“Y-yes, sir?” I said.
His black, beady eyes stared at me. They were hard and angry. But a second later, he chuckled. “I gave you an inch and you took a mile. You sure went out a long way from camp.”
Hot guilt prickled my skin. Had I done something wrong? I’d already received his explicit permission to explore. I wouldn’t dare leave the camp without it.
“I’m sorry,” I said, not knowing how to respond.
Konrad took his time as he loped down the hill. With every step, the anxiety swirling in my chest tightened. I didn’t know why, but it wouldn’t go away.
Rorik stood to greet him. Having a friend beside me was a minor comfort. I was glad not to be alone with our clan alpha.
Why do I feel like this? I didn’t used to be so nervous around him...
Konrad greeted Rorik with a glance and nothing more, then turned his focus on me. I tried to stand tall, but my body wanted to shrink beneath his gaze.
“Next time I might not be so lenient,” Konrad said casually, like I’d done something wrong. “You’re lucky I’m in a good mood today.”
My throat constricted. There was no pleading my case when Konrad had already decided I was the one at fault.
“We’ll come back now,” I promised.
“I know,” Konrad replied. He turned his boxy muzzle in Sorrel’s direction, his gaze hard and unyielding.
My stomach shifted. There was something disconcerting in Konrad’s eyes, but I couldn’t pinpoint what.
As I mulled over my stormy thoughts, Sorrel bounded into view. A vole dangled by its tail between his teeth. He wagged his tail, thrusting his catch towards Konrad.
“Here! I caught this for you, sir,” Sorrel said.
Konrad gave him an approving look. “Good work, pup. But a vole is too small to feed a clan, isn’t it?”
Sorrel’s ears flicked back, disappointed. “Oh. Yes, you’re right.”
Eyes sharp, Konrad glanced up at the snowy owl still picking at her prey on the ground. She was occupied and didn’t seem to notice us.
“Now, anowlwould make a fine meal,” Konrad said, licking his lips.
Panic drenched me. I whipped my head towards him. My shock outweighed my sense, and I blurted out, “Sir, she’s a mother about to lay eggs.”
Konrad was unfazed. “And I am a clan alpha who needs to feed his omegas. Am I not?”
The words chilled me. Once again, I was stuck, unable to argue my position. What he said wasn’t wrong, but itfeltwrong.
“If you really want to impress me, Sorrel,” Konrad said, smiling at him, “why don’t you give it a try?”
Sorrel’s ears perked up. The clan alpha’s offer was obviously tempting.
I said nothing, but I stewed on the inside. I couldn’t question Konrad’s authority, yet I wanted Sorrel to refuse. When he caught my gaze, I returned a severe, pleading look, hoping he’d understand.
My fears from earlier flooded back in full force. Sorrel wanted Konrad’s attention. My sweet little brother only wanted to be useful, but he wasn’t even old enough for his duty assignment. It would be years before he needed to worry about that.
And I didn’t like the way Konrad smiled at Sorrel.
“I’ll do it,” I offered, turning towards the bird. “I’ll hunt the owl.”
Sorrel blinked. “But I—”
“You’re still clumsy on your paws. You can’t do it,” I argued.
