Colton stayed behind with me, holding my hand. But as we geared up to leave, I looked back at Noro, who was gazing up at the stars.
“I’ll be right back,” I told Colton.
When I approached Noro, he lowered his face. His strange owl-like eyelids flickered. “Hello, Matheson.”
“Hey, are you sure you’re all right here by yourself?” I asked.
“Yes,” Noro said. “You needn’t worry about me. I have food and water, and shelter amongst the trees.”
“I’m sorry again for what happened with Neil,” I murmured.
“It’s not your fault.” There was a sparkle in his golden eyes. “In any case, it’s given me a bit of a vacation from my pride.”
I realized he was joking and I smiled a little. “Okay. If you say so. But, if you change your mind, you can always shift to human form and tag along with us.”
Noro slowly tilted his head. “Thank you, Matheson. Now go on. Your alphas are waiting.”
