"You are awake." He effused in a cool tone, closing the door behind him.

"Yes," She searched for any trace of that smile she'd seem on his face on the night before but there was none. She consoled herself with the fact that he was not frowning either.

"I am glad. Have you eaten anything?"

"Yes. I just had eaten a large variety of foods fit to be called a feast. Mirian brought them." Her replied in a raspy voice.

"Mirian thought I'd killed you. She was beside herself all day, waiting for you to wake up." He walked closer to the bed and sat beside her. Blue eyes searched her face carefully, "How are you feeling now?"

"I feel good. Well, a bit sore and bruised up, but I'm feeling better after the bath Mirian ran for me. I have no idea what those herbs are in thewater but I'll be forever grateful to her for them." She was trying not to babble and failing woefully. She was nervous and it showed.

He took her hand—the one that was holding tightly to the duvet like a lifeline—pulling gently, until she let go of the duvet. "You do not have to be nervous around me, Ismena."

"I guess, I can't help it. I'm trying not to be." Her eyes rested on her hand in his. He squeezed her hand a little and her heart fluttered.

"Last night was beautiful, Ismena. Thank you for giving me a night like that. But, at the same time, I want to apologize for being too rough for you." He paused, "I tend to lose control and become less civilized with you. I..."

At the silence that descended, Ismena knows he's having a hard time expressing himself. She wished he would say it, those words that seems to have caught on his throat but she watched him swallow them down.

She cleared her throat and went for lightening the mood, "Well, this time around I wouldn't tell you that there's no need to apologize because I do need an apology. Just look at me? All bed-ridden and sounding like a barn owl."

He didn't smile but his eyes lightened, "You still sound sexy to my ears. Even if you squawk like a peacock, you'll still sound sexy."

Her cheek warmed. Damn, she has to stop blushing like a schoolgirl where he's concerned.

"You are just saying that to patronize me. I sound like the devil attempting to sing in a choir and it’s all your fault," she muttered. Then, she raised her hand and rubbed her chest, "I'm seriously starting to reconsider this mode of treatment for my heart disease."

"Why? Does your heart hurt?" He asked, suddenly serious. She would swear she heard concern in his voice.

"No, it doesn't, which is weird. With the way you've been driving me hard, I expected an episode by now." She blushed when she recalled her use of words, "I don't intend any pun in that statement!"

Wolfaraine smiled in amusement. "The sex we have does more good than harm in that aspect. No matter how hard I... drive you."

"Wolfe...!" She gasped, snatching her hand away from his, unconsciously placing it to her cheek in an attempt to stop herself from going redder.

He loved the way she calls his name. Even in that hoarse, raspy voice, it sounds sexy.

"Alphose introduced your best friend to me today, in my study." He informed her, changing the subject.

"Really?" Ismena's eyes widened, "Sandra came here today? Did she look for me?"

"Yes, she came here. She did not inquire about you, but I take it that it's because she was very scared of me. I could practically feel her need to run away. She is an interesting female."

Ismena arched her brows, looking devilish and amused at the same time, "She was really scared huh? Damn, I can't wait to tease her! Did she faint?"

Wolfaraine considered informing her that her best friend did worse than fainting, but he decided to spare the young girl's pride. "No, she did not faint."