Porcupine Ridge The Dawn

Did he? He didn't. Not worse, though. Just. . .different. The heartache and confusion of Jakoul's initial departure had formed into this dull pit in his stomach—always there, but no more troublesome than a meal that disagreed with him.

Thanks—it gets better, Hex answered her. There was a smile lurking in the corners of his mouth, though his expression remained neutral. You learn to live with it.

But her offer did manage to coax a genuine—if muted—look of happiness upon his face. He shook his head. No, but thank you very much, Nutu, he said softly. Get some sleep. I'll show you around some more when you're up again.

For the first time since Agrippa, he felt as if he had care of something—someone. The Ridge was old, wild; it would care for itself with or without his stewardship.

The girl, though. . .she needed him. Them.

And he was beginning to think that he needed her, too.