Fluffy Mates Chase Their Boss on Survival Show novel Chapter 264

Chapter 264 Take Care

Layla shook her head gently at his rigid sense of honor.

As an alpha wolf, Carson naturally took every living soul around him under his protective wing, yet she thought such selfless responsibility unnecessary.

Carson tensed up slightly at her reaction, misreading her silence.

“Are you upset with me because of Stella? I can apologize to you on her behalf,” he said.

He stood up at once, ready to make amends.

Layla quickly waved him back down.

“You’re only in a temporary partnership with Stella. Her mistakes are her own-you have no need to apologize for her actions.”

Shock flickered across Carson’s face at her straightforward words.

Layla held her hands out toward the campfire to warm her cold fingers, her tone calm and thoughtful.

“I understand why you feel obligated to cover for her, but Stella isn’t a child anymore. Even children have to take responsibility for their own wrongdoings.

“You’ve already done more than enough-hunting for food, building shelter, handling every hard task alone. She acts so recklessly and selfishly precisely because you always clean up her messes.

“Why carry her burdens when you gain nothing from it? She reaps none of the hardship, so you shouldn’t share her blame either.”

No one had ever spoken to Carson this way before.

His entire worldview shifted in that moment; he stared blankly at Layla in quiet contemplation.

A playful laugh escaped her at his dazed look.

“You’re usually so sharp-minded. Why the blank stare now? Did you hit your head too hard falling off the cliff?” she asked.

With that, Layla reached out to press her palm lightly against his forehead to check for a fever.

Carson’s heart raced wildly under her touch. He quickly turned his face away in awkwardness.

Assuming he felt uncomfortable with physical contact because of his ties to Stella, Layla pulled her hand back with a casual shrug.

“We need to let our wounds heal first, then scout for a path back.”

They reached a quiet agreement to rest for the night.

Wandering the unfamiliar woods after sunset was far too risky.

With daylight fading fast, they set off to find a safe place to take shelter.

Luck favored them.

Before night fully fell, they stumbled upon an abandoned cave, left empty by some unknown wild creature.

“You rest here first. I’ll gather dry grass and foliage for bedding.”

After settling Layla into the cave, Carson headed out without delay.

“You’re your own person first. I’m not part of your group, so you don’t owe me constant care. Look after yourself, too-we’re relying on each other out here. What would I do if you got hurt?”

Her eyes widened slightly, taking on an innocent, vulnerable glint.

Carson gazed at Layla, hesitating for a long moment before carefully lowering himself onto the ground beside her.

Compared to the crackling fire nearby, his body radiated a far more comforting heat. Practical as ever, Layla didn’t overthink it; with her clothes still damp, she needed warmth to avoid falling ill.

A high fever in this place would be a death sentence. Taking the initiative, she rested her head on his shoulder.

Feeling the weight of her head, Carson stiffened instantly.

Instinct urged him to pull away, but recalling their earlier conversation, he remained rooted to the spot..

Besides, her skin felt alarmingly cold, stirring a genuine concern within him.

He even shifted slightly closer.

Though Layla’s eyes were closed, she sensed the movement.

A smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

Mr. Fields really knows how to take care of people.

Silence filled the cave, broken only by their soft breathing and the occasional pop of burning wood.

Leaning against Carson, Layla eventually drifted off to sleep.