I fell into a deep sleep, but it didn't last long before the bed shifted beside me. Someone got in quietly and pulled me into a familiar hold, strong and steady like an Alpha marking his space without words. I didn't open my eyes. I already knew it was Ashton, and I didn't resist. I just stayed still and let myself sink back into sleep, too tired to think about anything else.
The next morning, I woke up feeling worse than before. My sleep had been broken for days, and it showed in everything I did. My head felt heavy, my thoughts slow, and even my body felt like it wasn't fully mine. When I reached the company, I moved through the day like I was carrying something I couldn't put down.
Stacey came into my office with documents and set them on my desk. She also poured me a glass of warm milk, watching me carefully like she was trying to read what I wasn't saying. "Ms. Stovall, you look pale. Should I call a healer or take you to the hospital?" she asked.
