“Then may I ask permission to stay here and watch over her?” Jasper asked, keeping his eyes on Hunter. “I will need to go back and consult with Derrick, but I think he’ll want me to keep her safe as well.”
Hunter nodded his head. “Of course. You’re always welcome here. Your presence will be appreciated. And I don’t mindhaving another strong warrior around, especially one looking after my little girl.”
“I don’t exactly need to be looked after.”
“Forget it, Lucie. I don’t need to be looked after either, but your father still watches over my every move.” Freja smiled at her daughter knowingly. She understood both sides. And while Lucie was an excellent fighter, which she knew firsthand since she trained her in hand-to-hand combat, she was very important, so it didn’t hurt to have eyes on her.
Aedan walked up closer and looked down at the body on the ground. Harley, Destiny, and her parents, Jin and Chasen, approached as well.
“Who is it? I don’t recognize her,” Aedan said, looking up at his father.
“She was found in the woods by patrol. We’re not sure who she is,” Hunter said, shaking his head. “I don’t know if she was visiting us or if she just happened to be near our territory.” He then turned to look at the man beside Destiny.
“What do you think, Harley? Is this the work of a demon?” Harley was the son of an original demon. If anyone could recognize the handiwork of one, it was him.
“Not one that I know of right offhand. But these wounds seem very peculiar. The bites look like a vampire’s, but this isn’t how vampires attack. Unless this is some new sport.” Harley stared at the remains, frowning. “And honestly, the body is so mutilated that it’s hard to tell. I think that’s what they were going for. Unless whatever did this has actually gone feral. I’ll put some of my men on this. See if they can turn anything up.”
“We’ll also speak with our king and queen. My brother will want to investigate this, especially if someone is trying to pin the blame on vampires.” Jester frowned. “Derrick will want to know about this too. Especially with this happening so close to his future bride.”
Chasen sighed and looked over at Harley. He was feeling apprehensive knowing his daughter would be leaving his side tonight and he wouldn’t be there to protect her.
Harley could easily read Chasen’s mind. He smiled at him. “You know she’s actually safer with me than she is with the pack, right? And I won’t be letting her out of my sight for a second.” He looked down at Destiny, who was frowning.
“Maybe I should stay. The pack may need my help,” Destiny said quietly.
“No,” Chasen and Harley said simultaneously.
“On second thought, I think it’s a good idea to get her out of here. If she’s here, she’ll be out trying to fight,” Chasen said, shaking his head. “You’re right, Harley. She will be safer with you.”
Hunter listened to their conversation and glanced at Lucie. If he sent Lucie to the vampires, she wouldn’t have the opportunity to get involved. She would be safe there while they figured this threat out.
“Don’t even think about it.” Lucie looked up and met her father’s silver gaze. “I’m not leaving my pack right now.”
“I’m just thinking?—”
“I know what you’re thinking, Dad. And the answer is no. I’m staying here.” She folded her arms across her chest. “And I’m helping.”
“Lucie—” Hunter began, but she immediately interrupted him.
“Are you letting Aedan help?” Lucie could see it in her father’s eyes. Aedan would be helping with patrols. “Right. Exactly. And how many in this pack are stronger than me?”
“That’s not the point, Lucie.” Hunter rubbed his forehead.
“Lucie is an asset to our pack. She has been well trained, and there is no reason she can’t help.” Freja winked at her daughter. “Whatever is doing this isn’t stronger than her.”
“We don’t know what we’re dealing with yet to be able to assume something like that.” Hunter frowned at his queen.
“No, we don’t. All the more reason to keep Lucie safe and near us.” Freja smiled at Hunter and raised her eyebrow, challenging him. When he didn’t say anything, she turned her attention back to Lucie. “Tomorrow, we’ll get the daggers out and work more on your hand-to-hand combat training.”
“And another huntress is born.” Jester chuckled and looked at Jasper. “Let’s head back. Get the things you need to stay here with her until either this is sorted out or it’s time for her to move.”
Jasper, who had kept a protective arm on Lucie, looked down at her. “Look, I’m coming right back tomorrow, so just stay here in the pack territory where it’s safe until I get back. Please.”
Lucie smiled up at him. “You’re all acting like an army has attacked our pack. This is a random attack that happened to an isolated individual. I’m not in danger here. I’m fine. Not to mention I am not easy prey. I am the predator.” Her eyes changed to the color of her wolf briefly, and she nudged him with her shoulder. “You don’t have to move here to watch over me.”
Jasper smiled. “I know I don’t have to, but I want to. And I know Derrick will feel better with me here as well.”
“You can bunk up with me, Jasper!” Aedan said grinning. “With Destiny leaving, the tide is turning. The men are overtaking the women in the packhouse.”
