Page 82 of Lost Girl

"I just want to talk, that's all," she claims.

I'm about to tell her there's nothing to say, nothing I care to hear, either, when two deep, cautioning growls resound behind me. Tinksley and I seem to go rigid at the same exact moment, her eyes bulging as the growls approach nearer and nearer.

"I'm not here to hurt her, I swear."

But their growls continue, closer and closer still.

From my peripherals, I pick up on movement on either side of me; two wolves crouched low to the ground, canines exposed through a vicious snarl. I know for a fact the red one is Soren, and I’m almost positive the white one is Niko, but I can’t be sure. All I know is, I've never seen any of them in this state—provoked and territorial. It's both fascinating and terrifying all in one shot.

Fascinating because vulnerable, frightened Tinksley is something I thought I'd never see.

Terrifying, though, because they're wolves. Provoked wolves at that.

The closer they inch toward her, the further back she retreats with cautious steps. "I just want to talk to her. To apologize. Please don't—"

"Guys, I got it," I blurt, holding out my hands for them to stand down. "It's okay, I got it."

Soren glances up at me with those questioning, amber eyes. I nod reassuringly and drag my gaze back to Tinksley, silently warning her to challenge me. I may not be as strong as she is, but I have protection now. One snap of my fingers and it's clear they've been instructed to strike.

By their leader.

Who also happens to be the Chief's son.

And was just inside of me not five minutes ago.

My cheeks flame at the thought. I feel the boldness of their heat, but I hold my head up high. I'm not ashamed of my choices.

Why should I be?

Her story is quite similar from what I've gathered. Jumped from Peter to Hook without looking back, too.

Seems Pan wasn't the great love either one of us really thought he was.

The wolves retreat and disperse to other posts within the village. They can't be seen, but I'm sure they're there, lingering in the shadows. Waiting for Tinksley to screw up.

"What do you want?" I cross my arms over my chest.

Idly, I realize we have a small audience, but I don’t care. Let them hear. It’s not like the Natives care for her kind anyhow.

Tinksley mirrors my posture, hands clasping her arms, rubbing her palms along their expanse. "Mainly? To apologize."

What do I say to that?

Okay? Go for it?

So I say nothing, holding my position as steady and unaffected as I can manage. I willnotlet her see that her presence still makes me uneasy.

When it's clear I'm not going to reply, she sighs and gives a little nod. "I'm sorry, okay? Truly, Wendy. When Hook and I got back from London and we heard Tavi had gotten you free, it's like I could suddenly see what I'd done through a different set of eyes. I'm disturbed and ashamed of my actions, and I want you to know that wasn’t me. Not the real me."

Again I don't respond. I mean, does she expect me to jump on her apology and simply believe it?

"Say something, please," she implores. "Even if it's to fuck off, I'll get it. I just can't stand the—"

"I miscarried Peter's baby." That’s the first thing that comes out of my mouth. I don't know why, but there it is.

Out in the open.

Blowing her fucking mind.

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