Page 139 of The Ashpaw: Part One

“Your feet are much bigger than I expected for one so small.”

She let out an indignant scoff and tried to kick him, but with his hold still on her ankle, she only managed to slide backwards, in danger of falling off the bench. Eidan quickly righted her, still chuckling.

“Easy there, killer. Big feet are a good thing.”

She exhaled like a bull, waiting for his explanation.

“I imagine it makes it easier to swim, for one.”

“Oh, you!”

He scooped her back up before she could even protest, moving towards the door. “It may take me the rest of the day to procure enough material for your new shoes…”

She growled.

“But I won’t have you stubbing a toe or worse until then.”

They left the conservatory, the air of the castle almost frigid by comparison, and he deposited her into Lucas’s arms.

“Bring her back to her rooms, and order her hot water for a bath.”

“A bath?” Fern asked.

Eidan grabbed her foot and silently pointed to the bottom, nearly black with dirt.

Fern rolled her eyes. “Fine.”

He nodded with a grunt, while Lucas bowed his head. “Aye, Alpha.”

Then with a pat on the head, Eidan walked away, leaving Lucas and Fern alone.

She lifted one of her feet to show him. “Tell me the truth. Are they big?”

“Um, well… they’re certainly not the largest feet I’ve ever seen…”

Fern let loose an exaggerated sigh, throwing her arm over her eyes in defeat. “Just take me to my room so I may shield the fine wolfkin of Clan Sabletail from my monstrous appendages.”

Lucas fought and lost to his smile. “As you wish, my Lady.”

He took her straight back, only depositing her on her own two (large) feet when she was in front of her door. Once it closed behind her and she was alone inside, she was actually glad that Eidan had ordered water for her bath. She’d sweat quite a bit in the conservatory and wouldn’t mind freshening up for dinner.

But before she could even begin to undress to prepare, she sensed it.

Her wolf did, too.

Fern went immediately to her nest, her eyes raking over every last inch, pulling back all the blankets and furs until she found what was wrong.

Or rather, what was missing.

One small pillow and Reinn’s tunic. Just… gone.

Fern checked her cedar chest. Under the nest. In the bathing room.

Then checked all the blankets, furs, and pillows again.

Still gone.

She ran back to the door, surprised and relieved it was unlocked.