“Sage said your female is not exactly friendly.”

“A voice I believe belonging to Deeka has told me that someone has hurt Abby. It is why she has hardened her heart. She does this to protect herself.”

Jodah nods solemnly. “If what you say is true, then it is up to you to show her that you are more than capable—and worthy—of protecting her heart.”

“I do not imagine it will be an easy task.”

He approaches and clasps my shoulder. “Winning the heart of a female is never easy. But it is worth every effort.”

With those words, he turns and strides away from the training arena, leaving me to think. Jodah is right, though. I see what all the mated pairs of our village have. It is perfect and pure and something I have always wanted for myself. So I will do whatever it is I have to do to show Abby that she does not need to keep protecting her heart. I am more than up to the task.

“Rojtar.”

I glance to the top of the incline that overlooks the sparring area and spot London. She waves down at me, and I make my way toward her.

“Yes, Shefira?”

“One of the guards at the gate said Abby and Carter just left to head back to the settlement for their things. I thought you might want to know.”

I cross my fist over my chest. “Thank you for the news, Shefira. If you do not object, I would like to make sure the female and kit arrive safely. There is a dishonorable and untrustworthy male who may wish to harm them.”

“Go. I’m sure there’s someone else we can send out hunting in your place,” London assures me.

“I will be sure to make up for it the next time.”

She nods. “I don’t doubt you will.”

I fist my chest a second time and make a quick stop at my tent for my sword before rushing out of the village in search of Abby. It takes far longer than it should have for me to catch up with them. Like the previous turn, it is their voices I hear before I actually see them. The two walk side-by-side, the kit nearly matching her in height. It may not be long before he towers over her.

“I still don’t know why we had to leave so early,” Carter complains. “The sun is barely up.”

She sighs. “Please stop. Besides, the sooner we get to the settlement to grab our things, the sooner we can head back to the Tavikhi village. You should be happy about that.”

He grumbles, but does not speak up again. Having learned my lesson from the previous turn, I call out and make my presence known. I do not want to be accused of spying on them.

“It is a lovely day for a walk, is it not?”

The two of them whirl, and I raise my hands in surrender. Carter grins and waves. Abby, on the other hand, glares and pivots back in their original direction and continues on her path. I catch up with the kit who remains behind. Together we walk after his sister.

“I’m sorry Abby’s being rude.”

“There is no reason to apologize. I do not take offense.”

Carter gapes. “Really? I mean, she’s been pretty bitchy.”

The word does not translate, but I am doubtful it is complimentary. “You should not speak of your sister so.”

His cheeks darken and he ducks his head. “Sorry.”

My gaze remains fixed on the figure ahead of us. I cannot help but admire what a fine form Abby has. Her waist nips in and then curves out along the swell of her hips. She is tailless, which only draws my attention to her plump backside and the fact it is bare. There is a twinge of guilt that I am having such thoughts about her while walking beside her young brother. Especially since my cock twitches and I have a need to adjust myself behind my leg coverings.

“You also should not have caused Abby to worry by sneaking away.” I cast Carter a side glance. “A worthy male does not hide his intentions or run away from problems.”

“I really didn’t mean to make her worry,” he says. “I just didn’t know what else to do. Lewis threatened her when we got back, and she wouldn’t listen to me.”

The banked rage comes rumbling to the forefront at the mention of that male. If it would not cause strained relations between the humans and Tavikhi, I would beat him within a single breath of his life. Then Abby would no longer need to fear him and whatever threats he dealt her.

I glance at her again and note that the distance between us has grown greater. My pace quickens. Carter grows breathless beside me trying to keep up.