Page 90 of Savage Hunt

“They’re not toxic, dillweed!” Dylan flipped his brother off while Ephraim wasn’t paying attention. “You’re just too weak to appreciate the sophisticated flavors and spice.”

“Or I just wasn’t born with a titanium tongue.” Preston rested his arm around my shoulders. “Glad to see you alive and out of that place. That must have been hell.”

I wiggled out from under his hold to grab my glass of lemonade. “Pretty much.” Heldrok was worse than hell.

His smile fell, and he leaned forward. “We’re not going to let anyone hurt you, even Fane. We’ll stop him before he does something he’ll regret. I promise.”

The ever-growing lump in my throat returned, and it took a moment to find my voice. “Thanks.”

Ephraim sat in the chair and sighed. “You should visit the healers. I think it’ll help.”

I couldn’t take the chance of flipping out on the Anders, especially without Fane here to stop me. So if Ephraim wanted me to see the pack healers, I would even though the thought unsettled me. What if they sensed the darkness in me and wanted to kick me out of pack territory?

I stepped onto the porch of the large two-story house at the end of the cul-de-sac, wiping my clammy palms on my jeans before knocking. Various plants and flowers decorated the porch, twisting around the white banister and coiling up the beams perched between the entryway.

Did I have the right place? I expected a little cottage in the woods like Cirilla’s place.

I raised my hand to knock again when the door yanked opened, and a tall woman with strawberry blonde hair twisted in a braid down her back emerged.

“Oh, you.” Mina stepped onto the porch, scowling. “I wasn’t sure you’d ever return.”

“Well, here I am.” I crossed my arms against my chest, waiting for her insults. The last I saw of Mina, she’d dragged herself out of the healer house and spoke on my behalf at the council meeting. But I wouldn’t hold my breath that we’d suddenly become besties.

She mirrored my stance. “We’re not going to be best friends or anything. I hope you weren’t expecting that.”

I scoffed. “I was just thinking the same thing.”

“Still, thanks for helping us that night. My brother would be dead if not for you.” Mina’s blueish-gray stare regarded me for several long, tense moments. “Is it true you and Fane were locked in an Underworld prison?”

“Yep.” The constant screams beat against my ears for a few seconds as if I was still there.

“I can see why you’re here then.” She ticked her head toward the door. “They can help.”

I nodded and slipped past her. “Thanks for coming to the council meeting.”

Mina strolled down the stairs. “Let’s not make it a habit of being so nice to each other.” The edges of her lips twitched. “It feels weird.”

“I thought it was just me.” I cracked a smile and then headed into the house, closing the door behind me.

Rich hardwoods stretched through the foyer and around the corner beyond the white walls with decorative crown molding. The place had a rustic chic vibe and smelled of herbs and flowers. I felt oddly relaxed.

I arched an eyebrow and searched my surroundings for anything suspicious. Did they pump calming drugs through the vents or something?

“It’s only lavender and a few other herbs.” Julia, a healer and council member, sauntered into the room, her long, auburn waves swaying around her waist. “We use aroma therapy to create a calming atmosphere since wolves are prone to high emotions.”

“What kind of herbs?”

She chuckled, catching my meaning. “Nothing like that.”

Probably not. Weed made me paranoid, so I sure as hell wouldn’t be relaxed right now.

“Ephraim told me you were coming.” She waved her hand for me to follow her into a living room with comfy couches and a few bean bag chairs. “Please have a seat.”

I perched on the edge of one of the couches, my muscles stiff and spine straight.

“Would you care for something to drink?” she asked.

“No, thanks.” My hands clasped and then unclasped a couple of times. “What exactly are you going to do?”

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