Chapter 26

**Jade’s POV**

I’d fallen asleep shortly after Elliott had poured me a glass of wine and started a movie. I felt horrible, but everything I’d heard about heat told me that exhaustion was a normal symptom and it was best to rest as much as possible. I was grateful—not for the first time— to be away from river bed because if I’d found my mate there in a warrior or another omega, I’d likely be expected to work through the pain and weather the exhaustion plus the onslaught of unmated males who’d be no doubt trailing and attempting to attack me. The more time I spent away from river bed, the more barbaric I’d realized they were.

I felt soft lips on my forehead and my eyes fluttered open to reveal Elliott’s handsome face. He was holding a glass of water and my next round of meds to help with my heat. “I’m so sorry I fell asleep,” I mumbled, stretching and accepting the meds from him. “I guess this heat is taking more out of me than I thought.”

“It’s fine, love. I’m glad you got some rest. P