Some point after the fact, he held her in his arms, and was lulled into peace by the scent and warmth and comfort of her. He didn’t know when he dropped off, but had not intended to. He had not slept close to her since the night of the attack, and had not intended to now. However, the satisfaction and contentment had overridden his normal caution.
All he knew was that he was suddenly coming to, and he would find a sleeping Zee curled up beside him, safe and sound. She smelled strongly of him, and she looked crazy peaceful lying there beside him. He regretted that they had not had time to grab their buffalo coat, and she slept beneath her leopard armour, and on the stones.
“Good morning,” he whispered softly in her ear as he kissed her on the chin. He kept his movements gentle, so if she was deep enough asleep he would not wake her, but if she did stir, he tactfully add on one last word. “Wife.”
Bloodletter
