Page 34 of Curvy Hostage Mate
I charged after the scent. Even as the hare disappeared into the brush, it didn’t matter. What mattered was the hunt, and just letting my mind wander until the frustration wore out.
I kept running, going after prey when I smelled it, but not with any real urgency. Really, I just wanted to keep going,to keep moving. Every stride seemed to soften the edges of ire radiating through me, fading more with each step.
Right as the last bits of anger began to ebb, a loud, crunching sound came from behind me. I turned as a large wolf strolled into view. Will.
I shifted back to human at the same time he did, then followed him to a rocky overhang.
“Good hunt?” he asked.
“Not much prey, given the season,” I answered as I came to sit next to him, my legs dangling off the rock. “But I definitely needed the run.”
I meant it, too. I was still angry, still stressed and worried about Morgan, still not wanting to face the fight I knew was coming my way when I got back to the safehouse. But some of the aggression and frustration had left me, and I could at least think a bit clearer.
“That’s good.” Will leaned back on his arms, staring out instead of glancing at me. “Declan and I were talking earlier today. We think we might have a lead on where Cain is holding out. No guarantees, but it’s looking promising. So we’re going to head there probably later tonight or tomorrow.
“Good,” I growled, flexing my fingers. I couldn’t wait until I had Cain beneath my claws and I could tear him to ribbons.
Will raised his eyebrow, looking me up and down with interest. “All right, what’s wrong?”
“What makes you think something is wrong?” I grumbled.
“Because you’re my friend, and I know you. Whenever you’re sulking, you get that crease between your eyebrows.” He tapped the spot right above my nose. “And you also looklike you’re ready to murder the first thing that looks at you sideways.”
I gave an irritated grunt.
“You also become a lot quieter, bordering on monosyllabic,” he added conversationally. That at least made a grin crack across my face, despite myself. “So why don’t you tell me what’s wrong?”
I still didn’t answer. I stared out at the stunning mountain view in front of us, bare trees sprawling around and beneath us. I could see the glittering lights of Falcon’s Reach peaking from between the empty branches. Even in the middle of winter, this area was incredible. I took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh scents of the woods around us, the smell of fresh prey carried across the wind.
“You still haven’t answered,” Will pointed out, dragging me out of my reverie.
I blinked. “It’s Morgan,” I said.
Raising an eyebrow, Will tilted his head with interest. “The pregnancy?”
My head whipped around, mouth dropping open with surprise, so I looked like a gaping fish. “How do you know about that?”
“Kendra told me.” He raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t think she was going to tell her mate that her sister was pregnant? Don’t worry, I haven’t told anyone. Not even Declan. But you’ll want to take care of that before it’s too late. He’s already not thrilled with you. Holding back something like this is only going to make it worse.”
“I’ll take it under advice. Do I need to worry about Kendra’s claws in my back, though?” I asked, which earned me a laugh.
“Nah, Morgan explicitly forbade Kendra from any sort of retribution,” he explained. “I don’t think she’s thrilled about the situation, all things considered, but you don’t have to worry about her casting spells on you or anything like that.” He paused, considering as he gave a faint smirk. “At least not about the baby. If you’ve done something else to hurt Morgan, I’m pretty sure all bets are off.” The amused glint died from his eyes. “But you’re avoiding the question. Does this have to do with the pregnancy?”
“Not exactly,” I muttered. Though I was sure the pregnancy hormones hadn’t helped the situation, I wasn’t about to blame our argument on that. There were too many other factors. I had a funny feeling this fight would have come about sooner or later.
“Well, that clears things up,” Will quipped. “Good talk.”
I closed my eyes. “It’s complicated,” I growled.
Letting out a soft, mildly annoyed laugh, Will shook his head as he leaned backward. “Her sister is my mate. If anyone is going to understand how complicated that family can be, it would be me.”
I snorted as I bobbed my head in acquiescence. “That’s fair. I remember what Kendra was like back in the Underside. Morgan might be a bit more timid, but that fire is still there when she wants it to be.”
“And I’m guessing that popped up recently?” Will asked.
“About, oh, two hours ago?”
Will’s hair swished behind him as he reclined further. “You’re having a lot of fun being cryptic, aren’t you?” he asked dryly.
