His gaze met mine. “I’m never uncomfortable when I’m with you. The only thing I don’t like about you letting your iron-clad control slip is that you hate yourself for it.”
“You’re far too understanding,” I said, giving him a sad smile.
“And you’re far too hard on yourself.”
I made a non-committal noise and focused on the trees. Having my feet out of the snow helped a little. The heat that Fenris radiated helped even more. As soon as I felt my toes again, I asked to be put down.
It was a good thing, too, because a minute later, we heard a distant howl. Fenris tipped his head and listened. Another howl came a little distance away from the first one.
“Trouble?” I asked.
“No. It sounds like a few of the pack are searching this part of the woods. They’re coordinating their efforts.”
“What are they searching for?”
“Ashlyn would be my guess.”
My heart gave a little jump of hope.
“How big are the Drys Woods?” I asked.
“About 144 square miles, give or take.”
My steps slowed as I mentally calculated the number of days I had left before Megan returned and how much time each day I’d be able to spend searching for the druids. It equaled too much on them and not enough looking for Ashlyn.
“We’re never going to find her in time.”
“Ashlyn?”
I nodded before I could stop myself.
“So that’s why you want the druids? You think they can help you find Ashlyn.”
“I think they’re the place to start.”
“Why?”
My chest tightened with panic. I wanted to confide in Fenris so badly, but I feared his reaction. My friend list had already shrunk drastically, and I couldn’t afford to lose another.
“It’s okay,” he said softly. “When you’re ready, you can tell me. There’s no rush.”
But there was. Ashlyn’s safety was on the line, and time was against us.
Another howl echoed in the air, this time much closer. I startled when Fenris howled back. The sound was deep and throaty and very inhuman. The answering howl was immediate, and Fenris stopped walking.
“What?” I asked.
“They’re coming to us.”
I wanted to ask why but spotted the wolf running through the trees ahead and knew he’d hear. So I waited next to Fenris and let out a little squeak and closed my eyes when the wolf’s form shimmered and melted into an upright and very naked man.
“Fenris, what are you doing out here?”
“Hey, Conall. Trying to meet up with some friends. What about you?”
“Looking for someone. Have you seen anything?”
“Nothing the way we came. What about you? Seen any girls?”
