Page 53 of Tide Touched

I groan, annoyed about moving but I am hungry. ‘You’re one to talk.’ I jerk my head at Elijah who blushes slightly.

In the dark, we can’t see the blood of the Water wolves who attacked, but I know it’s around here somewhere. Are there any bodies? The one Killian killed? I don’t want to know. We eat quietly, each of us tired and overwhelmed with the evening’s events. I’m just glad none of us were hurt.

Carter or Julian sent wolves after me once. I glance up at Killian, his eyes dark, and I wonder if he’s thinking the same. They’ll send more. We can’t stay here.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Katie

Killian’s on edge. As soon as the sky begins to lighten to a dull grey, we’re all up, ready to leave. I get a glimpse of the bloodstained shore, but quickly look away. I don’t want to see the price of those wolves coming after me.

‘No more towns or camping in the open,’ Killian says firmly. ‘If the Water alpha wants you, he’s going to have to go through me. We need to find a cave so our backs are protected, and Moira and I can set up a fire trap to be triggered if anyone gets too close.’

‘That also sounds like a trap for us,’ Elijah says slowly. ‘We’d be blocked in by the cave. What if we need to escape?’

Moira and I yawn, trying to keep up with the guys. ‘I’m all about your safety, Katie, but it’s too early for this.’ Her short hair is in disarray, and there are slight bags under her eyes.

‘I agree. With all this outdoors-iness, we need like a portable coffee machine or something,’ I grouse.

Killian glances at me over his shoulder. ‘I’m sorry for the outdoors-iness, but we can’t risk staying at a hotel or somewhere they’ll find us, Katherine. And if they did, the owners of the establishment would find themselves in a lot of trouble for harbouring us.’

‘I won’t do that,’ I grumble. I wipe sleep out of my eyes, the previous day coming back to me. ‘What if I can help? With my witch-magic? Look, with all four of us, we’ve got three elements covered. Maybe I can practice on a nearby stream. Elijah, how’re your skills?’ I’ve seen him shake the earth, but what else can he do?

‘I got skills. Son of the Second.’ Elijah pushes his sleeves up to his elbows and focuses on a nearby tree. With a single hand gesture, the tree emits a large crack and thunders to the ground, the earth shuddering.

‘That could definitely come in handy.’ We walk in silence for a little while, but it’s Killian I’m focused on. He has this intense, brooding vibe wafting off him. He wasn’t like this last night, and I wonder if this is Protective Mate Mode. I admit, I like it. A lot. I poke him in the shoulder. ‘If you stare any harder at the horizon, you may set it on fire. What’s up?’

Killian’s beaten brow doesn’t let up. ‘What’s… up? Katherine, they’re hunting you. I don’t know the best way to protect us. You.’

‘Weren’t you here for the whole cave plan? It was you speaking and everything.’

He gives me a withering look. ‘Yes. I mean a long-term plan.’

I stare straight ahead. ‘You don’t need one.’

‘What do you mean?’

I shrug. Honestly, I don’t see him sticking this out. I know last night he said he wouldn’t reject me, but come on. I am so not worth all this trouble. If it comes to a fight, I’m sure he’ll do his best like last time, but if Carter’s uncle really wants me back, he’ll never stop. So, eventually, I’ll go back to the estate, Killian will go back home to his father, where he belongs, and hopefully I won’t be thrown in a cell rather than a bedroom for my escape.

Instead of saying all that, I just shake my head.

Sensing waves of tension no doubt, Moira taps me on the shoulder with her copy of the book I gave her. She and Elijah have been reading it together as we walk. ‘Hey, I’m loving this book!’ She turns to Elijah with a pout. ‘Why didn’t you take me to the book stall?’

He raises his hands. ‘I’m sorry. I will next time.’

Moira purses her lips. ‘Mm-hm.’

After another hour of walking, and no breakfast, Killian’s super broody face finally starts to relax. He points in the distance. ‘There. Caves. We’ll find the best one and hide out there.’

‘Tell me there’s something to eat around here,’ I whine.

Elijah closes his eyes. ‘There’s game,’ he confirms. ‘A few deer. Plenty of rabbits. A few boars.’

We all give him the same identical, how the heck do you know that? Look.

He gives a modest half-shrug. ‘Connected to the Earth. Includes animals.’

Moira smiles and pats him. ‘Handy, isn’t he?’

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