Eric let out a low exhale that was halfway to a growl. "No, Mum. I felt a sense of responsibility toward her. Maybe because of what Mrs Thorne and her niece did to her while she was here. Maybe even because of Bri." His eyes darkened briefly at the mention of her mother. "But I don't know… it felt instinctual to help her."
Instinctual.
Claudia heard the crack beneath the word.
She leaned forward slightly. "There was a moment," she said slowly, "I thought she might be your mate."
Eric snapped his gaze toward her.
Claudia continued. "Your wolf is buried so deep, baby, you may not be able to sense her."
"Mum—"
"But," she said gently, "I remembered she is human. And Blackwoods don't have human mates."
"Isn't that going a bit too far?" Eric muttered, lifting his gaze to her with eyes so tired they looked bruised.
"I know… I know." She reached over and brushed a strand of his hair off his forehead. "You look exhausted, sweetie. I'll bring your dinner up."
