Page 151 of Fated to the Hunters
“I’m craving a good steak,” Mateo admitted, lacing his fingers through Scarlett’s.
She turned back to Vince, who walked behind to guard them while Ezra and Mateo covered her sides. “I assume you’re all for that?”
“Of course.”
Dinner was laid-back, with her tasting a bit from each of their plates while barely managing to finish her own. At the end of the meal, Ezra followed when she excused herself to the restroom. Mateo stayed, his face turning serious.
“I’m sorry.” Vince wanted to tell him there was no need, but Mateo had always been quicker with words. “I was a moody dick to you and I feel terrible about it. Nothing was your fault, I just missed her, and it made me turn into a grumpy asshole.”
“You hadn’t seen her properly in weeks, we all would’ve felt the same. Probably even quicker than you.”
“Well, thank you for not beating the crap out of me.”
Vince smiled at his friend, and could only hope that he could feel how grateful Vince was for his sacrifice. Without Mateo putting his needs aside, neither Vince nor Ezra would’ve gotten the time they did with Scarlett. It probably would’ve ended with a trail of dead bodies on Ezra’s side. Vince would’ve lost his mind as well, but he only realised that once he’d spent two weeks alone with her. The separation afterwards had been heartbreaking.
Scarlett insisted on a stroll through the village after dinner, and was visibly more comfortable now that she knew her way around. They sat at the fountain for quite some time, people watching and simply enjoying her company. They swung by the bakery on the way back to the cabin, treating themselves to some ice cream and donuts.
Back at the cabin, Scarlett made herself cosy on the couch while Ezra and Mateo sat down with him at the table to discuss their upcoming hunt. Ezra was already frustrated, because the terrain was a shit show—the lycans lived in caves on a cliff.
“I wouldn’t suggest going into the caves, but we might have to consider it if we can’t lure them out.” Mateo said, trying to ease his own mind, but he felt Ezra’s frustration as well.
“They have to hunt in order to eat,” Vince suggested. “I can keep an eye on them from here.” He pointed at a spot on the map that was higher up, opposite the caves.
“That would also mean you won’t be hunting with us.”
“You can set up a trap while they are gone and I can watch your backs.”
Scarlett shuffled, drawing their attention. She approached the table with her book pressed to her chest.
“I’m tired,” she announced, stamping a kiss to Ezra’s cheek. “I don’t want to wake up alone tomorrow morning.”
“We will join you once we’re finished here and will try not to wake you,” Mateo promised, leaning in to accept a kiss of his own.
When it was Vince’s turn, Scarlett kissed his cheek and ran her nose through his hair. “I missed you. Come cuddle later, okay?”
Then she disappeared down the hallway. They didn’t have to confirm with each other, they all knew she’d left the room so she didn’t have to hear about the hunt. Despite adjusting to her new way of life, she was still scared—even if she was learning to cope with it.
They quickly agreed that their best bet was to wait for the lycans to hunt again and set up a trap for their return. They didn’t know them well enough to lure them out, nor did they feel confident enough to enter the caves and kill them there. Though waiting on them to hunt could possibly mean a longer time away from Scarlett, it was their safest bet. Their ultimate goal was to return to her safe and sound.
With Mateo by his side, Vince entered her room not long after midnight. As soon as he laid beside her, she curled herself into his side, her fingers pushing under his shirt. It felt good having her in his arms again, even if it had only been a week without her. Those seven days had felt like eternity. Vince already dreaded the moment he would have to say goodbye again.
Vince woke up alone in the bed with Scarlett. The bond let him know that Mateo and Ezra had left the house. Scarlett was still dozing in his arms, sweet and peaceful. He too closed his eyes again and soaked in her presence. When she stirred and reached behind her, he pried an eye open.
“I believe they went out to the village.”
“Oh…” She sounded rather disappointed.
“I’m sure they’ll return soon.”
Scarlett shifted her body and laid on top of him, her cheek resting over his heart. “Have you settled on a day you’re leaving?”
“No, we still need to go over details. Do you feel prepared to stay behind by yourself?”
“Honestly? I’m scared to be alone. I’ve always had someone watch over me. I know that sounds childish, but I’ve never experienced being alone before.” Scarlett sighed and pushed her hands under his shoulders while he gently stroked her back. “Ezra asked me the same question and I keep trying to tell myself I’ll be fine. A lot of people spend time alone, and I know you’ll come back to me.”
“We’ll make sure you are prepared and stocked up on anything you might need.”
“I know. Maybe I’m just overthinking this.” Vince agreed, but confirming that out loud wouldn’t help soothe her worries—and might earn him a black eye. “Did Mateo find a moment to talk to you? He felt really bad about being so moody towards you.”
