Pantar butted me with his head.“Time to get moving. You can pet the chicken later.”
Seems my men weren’t the only ones with a jealous streak.
I whispered with a smile, "Let’s get out of here then."
The forest quickly swallows us with towering trees that resemble pines, thick underbrush, and a silence that feels like it’s holding its breath. Bellona smolders behind the trees, sending thin gray ribbons of smoke into the sunrise, but each step forward feels like we’re peeling away chains.
I’m oddly eager to see this land that might have been my home if circumstances had been different. I was captured and brought directly to the coliseum, so I haven't seen any of the countryside.
Pantar pads beside me—massive, sleek, black fur rippling with every step. His tentacles curl slowly and cautiously as he scans the woods. Not even the men breathe too close to him. One growl from Pantar last night convinced everyone that I amhisperson, and he is very willing to enforce that. He only deferred to Zane when his Draxon appeared, reassuring Pantar that I was as safe as when I was with him.
We travel quietly for a while—there are too many shadows among the trees, and too many sounds that don’t belong in the forest. Zeke and Zane continue partially shifting, nostrils flaring, eyes flashing, ensuring nothing gets close without their knowledge.
Every few minutes, Torren points in a new direction, guiding us through terrain only someone from Bellona would recognize. The men don’t trust him—and even after everything, neither do I—but he’s useful.Infuriatinglyuseful.
Oren raised his fist.
Everyone freezes.
Pantar crouched, muscles coiled, growling low.
Zane murmured, "There are two scouts."
My heart rate soared, and my breathing became uneven. I wouldnotgo back.
Nathan moved to my side, voice soft. “Look at me.”
His hand cupped the side of my face, thumb brushing just beneath my lips. There’s no teasing in his eyes—just rage, fear, and want. The forest faded, danger faded, everything narrowed to the heart of him.
“You’re scared of being recaptured.” He murmured. “I’ll never let that happen.”
“I’m fine.” I averted my eyes, unable to meet his gaze as I lied.
He huffed a breath—half annoyance, half desperation—and then he kissed me.
Not gentle or careful.
Hungry.
His mouth crashed against mine, his other hand slid to the back of my neck, and he pulled me in. The world tilted—heat, breath, teeth, the taste of smoke, adrenaline, and him. He kissed like he was trying to steal the memory of every hurt that was done to me while I was here. Like he’s staking his claim all over again.
My fingers twisted into his shirt, pulling him closer. The fear, the exhaustion, the chaos—all of it melts under the heat of his mouth.
When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against mine. His voice is a rough whisper. “Don’t do that again.”
I was confused and asked, “What?”
“Lie to me.”
Zane cut in, grinning, “I enjoyed the show, but Nathan's technique could use some improvement.” Nathan flipped him off. “The scouts are nearing, so wrap it up, Loverboy.”
Nathan pressed one more quick, fierce kiss to my lips and stepped back, fire sparking at his fingertips. Then he motioned Dale to go scout.
“I’ll follow the chicken. I do not trust his skill.”Pantar grumbled and then disappeared.
Oren gestured sharply. “Move.Now.”
We slip further into the woods, fast and quiet, shadows clinging to us.
