“I do not know, Little wolf. It was predestined.”
She nodded. Heavens knew enough odd things had happened today to keep her from questioning her fate. “Did you chase Drow off the cliff?”
“Yes. He was a very bad presence. His people were never going to punish him appropriately. He would have terrorized your community for years to come. The threat is over.”
“Thank you.” Was that the appropriate response?
He smiled. “You’re welcome.”
“Is that it? Did you come to tell me that?” Any bear or wolf could have figured that out on their own.
“No, Little wolf. I came to reassure you.”
“Reassure me of what?”
“My pride means you no harm. We’ve been on the move for many months, looking for a place to settle down. Looking for mates.”
Sienna’s breath hitched.
The lion smiled. “We have no females among us, Little wolf, but we do not mate with other species of shifters. We have no interest in bear or wolf shifters. There are no humans in this area, so we are moving on.”
She was grateful for the message, but she had questions. “How have you been lurking among us without being detected?”
“Ah, we are a powerful species. We can block our scent, sound, and even our physical presence. One of your pack’s wolf mates did detect me one night. I was sniffing around, not blocking, to see if any of your people could sense me, and she caught my scent. I believe she is the one among you who has the gift of a powerful sense of smell.”
“Rylee…”
He nodded. “A dozen of us approached a group of bears that same night. Females. They saw us. We mean no one among either of your species any harm. You have my word that we are moving on from this territory. You will not sense us again.”
“Thank you.”
The giant lion shifter pressed his hands together and gave a little bow.
“What is your name?” she asked.
“Navin. And yours is Sienna, am I right?”
She smiled. “Yes. Nice to meet you, Navin. You’ve been very close to us many times without us knowing, haven’t you?”
“Indeed, Little wolf.” He chuckled. “It was…entertaining, but I’m sorry to have caused you all so much anxiety. It’s been a long time since we’ve encountered other species. We’ve enjoyed watching the ways of both the wolves and the bears. Interesting species, both of you.”
Sienna could only smile again.
“Your mate is very concerned. I hope that he will not punish you for your transgressions. I can assure you it was not your doing or your fault. You could not have ignored my powerful call. I brought you here. I blocked your mate from being able to track you beyond where you parted from the bear.”
“Why me?”
“You were open to my intrusion.”
“Intrusion?”
“Into your mind. You are pure at heart and a thoughtful Little shewolf. Kind and loving. Your Alpha pack leaders are lucky to have you among them. Though you will not detect me or any of my people again, you will have visions of other things from time to time and serve your people with your advanced knowledge.”
“I hope I don’t have to sneak out of a window and lie to my mate very often,” she quipped.
Navin chuckled, the sound deep and vibrant. “I should think not. I suspect your bottom will be very red tonight. But I do not believe you will mind so much.” He winked at her. He really did know things. Too many things.
Her face flushed, and she bit her bottom lip.
