He couldn’t believe Sorin had kept his sword. The indignation of being injured with his own weapon would take longer. He needed to find something to bind around his midsection if he ever planned to walk home. The moist sensation against his palm made him queasy. As it was, his hand kept his guts from spilling to the ground. If he laughed aloud, it would hurt too much. Kele’s discomfort with her attraction to Peder made Benic chuckle in silence. Her gaze drifted over to Benic, who sat so still. If he returned home she’d never see him again, and maybe she’d regain some sanity. Her reaction at his den was enough shame to swallow, but she hated the way everyone kept touching him. She didn’t need reminding of her attraction to Peder. “Ahote.” She flushed so hard her toes curled. “This better not be because you want another opportunity to pet him.” I’m not leaving you here with only an omega.” He glared at her then at Peder. “I’ve protected your hide since the day you were set in your own cave. “I guess that means I must stay.” He sighed with a heavy heart. “I will.”Īhote closed his eyes for a moment and wiped his muzzle. The omega was reaching in the pit for more meat, his gaze on Ahote as if waiting for the hunter to pounce. “I’m sure Peder will stay until his alpha returns.” Would they really send her away to some strange pack as a potential mate? Maybe she should have tried harder to find a male within her own pack. This would make her parents even more determined to safeguard her future. She grimaced and swallowed the lump of meat in her throat. No matter how long we stay out here, we’ll still have to explain the events of last night to your parents.” There’s a bath and better company at our den. “I tire of the wilderness and want to return home. “A hunter who can’t defend herself.” Ahote sliced another piece of meat from the roast. “Spoken like a hunter, Kele.” Benic chuckled. I have not traveled this far to run home now.”

“I’m not going back.” She spoke with her mouth full. Juices ran from it and the smell… If she could shift to feral form, she could have gobbled it like the others. She juggled the hot food between her hands.

Scent of Salvation by Annie Nicholas