As sarcastic and vicious as his words often were, he'd proven a dependable ally. Something Eva was in short supply of right now.
More importantly, she didn't like the abrupt manner with which Covath treated him.
Eva wasn't sure how she'd manage to thwart the Tenrin flock's leader, but she'd figure it out. She always did.
Ajari's expression warmed. "Thank you, little rabbit. I will be fine."
Eva didn't stop Ajari as he glided toward the Tenrin and their swing. He passed Covath, who was regarding Eva with a veiled expression.
She didn't let herself back down as she lifted her chin in challenge. If he had something to say, he should say it.
Covath withdrew his gaze, barking a command in the Tenrin's language. Those around him shot into the air in an impressive feat of strength before they were gone.
Covath was the last to follow.
"Well, this has been an eventful night," Reece said into the resulting silence.
Van gave the pathfinder a reproachful glance that Reece ignored as the pathfinder strolled away as abruptly as he came.
Van shook his head as he addressed Caden. "What are your plans for the prisoners?"
"We break them and learn everything they know."
Drake and Jane moved to flank the men, reaching down and forcing them to their feet before escorting them out of sight.
Caden lifted a hand to the back of Eva's neck, pulling her gently toward him and pressing a kiss against her forehead. "You alright?"
Eva nodded, some of the shakiness at the close call coming back to her. "Somehow."
Caden's grip tightened before he re-exerted control of himself, consciously loosening his hold.
"I know," Eva told him, one hand coming up to rest on his wrist.
It had been a close call. For someone as afraid of losing those he loved as Caden, it would bring his nightmares to the fore.
He was already doing well by not surrounding her with a phalanx of guards.
"I have to take care of this," Caden said in an unhappy voice.
There was a small frown on his face and Eva didn't think she was imagining the rare glimpse of frustration she was seeing.
"You do," she said, knowing some part of him was seeking her agreement.
"I can't—" Caden stopped himself and closed his eyes, grief etched in his face.
Eva lifted her face, pressing her lips against his. "Go. I have to check on the herd, anyway."
"I don't want you staying out there. Not tonight."
Eva paused. He had a point. Much as she would have preferred to sleep under empty skies, it wasn't safe.
The prisoners changed things. If they'd really been the ones to bury the red back paws, it meant they'd gotten far closer than they should have without anyone noticing.
In camp, she was surrounded by other Trateri. Out there, she'd be vulnerable and alone.
"You can borrow my tent," Fiona inserted. "I won't be sleeping in it tonight."
Eva nodded, grateful for the offer. "I'll head there once I've reassured myself the herd is alright."
