Page 185 of Knotting the Firefighters

That's concerning.

"You were sleeping so soundly that I didn't want to interrupt," he continues, explanation carrying apology for not waking me sooner. "Figured you needed rest, decided to provide a comfortable surface while monitoring your condition."

His hand presses against my forehead—clinical assessment disguised as an affectionate gesture, checking for fever or other signs of illness.

"Do you feel unwell?"

The question is gentle but serious, medical concern is evident despite his lack of formal training.

I consider the inquiry honestly, taking an internal inventory of symptoms that might indicate actual illness versus normal exhaustion.

"Just a bit hot," I admit, recognizing that the sensation predates my unexpected nap. "Temperature regulation seems off despite cool weather."

Hot.

Overheating.

Combined with sudden exhaustion and possible hallucinations.

Pattern suggests?—

Bear's expression shifts—recognition flickering across features as he connects symptoms to probable cause.

"Your heat might be approaching," he suggests with careful neutrality, not wanting to alarm me while acknowledgingbiological reality. "Timing would align with pack integration, stress reduction, body finally feeling safe enough to resume normal cycles."

Heat.

Right.

Haven't had proper heat in over a year.

Stress and fear suppress biological functions.

Safety restores them.

The logic is sound, the explanation fitting the symptoms better than the alternatives I'd been considering.

"Possibly," I agree, though another concern demands vocalization despite how absurd it sounds. "Though I quietly admit I thought I saw Gregory for a second. Just standing in the treeline, watching. But then he vanished when I blinked."

Confession.

Admitting potential hallucination to someone who might think I'm losing stability.

Bear's expression remains carefully neutral—not dismissing my concern, not validating paranoia, just processing information with characteristic thoughtfulness.

"Probably hallucination," he assesses with medical logic rather than emotional reassurance. "It would be exceptionally difficult for him to access fire station property without being detected. Security cameras, regular patrols, crew members constantly moving around—too many witnesses for covert observation."

Logical.

Completely logical.

Doesn't eliminate anxiety, but provides a rational framework.

"I'll get Aidric to review security camera footage," Bear continues, already formulating a practical response. "Plus, increase security protocols for the next few days. Investigationhas moved forward significantly now that we've crossed the two-month mark, right?"

Two months.

Has it really been two months?