Page 13 of Primal Vow

Taryn risked a glance at Rhys, his lip curling with disgust. Humans were little more than vermin, their insatiable greed leading them to plunder and defile wherever they spread. Yet for some unfathomable reason, Rael had grown attached to one.

Would Rael seek to keep this human as well? The very idea made Taryn's stomach churn. His clan's home was no place for such filth. He could barely tolerate the presence of Rael's pet human. To have another thrust upon them would be unacceptable.

Carrying out his alpha's wishes was Taryn's duty. Now, though, he wished it wasn't.

The bounty on humans on Vasz was dead or alive, and one of those was infinitely more appealing.

Taryn's free hand clenched into a fist, his sharp nails biting into his palm. He had to make Rael see reason. Keeping the human would be a violation of everything they stood for as Borraq. Taryn would not allow his leader's inexplicable softness to enable the infestation of their lands.

His gaze drifted over the lush forests, the craggy mountains, the vast endless skies. This was their world, their heritage. Not a place for humans to run rampant, fouling it with their greed and disrespect. Vasz deserved to be fiercely protected, its sanctity preserved at all costs by their duties.

Duties that now included babysitting a human. Ugh.

The young warriors moved with a fluid grace, their powerful frames easily traversing the rugged terrain. They were at home in the wilds, their senses attuned to every sight and sound.

"Keep your eyes peeled," Jorah reminded Krye. "We don't want any nasty surprises from those vile humans."

Krye scoffed loudly. "As if a puny human could best a Borraq warrior. I'd like to see them try."

"Big talk for someone whose horns are barely grown in," Worrack chimed in with a sly grin.

Krye's shoulders squared, his chin lifting defiantly. "I've trained harder than any of you! Don't doubt my skills."

"Skills?" Soren snickered. "You mean swinging that toothpick you call a blade? Real warriors fight with their fists!"

"Oh? Is that why you're always getting reprimanded for breaking formations?" Krye arched an amused brow. "Can't seem to control that brute strength of yours."

Soren puffed out his massive chest. "Let's go toe-to-toe and see who has true control, then!"

"True control is keeping an eye on the goal," Jorah dryly reminded them. "Let's keep looking."

The barbed words continued to fly as the group trudged onward, the warriors' banter filling the air with a familiar cadence. Despite the harsh tones, there was no true malice in their exchanges — only the posturing and teasing bonding rituals of youth.

Taryn allowed the back-and-forth to wash over him, his gaze roving their surroundings with a critical eye as he led them deeper into the wilderness. While the young ones bantered and bragged, he remained vigilant, every sense alert for potential threats.

Let the pups have their fun for now. When they found those humans, the true test of their skills would come soon enough.

A low growl rumbled in Taryn's throat as his gaze fell once again on the human trudging along in their midst. Rhys was struggling. He stumbled over rocks, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Sweat dripped down his grimy face, and he wiped it against his shoulder with frustration. Despite the chill in the air, his face was flushed with exertion.

Taryn's lip curled. Humans were so fragile. They were creatures of comfort. It was a miracle that they'd conquered as much of the system as they had.

But… compared to the human homeworlders, with their weak climates and luxurious cities, Rhys's display of endurance was notable, really. For all his weaknesses, the little human was stubborn. He refused to plead for a break, his jaw set in determination as he forced his worn body to keep pace.

The sight triggered a familiar ache in Taryn's chest.

That damn ache was the reason he was in this predicament to begin with.

Humans were the sworn enemies of the Borraq. When Taryn had captured Rhys, it was completely within Taryn's rights to take his blade and dispatch his enemy.

But Rhys had looked up at him with those eyes full of pain and fury, and had told Taryn to end him…

He reminded Taryn of Airen.

It had been on a ridge much like this one where Taryn had first taught his younger brother the art of tracking prey. He could almost see the eager light in Airen's eyes as Taryn had knelt beside him, pointing out the subtle signs and disturbances that betrayed the passage of their quarry.

Taryn's chest tightened at the memory. His brother had been a fast learner, his senses keen and his mind sharp. In those moments, watching the spark of understanding bloom across the younger Borraq's features, Taryn had felt an immense surge of pride.

That same pride had only grown over the years as Taryn had guided his brother through the wilds, imparting every lesson of survival, combat, and honor that their elders had instilled in him. Airen had grit his teeth and faced every challenge with perseverance and courage.

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