Page 41 of Primal Call

Jasper's boots crunched on the rocky ground as he followed Kyral through the alpine wilderness, Zee trotting along at their feet. The landscape stretched out in a mix of rugged beauty and hidden dangers, but Jasper’s thoughts were miles away.

He should have felt elated — after all, they were close to finding the treasure.

Instead, a heavy gloom settled over him, wrapping around his heart like a vice.

"Almost there," Kyral said, his voice a low rumble that seemed to blend with the wind.

"Yeah," Jasper replied, trying to muster enthusiasm. His gaze flicked to Kyral’s face. A tension had been growing there over the past few hours. "And then you’ll finally be able to get that land you’ve been talking about."

Kyral nodded, his eyes fixed on the path ahead. "A place to start my own clan. A fresh beginning..."

Jasper bit back his emotions. They hadn't talked about their feelings for each other since last night. Kyral valued his future — and Jasper knew his own place in it was temporary at best.

The prospect of leaving Vasz gnawed at him, even though it was supposed to be his ticket back to safety.

Silence stretched between them like an unspoken barrier. Ever since Jasper had blurted out that he didn't want to leave, there'd been a strain between them. Kyral hadn’t entertained Jasper’s idea of staying — he’d shut it down completely. For his own good, Kyral had said.

As they navigated the treacherous terrain, Jasper glanced again at Kyral and noticed the familiar tightness in his jawline. "You okay?"

"I’m fine," Kyral grunted, pushing ahead with determined strides.

But Jasper knew better. The gene pain would soon catch up if they didn’t stop and rest. Yet Kyral seemed hell-bent on reaching their destination without delay. Jasper fell silent. Pushing the issue would only lead to more tension.

Jasper's heart hammered in his chest as they crested the final ridge.

Here they were: at the valley where the treasure was hidden. Relief and excitement warred within Jasper, tempered by a gnawing sense of dread. They were so close, yet...

"Well, well," a familiar voice drawled. "Look who finally decided to show up."

Jasper froze. Skarn, Vorat, and Zorax were waiting, their weapons drawn. Zee let out a vicious snarl, hackles raised. Kyral immediately stepped in front of Jasper, shielding him with his body.

"Didn't think you had it in you, Kyral," Skarn taunted. "I guess that human really was enough to keep a washed-up stray like you on your feet, huh?"

Shit. Jasper's pulse thundered in his ears. They were in a precarious situation: outnumbered and outmatched, with nowhere to run.

"Stay behind me," Kyral growled, his voice laced with menace. He readied his blade.

Vorat laughed at the sight, the sound grating on Jasper's nerves. "You really think you can take all three of us?"

Kyral dropped into a stance, ready to strike. "You know I can."

For a moment, Skarn, Vorat, and Zorax exchanged uneasy glances. Jasper's throat constricted with fear, his fingers itching for a weapon he didn't possess.

Suddenly, Kyral twitched, clutching his side.

The gene wound…! Jasper's heart plummeted. Kyral was in no condition to fight.

And, Jasper realized in horror, Skarn knew it.

Kyral’s fingers dig into his side, his jaw clenched in a vain attempt to mask the pain. Skarn's grin widened, eyes gleaming with predatory delight. "What’s wrong, Kyral?" he mocked, taking a step forward. "Old war wounds acting up?"

Kyral’s growl was more pain than threat. "Back off, Skarn."

But Skarn and his crew could smell weakness now. They moved in closer, their weapons glinting ominously in the pale sunlight. Zee positioned herself between them and Jasper, her growls vibrating through the air, teeth bared and ready to protect her master.

Jasper’s mind whirled in panic. Kyral was barely holding on, and he was unarmed, outnumbered, and outmatched. His hands trembled as he reached out to steady Kyral. "Let me help..."

Kyral’s eyes met his, a flicker of gratitude mixed with frustration. "Stay back," he hissed through gritted teeth.

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