Page 91 of Empowering the Wolf's Heart

Then he spoke. “Will she take her own safety seriously?”

I snorted in amusement. “No,” I said.

He nodded. “She seems to be handling this well.”

I glanced over at the man. He had his hair pulled back in a queue and braided. It was a silver mixed with dark black, and his green eyes were sharp despite his years. This was a fellow warrior, and one even I would fear as an enemy. “Does she trust you?” I asked at last.

He blinked as if I’d surprised him. “No,” he said. “There are few she trusts.”

A smirk tipped my lips.

He turned to stare at me, his eyes seeking—and finding—some blades I had hidden about my being. I quirked a brow. “But she trusts you, Wolf,” he said without scorn. It was merely a statement of fact.

“She should be careful about those she trusts,” I replied.

A tiny smile turned his lips, looking odd on such a severe face. “She has good instincts,” he said.

It was my turn to be surprised. But he offered no more information.

“Is she handlingthiswell?” he asked at last.

Ahhh. So that was the reason he sought me out. He cares for her in his own way. “No,” I said.

His lips pursed. “She hides it well.”

“Shehides well.”

He turned to look at me and bowed. “Thank you.” He held out his forearm. We shook, exchanging a glance between two warriors.

He walked to guard Alia's back, and I felt a sense of peace. He would ensure her protection, both mentally and physically.

Soon, I would need to leave. He would do.

When the last question was asked and the last person exited the tent, I was at Alia’s back, my eyes scanning the small crowd left and the shadows of the tent edges. There was no hint of danger.

“I need some time alone,” she whispered.

My heart clenched, but I understood. She had been through much and we still had not spoken.

“I understand. What would you have me do while you are recovering?” I asked.

She glanced over at me as if surprised. “Could you watch over my family? Ran needs a break to hunt.”

I smiled and bowed. “It would be my pleasure. Thank you for asking, Alia. They will be safe until your return.”

She nodded, her eyes glassing over just a bit as her mental energy declined rapidly. I wished to ask her if she needed a hug, but I needed to respect that she asked for friendship. And right then, she wanted me away from her.

Lycus whimpered in pain.

I know, bud. I know. But she trusts us enough to ask for help.

His pain lessened, but was still there. We feared she would reject us when she knew.

As would be her right.

“She needs someone to sit with her. She may not wish to speak, but please sit with her,” I whispered as I slowed my walk behind the man in the Red hood.

Enforcer Markus paused, glancing up at me. He saluted me with a fist to his heart and bowed before following Alia into the woods. I waited until I could no longer hear her light footsteps crunch through the underbrush before I left to guard her family.

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