Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 44578 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44578 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
The blond—Cane—shook his head. “No.”
“There’s no reason to harass them, Rogin,” Thorn growled. “They are a peaceful people.”
Rogin eyed everyone suspiciously, scanning every face as though memorizing them.
Isaac hated the vibe he got from this asshole. He couldn’t wait to hear what Rylee scented.
Surge took a step toward Rogin. “Stop listening to the likes of Drow. He’ll turn on you just like he did Firat. He’s not well. You can see that. You visited him. He’s frothing at the mouth, muttering nonsense.”
Rogin took a step back. His expression softened slightly. He still smirked.
Thorn shuffled closer to him. “We have an alliance with the wolves. We need them. We’re working together to track down the lions. Neither of our people want trouble.”
Cane turned toward Thorn and shook a finger. “Fine. But you better keep your eyes on them. Something feels off. They’re hiding something. I can feel it.” He turned toward Rogin and nodded in the direction of the trees. “Let’s go.”
The two took off, and Isaac breathed out a deep sigh for a few seconds before he realized Thorn and Surge were coming toward him.
Surge smiled warmly at Amber before shifting his attention to Isaac. “I’m sorry for the inconvenience to you and your new mate. We’d be appreciative if she could track them. They were right to suspect something was different about many of your people. I didn’t want to give them more ammunition, though. Thorn and I don’t have the ability to follow them around without detection. But your mate…”
Surge shifted his attention back to Amber. “I’m so sorry, Little one.”
Amber nodded. “I’ll do it,” she said, her voice strong as she turned her attention back to the trees where the two had disappeared.
Isaac’s chest swelled with pride. She was the most precious being in his world, and she held her ground in front of these bear shifters.
Surge turned back to Isaac. “Thank you. You have my number. If you could just let me know where they go.”
Isaac nodded. “I will.”
Thorn glanced around the circle. “Thank you. All of you. I know you’re feeling impatient with several of our people. We understand. I promise the majority are not so mistrustful. Our elders are fully in favor of this alliance. It’s just a few outlying folks who want to pump their chests and think they know better.”
Molly cleared her throat. “Your elders may be in agreement about aligning with us with regard to the lions, but they’re split fifty-fifty about what to do about Drow.”
Surge nodded. “Yes. I’m aware. It’s a difficult situation. I’d say I’ll let you know when a decision is made, but you’ll probably know before me.”
Thorn gave a wave. “Thank you for your time and your help.” The two of them took off, shifting midair.
Isaac turned as he felt a hand on his back. Brock had carried a chair outside and set it behind him. “Sit,” he whispered.
Isaac lowered to the seat, adjusting Amber on his lap. She didn’t take her eyes off the forest. He couldn’t blame her. She’d been given a huge job, and he was certain she would feel awful if she lost those two men.
Molly wiggled free of Gavin’s arms and stepped closer to Isaac. “So far they’re grumbling at each other, but they’ve lost the fury they came here with. Mostly they’re blowing hot air.”
“My sense of fear has eased,” Rylee added. “Those two were hotheaded, but I didn’t sense danger or intention from them. I think they will calm down.”
Several Alphas and their mates went back into the house. Isaac said nothing for a long time, letting his mate focus. He wanted her to know that he trusted her, that he wouldn’t interrupt her when she was doing an important task for the good of everyone.
Eventually she sighed heavily and twisted in his arms. “They went to a cabin. I can show you where it is on a map. They immediately fixed something to eat and parked in the living room. Now that I know where they are, I can keep tabs on them.”
He kissed her cheek. “Good girl. You don’t need to watch them anymore for now. I’ll let Surge and Thorn know where they are. Let’s go home.”
Chapter Fourteen
Amber was exhausted by the time she and her Daddy had eaten dinner, taken a bath together, and climbed into bed. “Should I look one more time, Daddy?” she asked.
“No, Baby girl. You’ve done enough for tonight. You saw the two men were asleep. You can’t stay up nights watching people.” He pulled her into his arms and brushed a lock of curls from her face.
She loved the way he held her, the way he touched her so gently. He’d been amazing all afternoon and evening, letting her make decisions, giving her some freedom she’d never expected to have.
The truth was she felt important. That wasn’t a sensation she’d been raised to experience. Women in the valley were so submissive that they had no important jobs or assignments. After being here one week, Amber felt like she mattered.