Chapter 140: Chapter 141

During his turn to watch the camp, Joel didn't announce his presence when he saw Ruth stumble from her tent to relieve herself. He shadowed her movements, noting her tired mien. As a human, the journey hit her harder than the rest of the group, and she didn't recover as quickly. Damn Kendrick.

It wasn't right they shun her when she so obviously needed them. Needs me. As his mate, didn't she merit all the care and attention he could provide? He shouldn't let her human status sway him from the path fate chose. He wasn't his father. Or so he damn well hoped.

Why did he assume he'd fail? Or that Ruth would leave him like his mother had? If he treated her right, made her happy, she'd have no reason to leave him. Screw Kendrick and his attitude. Joel spent a miserable day and evening avoiding her, avoiding what he wanted.