"What the fuck?"They all moved to meet him, and he raised his hands as if he expected them to attack.Raised hands meant nothing when it came to witches.They could draw power with them in the air.
"Alpha Flint."He dipped his head, not respectfully but in acknowledgment nonetheless.
"Yes."Did he ask his name?"What's your name?"
He hesitated for a moment."Jiprix."
"What can I do for you, Jiprix?"He'd ask Ezra who he was later.If he could find him.
"I need a word with Ezra."
"Why?"Shit, he couldn't tell him he'd misplaced his mate, it would look bad on so many levels.
"It's...eh...private."
"I'm his mate."
"I only need a quick word.If you could show me to his hut?"His expression gave nothing away, and Rourke took in all the piercings, tattoos, and braids and was once again grateful for how Ezra looked.
"He's not available at the moment."
A small crease formed between Jiprix's brows, but he smoothed it out in the next moment."You wanted an alliance, Mr.Flint.I'm asking for Ezra's help."
"Help with what?"What could Ezra do for them?He didn't think they valued him.
Jiprix sighed dramatically."Is this how things will be?You don't allow him visitors?Fine.I was wondering if Ezra couldbake us some cookies."
Everyone stilled.
"Why?"
Jiprix scowled at him.The scent of rot intensified as if he was gearing up to throw a curse at them.Then he shook his head, and it ebbed away.Interesting.Ezra never smelled of rot."Shixyll might have underestimated his importance to the clan.Some lacy oatmeal cookies aren't too much to ask, is it?"
"Isn't it?We found a kitten in our woods.A violation of our privacy, wouldn't you say?And yet you have the audacity to come here and beg for cookies."
Anger flared in Jiprix's eyes."We have children who are sick.They need rest to be able to heal."
"There are sleeping pills in the drug store."
"They don't help, and you know it.Ezra would never let a child suffer when he can help."
Rourke didn't like the idea of children suffering either."As I said, Ezra is indisposed at the moment."
"He must've baked something by now.It's been days."
It had been days, but why did it matter?"He might, but wolves are hungry."
Jiprix looked toward the forest."There is nothing left?Or food.Soup or stew or whatever.It doesn't matter what it is."
Rourke met Ulric's gaze."I'll go look.You stay here."He gestured at all four of them.He'd pick the cookies from the trash, and then he'd talk to Ezra once he found him.
* * * *
Ezra stumbled in the dark.He couldn't find anywhere to rest, and now that he was moving slowly, the cold had gotten hold of him.
Should he climb a tree?No, he'd most likely fall out as he slept.If he'd be able to sleep.
He was tired and hungry, and his feet were hurting.The sneakers he wore were old and the soles worn thin.The dampness of the ground had seeped into his socks, and his toes ached from it.
