Chapter 18. Can I Stay?

Eryn’s POV

I limp into my room after training. Alpha Atticus still isn’t letting me spar with anyone but him. Even after the beating I took yesterday, he didn’t take it any easier on me today. He was nice and let me sleep in today, but I think that made training all the worse. At least he didn’t toss me over his shoulder and force me into the infirmary today. But he did insist on walking me back to the pack house.

Cassie looks up from her book and winces when she sees me. “You look like shit.”

“Thanks for noticing,” I groan as I flop down on my bed.

My swollen eye is beginning to crust over with blood. I pry it open with my fingers and cuss loudly.

Cassie invites herself to my side of the room and sits on my bed. She tilts her head to the side awkwardly and stares at me.

“What?” I ask.

“I am just trying to figure out what Atticus sees in you,” she says. Her words aren’t meant to be hateful. She is genuinely curious.

“What do you