Dew spent the winter with her mother’s people and even though she had always left them well supplied to make it through the harrowing months, that did nothing for the cold and boredom. Sometimes Charity didn’t know which was worse. Still half-asleep, she shivered and snuggled deeper into the fur, though it did little to warm her, and soon became dimly aware that she was naked. It took a few moments for her sleep-fogged brain to process that knowledge and it was only when she shifted and felt the pleasant soreness between her legs that she fully remembered what had transpired earlier that night. She should have felt shocked to her very core, but she only felt happy and awash in an unfamiliar feeling of contentment. Maybe in the morning the shock would set in but for now she just wanted to snuggle against Brent’s warm body and go back to sleep. But when she reached for him, she found his side of the bed empty and cold. Her eyes shot open to confirm that he was gone and as they gradually became adjusted to the darkness she made out the shadowy bulk of his chains and shackles strewn casually across the bed.
