Mine to protect.
But also mine to trust.
Begrudgingly, I lowered her, holding her steady as her feet hit the ground, and she swayed.
“There,” she said, with a small, triumphant smile tugging at her lips. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?”
“I know I said no breaks, but I’ll make an exception to stop and spank you since you seem so keen on antagonizing me.”
Her face paled. She shook her head quickly. “No need. We should definitely keep moving.”
“Stay close,” I commanded. “If you leave my sight, you will regret it.”
She began removing her clothes, handing each article to me for safekeeping in my pack. At the sight of all that porcelain skin flushing pink in the bitter cold, we slowed to a stop.
Ryker whistled low. “Like a sexy popsicle.”
She rolled her eyes at him as she shivered.
It didn't matter that we had seen her like this only hours ago. It would never get old. Rowan had an uncanny ability to capture all of us under her spell. I knew she had learned my weak spots, how to work me until I relented. Despite my best efforts, I was dangerously close to being powerless against her will.
Her body shifted on command, bones bending and reforming with practiced ease. Where Rowan had stood moments before, a fierce copper wolf took her place, a sharp reminder that she was far from helpless now.
Talon’s wolf barreled into hers, causing them both to tumble through the snow in a playful clash. They took off together, racing ahead but never leaving our line of sight.
As we traveled toward the safe house, I watched them. They moved as one, so perfectly in sync it was clear they could read each other’s minds. There was an ease between them that went beyond training, something instinctive and unspoken.
When a small rabbit darted across our path, both wolves reacted immediately. Without a sound, they split, working in tandem to herd it between them. Rowan’s wolf struck first, jaws closing around the rabbit’s neck and killing the poor creature almost instantly.
Red splattered across the snow.
For a brief, unwelcome moment, an image flashed through my mind. Killian lay out against the blood-stained white ground.
Déjà vu.
I shoved the thought away before it could take hold. I would never let that happen again. Not to him. Not to any of us.
Talon’s wolf nudged closer, clearly hoping Rowan might share her prize. She responded with a sharp growl, teeth bared, body curled protectively around the kill as she hoarded itwithout apology.
Ryker laughed, teasing Talon. "Well, it didn't take long for the little wolf to decide she's in charge of you! Guess we know who the boss is now."
Talon flicked his ears back in irritation but retreated, dignity intact if bruised. Ryker grinned, clearly pleased with himself.
I turned my attention to Ryker as we stopped for a moment to let Rowan finish her meal.
I had noticed it earlier when we left the nesting room. A bite mark, high on his neck, half hidden by his collar. Rowan’s teeth were small, sharp, and precise. Too small for the mark which was much larger and claimed with intent.
My gaze then flicked briefly to Talon’s wolf as he paced ahead, unbothered, perfectly at ease.
Interesting.
Ryker and Talon had always shared a connection beneath the constant teasing and provocation. It showed in the way they moved together, how they anticipated each other’s reactions without needing words. I had clocked it years ago as loyalty forged through combat and proximity.
I never considered it might become sexual.
I said nothing. There would be time to address it later. What mattered now was that Ryker moved easily, unguarded, wearing the mark without shame or concern. Whatever had passed between them had not weakened the unit. If anything, it had tightened something unseen.
I looked back at Rowan’s wolf as she finished her meal and felt something settle into place.
