How do you know that?
His scent.
I sniff the air, locking the cedar and vanilla notes away in my memory. Strange how familiar it is, yet new too.
Sage stops a dozen yards away, tossing a plastic bag toward us. Rowen gets up, shifting into his human form like it’s as easy as breathing.
I huff in annoyance.Show off.
The mouth-watering aroma of fresh sausages catches my attention, and I bury my nose in the bag. I find them wrapped in paper towels and gobble them down.
“How is everyone?” Rowen asks, pulling clothes on.
Their voices sound different in this form, but not unfamiliar.
“Fine. Neal and Jasmine took a beating, but they’re nearly healed now.”
I lower my head. I was part of that beating.
“And the others?” Rowen asks hesitantly.
Sage scrubs his face before answering. “Five shifters died. One from Cedar Ridge, one from Hollow Point, the rest from William’s pack. They don’t blame us, of course, but… fuck, it hurts.”
Rowen curses.
“William is still here, but Ashlyn’s pack went home yesterday.”
“Yeah, I saw them leave. Why is William still here?”
Sage doesn’t answer. Instead, he turns his attention to me, crouching as he holds out a hand. “Hey, Toby.”
I bolt a few yards away, then circle back, ears twitching. This human is a stranger to me, and yet… he’s not. He’s someone I know. Someone I trust. I can feel it, even if everything about him is new to my fox.
Rowen pushes a soothing vibe through our tether, grounding me. Step by step, I inch forward until my nose brushes Sage’s fingers. It awakens a memory of talking to him on the couch, his laughter filling the room. I nudge him a little harder.
Pack.
Family.
“See?” Sage says quietly. “We’re all right. You know me.” He chuckles when my tail flicks back and forth. “God, you’re cute. Red is going to flip the fuck out when he sees you.”
I growl.
Rowen chuckles. “He doesn’t like being called cute.”
“Oh? So I shouldn’t tell you everyone’s been saying that for three days then? We’ve been watching you guys through the trees.”
I pin my ears back.I am not cute! I’m a vicious beast, just like you!
Rowen can’t hear me, but he must know what I’m saying. He laughs harder. “Better get used to it, babe. ‘Cause seriously. You’re cute as hell.”
I nip his ankles, and he hops away.
“Ouch! Hey!”
Sage bursts out laughing. The sound startles me, and I bolt a dozen yards away.
He lowers his voice, addressing Rowen. “Anyway, we need you home soon.”
