Page 39 of Primal Call

"We found it!" Jasper crowed, spinning in a circle. His arms were spread wide, as if he wanted to embrace the entire world. "We actually found it!"

Kyral couldn't help but smile at the sight. The human's delight was infectious. It made something warm and pleased unfurl in Kyral's chest, a feeling that was as rare as it was welcome.

Jasper grinned at him, delighted. The sun was shining down on them, turning his wavy brown hair into a halo. His eyes were a brilliant blue, the color of the sky itself.

In that moment, he was the most beautiful thing that Kyral had ever seen.

This time, Kyral didn't bother trying to hide his reaction. He'd already learned that there was no point in trying to hide anything from Jasper. "Come here," he growled.

Desire was a hot, thrumming thing between them, just as undeniable as the river at their feet. Kyral leaned in, his breath mingling with Jasper’s, the heat between them almost unbearable.

But just as their lips were about to touch, a sound cut through the serene moment like a knife.

Footsteps.

Kyral's body tensed, muscles coiling. He turned his head sharply toward the source of the noise, eyes narrowing.

Two Borraq warriors were paused on a mountain ridge above them, their golden skin glistening in the sunlight. They were wearing cold-weather gear, traveling lightly, blades at their sides.

But what caught Kyral's attention most were their expressions — pure surprise as they stared openly down at Jasper.

And Jasper looked like a prey animal between a predator's paws. His eyes were wide and terrified, like the night he’d been auctioned off like livestock. That same vulnerability was back, and it made Kyral's protective instincts roar to life.

A low growl rumbled from his throat before he could stop it.

Being spotted meant trouble. Big trouble. On Vasz, all humans had bounties on their heads. Jasper might as well have had a target painted on his back.

Kyral’s grip tightened on Jasper's arm. “Run!” His voice was a harsh whisper, more growl than word.

Jasper’s eyes widened, but he didn’t hesitate. They took off through the alpine wilds, their feet pounding against the uneven terrain. Zee darted ahead, swift and agile.

The shouts of the strangers echoed behind them. “Stop! Hey! Come back!” they shouted, their voices desperate.

Kyral had no intention of doing that.

Jasper stumbled over a loose rock, nearly falling, but Kyral’s firm grip kept him upright. “Keep going,” Kyral urged, his voice cutting through the chaos. The human nodded, fear etched across his face, but there was also determination there — the determination to survive.

The landscape blurred around them as they ran, trees and rocks becoming indistinct shapes in their peripheral vision. Kyral risked a glance over his shoulder. The warriors were still on their trail, their muscular forms moving with speed. Whoever they were, they were no lazy city bureaucrats.

He had to find a way to lose them — and fast.

Jasper’s breaths came in ragged gasps beside him. “I... I can’t... keep going...” he panted.

Ahead, Kyral spotted a narrow crevice in a rocky outcrop — just wide enough to hide them both if they squeezed in tightly. He grabbed Jasper’s arm and pulled him toward it.

“In here,” Kyral hissed, urgency in his voice. They slid into the crevice, the cool stone pressing against their sides. It was a tight fit. Kyral could feel Jasper trembling slightly beside him; whether from exertion or terror, he couldn't tell.

Both. Kyral had seen the look in Jasper's eyes.

Kyral wouldn't let anyone take him again.

Kyral signaled Zee with a quick hand gesture. “Go,” he whispered. Zee understood immediately and bolted away, her agile form disappearing into the wilderness to lead their followers astray.

They stayed silent, listening for any signs of pursuit. The only sound now was their synchronized breathing, harsh and ragged in the tight space.

The two Borraq warriors passed them by, their heavy footsteps thudding as they ran. Zee's distant barks drew the warriors away, the sounds of pursuit growing fainter as they followed the diversion.

Kyral strained his ears, listening intently until he could no longer hear their footfalls or voices. Only then did he allow himself to relax, just slightly.

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