We all greet the alpha with a dip of the head.
Afternoon, wolves.His tone is rough, like he hasn’t been sleeping well.Any news from your quarters?
No, it’s been pretty quiet. How about you?
He glances at Raja, and the smaller wolf cowers a little.Why don’t you tell them what you told me?
The younger wolf hesitates.I’m pretty sure someone is watching our land.
Sage cocks his head.Just your land, or all of ours?
All of ours. Keira and I…The fur along his shoulders twitches before he continues.We were near Hollow Cliff’s land two days ago. I know we shouldn’t have been there, but we wanted to see the caves again. Anyway, we… felt something.
My hackles rise. Every wolf knows when someone is watching us, if they’re close enough. It’s an instinct.I’ve felt something off and on too. Have you found any trails?
No, that’s the thing.Bronson sits.We’ve been scouting for two days, and we’ve seen nothing. Hollow Cliff says the same thing. No evidence of trespassers. I planned to call your alpha tonight with the news, but perhaps you can relay the message.
Sage dips his head again.Will do. Thank you, Bronson.
How’re things with Clearwater these days?
Ivy scratches behind her ears before lying down in the sun.
Sage answers.Good and stable. Forest told you about the vamps we killed, I’m assuming?
He did. Still not sure what to think about it.
Same here.
Bronson looks off into the distance.Speaking of vampires, is Jericho still with you?
Yes.
He blinks slowly, as if the news pleases him.Good. I rather like that vampire. And I think it’s nice to see packs embracing our old ways.He turns to me.And the marked one? Any news with him?
I can barely contain my growl. I don’t like his tone.Tobias is still with us. He needs our protection.
Bronson doesn’t answer right away.Well, it’s good to see you. Tell your alpha hello for me.
We turn back, cutting to the east through the woods. His unease with Tobias sticks with me.What was that about?
Sage glances at me.Don’t read into it. He treated Red and Neal the same way when they first joined our pack. He’ll come around.
Ivy steps up beside me.Think it’s true? About someone watching our properties?
I look at each of them.I’d be surprised if they aren’t. Foxx knows Jericho is out here. He’s probably sent people to keep a lookout, just like he did with Trivanka. Besides, I’ve felt someone watching us too. I’ve told everyone that and you keep acting like I’m being paranoid.
Sage bristles.I agree.He’ll come for Jericho, eventually.
My lips curl back. It might be Bronson’s fear messing with my head, but something doesn’t sit well with me about a spy being in our area. Things have been too calm since we came back from Prodigy. Calmer than we expected. I mean, it’s been two weeks since we killed Trivanka, which is more than enough time for word to reach Foxx. So why haven’t we seen them? He has to know it was us, right? Why hasn’t he come for revenge? Did he not care about the woman enough?
Or better yet, why has he still not come for Jericho? It’s been three months since we broke into the club and killed half of their coven. Foxx isn’t the type to give up. So what’s his plan?
As if reading my mind, Sage slows his pace.They’re in hiding, Ro. Remember that. The coven is wanted. Foxx won’t make a move without a plan.
I know. I just… fuck, I need all this to be over.I sound exhausted even to my own ears.
Sage nudges me, catching my eyes. I know what he’s thinking:Claim him. It’ll help.
