Freda Pov
I woke up slowly feeling something wrong in my body. There was a dull ache low in my belly that felt different from normal pain. It was deep and insistent, growing stronger with each breath I took.
The mate bond hummed warm in my chest but it felt unsteady. Like a flame flickering in the wind, not solid and strong like it had been last night after the ceremony.
"What is happening," I whispered to the empty room.
I stretched and felt wetness between my thighs. My whole body felt hot and sensitive. Even the soft sheets against my skin made me shiver. The ache in my belly spread lower and I realized with growing dread what this was.
"No," I said. "Not again. Not now."
My heat was starting again but it felt stronger this time. My skin felt like it was on fire even under the light sheets.
