“Safely?” My gaze darted back to the trees. “So, even in daylight, there are creepy, scary things out for my blood?”
“The thorn bush will not rest until claiming you for its victim,” Lake said, tone serious. But one look at him, and I saw the smile glinting in his eyes. “I wouldn’t be able to rest at the thought of you facing such wicked beings alone.”
“How kind of you,” I responded with a snort. Lake was reserved and untrusting of people, but did a playful side exist beneath it all? “At least let me help you clean up from breakfast before we go.”
When he agreed, I took it as a small win. Progress. His sky-high walls were lowering bit by bit, giving me a glimpse of the person beyond them. Someone timid but sweet. Together, we cleaned up the kitchen. He washed the dishes, and I dried them before placing them where they belonged.
Afterward, I jogged back up to the room and put on my boots. A creak from the hall snagged my attention.
Lake stood in the doorway with an article of light blue clothing draped over his arm. “Your tunic is ripped. I…” He glanced down, a flush in his cheeks. His tail stilled behind him, hanging low. “I thought this may be a good fit for you. Please don’t feel obligated to wear it.”
Yep. He was definitely sweet. Generous too. “Thanks. I—”
The sound of hooves beating against the earth came from outside. Horses whinnied, and the shouts of men carried through the open window.
In an instant, Lake went from adorably timid to the aggressive male I’d first encountered last night. The fur on his white tail stood on end as a deep growl churned in his chest. His eyes glowed brighter, and his teeth sharpened.
When I stepped toward him, he snarled at me.
I jerked backward, heartbeats erratic. “L-Lake?”
His growls deepened, and his eyes were wide with panic. I understood then his behavior wasn’t geared toward me at all. He was lashing out because he was scared, like a wild animal being cornered. When men’s voices sounded again from outside, a shiver passed over his skin. He then turned from the doorway and charged toward the stairs.
I took off after him, not sure what worried me most: him hurting whoever was outside or them hurting him. That worry intensified once I ran out the front door and saw Lake standing in front of a group of men on horseback. Men I knew.
“Evan!” Maddox dismounted from the stallion, a shakiness to his gruff voice. Briar slid off the horse beside his, relief washing across his face.
Callum, Duke, and Baden were there too, as well as a few others. All had come to find me. To bring me home. Emotion balled in my chest and crept up to my throat, tightening it.
“Stay back!” Lake roared, hands at his sides and clawlike fingers gnarled, as if ready to strike. “Leave my land at once.”
Maddox unsheathed his sword. “Step aside, wolf.” His blue eyes flickered to me before returning to Lake. “Or prepare to be struck down where you stand.”
“The only blood that will stain the grass is yours,” Lake responded with a snarl. “This is my home, and you’re not welcome here.”
“He’s hurt, Maddox,” Briar said, raking his gaze over me.
Maddox clenched his jaw, and his lethal stare burned into Lake. “We aren’t leaving without the boy. Hand him over and I may consider letting you keep your head attached. That offer lessens with each passing second, so I suggest you move away from him.Now.”
Wait. Did they think Lake kidnapped me? Given the state of my torn clothes and cuts all over my arms and face, they probably thought he’d attacked me too.
“Lake hasn’t hurt me.” I stepped forward. “He—”
A poor decision on my part. The sudden movement startled Lake, and he turned on me with a growl, knocking me back with the heel of his palm. Losing my footing, I fell backward and hit the ground hard enough for the breath to leave my lungs.
Shock surfaced in Lake’s eyes, smoothing the animalistic rage contorting his features. “Evan?” he whispered.
That’s when Maddox struck. He lunged toward Lake, sword at the ready. I wanted to scream for them to stop, but I couldn’t even breathe. The wind had been knocked out of me. Lake dashed to the side right before the blade made contact, and then he barreled forward, slamming into Maddox with his shoulder.
“N-No,” I said through little gasps of air, trying to get up.
Lake disarmed Maddox, flinging his sword aside. That didn’t slow the captain’s advance. The two then fought hand to hand. Fists blurred as they brawled, each thud of flesh hitting flesh like a punch to my own chest. Maddox then knocked Lake to his knees and pinned his arms back. Callum and the other knights rushed over, weapons drawn.
Before long, they would overpower Lake. Maybe even kill him.
“Stop!” I finally managed to project loud enough for them to hear. Breathing was a bit easier now. “Lake didn’t do anything! Please don’t hurt him. He’s just scared.”
Maddox looked at me.
