Rolling across the soft ground, Tessa yawned happily and curled deeper into whatever warm surface she had found.
It was comfortable.
Far too comfortable.
With a contented sigh, she snuggled closer and rubbed her cheek against it. The warmth surrounded her like a blanket, soothing every aching muscle in her body.
"Mmm... so warm..." she mumbled sleepily.
Still half-asleep, her hand wandered forward. Instead of rough cloth or leaves, her fingers brushed against something firm, warm, and strangely alive. There was a steady pulse beneath her palm.
Her sleepy brain didn't register the oddity.
"Stop moving... I'm trying to sleep..." she grumbled.
The object beneath her hand twitched.
Tessa frowned and unconsciously squeezed it.
A deep breath sounded somewhere above her.
Then something warm brushed across her cheek.
Once.
Twice.
A long, wet sensation dragged across her face.
Her nose wrinkled.
Her eyes snapped open.
