Page 52 of Treasured By the Hunter

“If you’re going to be angry at someone, be angry at me,” Mo said, taking advantage of my calmer state to lead me out of the mess hall and into the war room. “I told him to fly her there. But come on, Harb’k, you knew this was coming. It was the plan the whole time.”

I paced the room, fuming as he talked. Everything he said made sense, but that didn’t stop the sharp sting of loss.

“You know how crucial it is that we stamp out that nest before warm weather hits and the other nests start swarming. The more fighters we have the better. We don’tneedSanctuary’s help, but we want it. Clark knows her. She’s going to put in a good word for us. And besides, her friend’s there, and a promise is a promise.

“I know it hurts that she didn’t say goodbye. But considering how you’re reacting right now, I get it. You might’ve stopped her from going.”

And he wouldn’t have been wrong.

Soft footsteps had us both turning to see Mary walking in, led by little Mina, who looked like she was pulling her mother toward us with all the strength her tiny body could muster.

“I told her Uncle Harby’s sad, and she said she wants to give you a hug.” Mary glared at me. “You calm enough?”

But Mina was already toddling toward me. She held her arms out. “Up!”

I did as ordered, lifting her up into my arms.

“S’okay, Ha-bee.”

I melted, and I felt the anger drain away. Not the sadness and the pain though—those stayed.

After a long moment, I returned Mina to her mother.

Then I started toward the door.

“Where you going?” Mo asked, following close behind.

I knew better than to tell him the truth, so I lied. “To kill some scourge.” It was late in the day, but there were usually stragglers that hadn’t made it back to their nest, so it was believable.

“Good idea. But don’t do anything crazy. Zoey likes you, trust me. Just give her some time to do what she needs to do and she’ll be back. I bet my last bottle of whiskey on it.”

Once in the shuttle, I started toward a nearby area I’d used for hunting in the past. I stayed there until I was sure no one was checking my location anymore, then I ordered my shuttle tostop broadcasting its location before heading toward Sanctuary. I needed to see her.

I made it halfway there before Pip appeared on my nav screen.

“Knock, knock.”

Krux! I’d forgotten to tell my shuttle to shut down communications as well.

“Here to gloat?”

“Nope.” He popped the P.

“Did the others send you to stop me?”

“Nope. They have no idea I’m here.”

“Then what do you want?”

“I found out something very interesting about your female this morning.”

“She’s not my female.” If she were, she’d still be here. I could’ve taken her to Sanctuary to see her friend, then we could’ve come back.

“Yes, she is. She’s your mate.”

How did he know that?

“Did my shuttle tell you? I knew I should have sworn it to secrecy.”

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