Liam and Anton moved to debrief them.
Nathan stopped me when I started to follow. "Aileen, do you mind?"
The vulnerability and fear I saw on his face left me with no illusions about what he was asking. Without a thought, I slipped into my magic sight and scanned him from head to toe, taking my time as I did so.
"All clear."
The relief on his face pulled at my heart. How long would it take before he stopped fearing a compulsion had been laid on him without his knowledge?
In his place, I doubted I'd ever fully get over something like that. It was why I never refused when he asked me to scan him. The peace of mind I could offer was easy and cost me nothing.
"Thanks."
"You never have to thank me for this." I meant it too.
His nod was hesitant as he fiddled with the top of his ear.
I let it go. If he needed me to do this a hundred times before he believed me, I'd do it. There were some things no one should live with.
Already the area under the tree was clearing as those who'd visited the barrow headed to their cars.
Caroline stumbled past, shooting a tired grin at me. "Later, Lena."
She and the other wolves had disappeared midway through the gathering and from the looks of things Brax's negotiations had gone well.
"Try not to fall on your face before you get to your car," I called after her retreating form.
A crude gesture was her only response.
"Rude," I shouted.
Her laugh traveled to me.
Brax stopped beside us, lifting his chin at Liam in a masculine greeting.
"Good night?" Liam asked.
Brax grunted an ascent. "We achieved what we came for."
"I hope the price wasn't too high," Liam said.
Brax stuffed his hands in his jean pockets. "Only time will tell." He hesitated. “A word of warning—hunters have been spotted around Columbus.”
“I didn’t think it was hunting season yet,” I said as he meandered after Caroline.
“He doesn’t mean that type of hunter,” Liam said, sounding distracted.
My gaze shot to him. He nodded once as if to reinforce what he’d insinuated. I grimaced.
Spook hunters in Columbus. Great. Just what the city needed right now.
I’d heard the stories of humans who hunted the supernatural, naming everything different as evil. I’d never encountered one, though. I never wanted to, either.
Nathan cursed softly.
“Should we be worried about this?” I asked.
Liam stared after Brax, his expression thoughtful. “It’s always good to be wary when hunters are around, but I don’t’ think they’re an immediate threat. They’ve made no moves against us, but it would be wise to stay on your guard.”
